Triangle restaurant closures in 2025. Mama Dip's, Brio's

Drew Temple serves a customer at The Green Monkey on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 in Raleigh, N.C. The gift shop, bottle shop and neighborhood bar has relocated from Hillsborough Street into a new space at 215 S. Wilmington Street. By Robert Willett

The articles all report on restaurant closures in the Triangle region and explain the reasons behind these shutdowns. Many pieces highlight how national trends and local challenges both drive closures.

The Green Monkey in Raleigh announced it will close its storefront but continue to sell gifts online and at pop-up events. Brio Italian Grille shut down its Crabtree Valley Mall location after its parent company filed for bankruptcy, leaving only one North Carolina location.

On The Border, a national Tex-Mex chain, closed its Cary location after bankruptcy proceedings and underperforming sales. There are also mentions of other iconic closures like 42nd Street Oyster Bar and Mama Dip’s. Rising operating costs, labor shortages, changing consumer habits and shifting economic conditions all contribute to the wave of closures.

NO. 1: POPULAR BAR, GIFT & WINE SHOP IN DOWNTOWN RALEIGH WILL CLOSE STOREFRONT AFTER 12 YEARS

“Thank you for the love, laughs, and memories,” the owners said. “We’ve loved connecting with each of you.” | Published February 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Renee Umsted Anna Roman

On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and is closing restaurants. By Jill Toyoshiba

NO. 2: A NATIONAL TEX-MEX CHAIN IS CLOSING RESTAURANTS. WILL ANY IN THE TRIANGLE SHUT DOWN?

The company, which has about 60 restaurants across the United States, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. | Published March 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Renee Umsted

NO. 3: MAMA DIP’S CLOSES + SO MUCH NEW PIZZA IN THE TRIANGLE

A Southern food icon closes for good in Chapel Hill, and nostalgic pizza has never been better. | Published July 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Drew Jackson

Holiday shoppers drive through the entrance of Crabtree Valley Mall on Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh Monday, Dec 12, 2022. The mall has been for sale on the market for nearly a year. By Travis Long

NO. 4: LONGTIME STAPLE OF RALEIGH MALL DINING CLOSES ABRUPTLY AFTER 15 YEARS

A dining staple of the Crabtree Valley Mall closed apruptly this week after more than 15 years in business. | Published August 19, 2025 | Read Full Story by Drew Jackson

NO. 5: THE TRIANGLE’S BEST BBQ, CRACKER BARREL UPHEAVAL AND 42ND STREET OYSTER BAR RUMORS

Good morning, this is Drew Jackson, food reporter at The News Observer, delivering this week’s First Bite. | Published August 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Drew Jackson

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.