A big Texas taco brand is opening in Raleigh, offering ‘bold, global flavors’
A big time Texas taco brand will open its first Triangle location in Raleigh.
The fast-casual hot spot Velvet Taco plans to bring its creative tortilla fillings to Raleigh’s North Hills with an expected opening later this year.
Velvet Taco is known for its diversity of tacos, stuffing tortillas with fillings like barbacoa beef, Nashville hot tofu, spicy tikka chicken and Korean fried rice with pulled pork.
This will be Velvet Taco’s third North Carolina location, following two earlier openings in Charlotte. The brand is in the midst of a national push, now open in eight states.
Velvet Taco first opened in Dallas in 2011 and most of its 49 locations are in its home state of Texas.
“North Hills represents the ideal place for Velvet Taco’s boundary-pushing culinary vision,” said Clay Dover, CEO of Velvet Taco in a release. “As we strategically expand nationwide, this vibrant Raleigh location embodies exactly what we seek — a dynamic community hungry for bold, global flavors. Our mission has always been to shatter expectations of what a taco can be. From our rotating weekly taco features to our signature offerings, we’re ready to take Raleigh’s taste buds on an adventure.”
Beyond tacos, that adventure includes bowls like brisket barbacoa, blackened shrimp and chicken tikka. For sides, there’s traditional queso blanco, or a Southeast Asian inspired version with red curry and Thai basil. There are also loaded tater tots and giant plates of nachos.
For dessert, Velvet Taco offers a version of a Southern favorite — Red Velvet Cake.
The Triangle has attracted a growing number of new fast-casual taco shops with national ambitions. One of the first, Torchy’s Tacos, is Velvet Taco’s biggest rival in Texas. There are now two Torchy’s locally, in Raleigh and Wake Forest.
The new Velvet Taco will move into the former World of Beer space in North Hills, at the ground floor of the Captrust Tower at 4208 Six Forks Road.
“We are thrilled to welcome Velvet Taco to North Hills,” said Stacey Buescher, managing director of operations at Kane Realty Corporation, the North Hills owner. “Their bold flavors, energetic vibe, and commitment to culinary creativity are a perfect match for the dynamic atmosphere we continue to cultivate at North Hills.”
This story was originally published May 28, 2025 at 12:34 PM.
