Raleigh is getting a new taco shop from an Atlanta celebrity chef. What we know
The chef behind Superica in Cary is opening a new taco shop close to downtown Raleigh.
Atlanta-based celebrity chef Ford Fry will open a new location of his taco brand Little Rey in the Raleigh Iron Works development. Little Rey looks to open in 2024.
Beyond tacos, Little Rey specializes in pollo al carbon, charcoal-roasted whole chickens and familiar Tex-Mex dishes like quesadillas and flautas.
Superica was Fry’s first Triangle restaurant, opening in Cary’s Fenton development last year. That restaurant serves modern Tex-Mex like plates of enchiladas and smoked short ribs alongside bright cocktails, including a half dozen margaritas.
Little Rey will be more casual, operating as an all-day counter service fast casual spot, starting with breakfast tacos in the morning, plus weekend brunch pancakes. During the day there will be street tacos stuffed with the charred and smoky al carbon, plus options like carnitas, grilled steak, crispy pork belly and brisket.
The plates you’ll share with friends include chips and guac with freshly made salsas, smoked chicken wings and even some very crispy crinkle-cut fries.
The Raleigh Iron Works location will be the brand’s third, following two others in Georgia. The restaurant will be 3,100 square feet, with a wide patio and a walk-up outdoor ordering window.
On the drink side. look for margaritas, both frozen and on the rocks, and agua frescas and beer. Sweets include a soft serve machine that rotates flavors like vanilla, churro and tres leches.
Little Rey joins an impressive roster of restaurants at Raleigh Iron Works, including Scott Crawford’s upcoming Brodeto, Eastcut Sandwich Bar, Ponysaurus Brewing and the game-centric sports bar Jaguar Bolera.
This story was originally published September 7, 2023 at 7:15 AM.
