New fast-casual restaurant with Hawaiian vibes is opening in the Triangle
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Mahana Fresh opens second Triangle location in Cary on Oct. 25.
- Menu features signature and build-your-own bowls starting at $12.
- All bases are gluten-free and vegan, and there is a meatless protein options.
A fast-casual restaurant known for customizable bowls is opening its second Triangle location soon.
Described as a restaurant with a “bright, tropical-inspired atmosphere,” Mahana Fresh is expanding into Cary. The Florida-based chain also has locations in Fuquay-Varina and Charlotte.
Mahana Fresh is expected to open 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25 at 1151 Parkside Main St. in the Parkside Town Commons shopping center, according to a news release.
Giveaways and special offers are available to customers on opening day. For example, the first 25 guests in line will get a free bowl. Teriyaki bowls will be priced at $5 — a discount from the regular $12 cost, according to the online menu at the Fuquay-Varina location.
Starting Sunday, Oct. 26 and continuing through the restaurant’s first month of operations, any customer who buys a signature bowl will get a coupon for a free one that can be used on their next trip to Mahana Fresh.
Mahana Fresh is opening in a space formerly occupied by the Mexican restaurant Zambrero in Parkside Town Commons. The shopping center, anchored by retailers such as Target, Harris Teeter and Hobby Lobby, houses many restaurants, including Panera, Diced, Jersey Mike’s, Potbelly Sandwich Shop and Pokeworks.
Mahana Fresh’s menu
Diners can order from a set menu of bowls, called signature bowls, or create their own, customizing with bases, proteins, vegetables and sauces.
Signature bowls have Hawaiian-inspired names. The Teriyaki Tiki Bowl is made with coconut rice, sesame ginger broccoli, garlicky cilantro green beans, teriyaki chicken and creamy wasabi sauce. The Big Kahuna Bowl includes basmati rice, spinach, buffalo cauliflower, garlicky cilantro green beans, barbecue chicken, grilled steak and cilantro vinaigrette.
Customers who want to make their own meals can choose between the larger, “Big Mahana” bowl ($14), which has two bases and two proteins, or the Mahana ($12), which has one base and one protein, both with vegetables and sauce.
There’s also a create-your-own bowl sized for kids, priced at $9.
All of Mahana Fresh’s bases, including basmati rice, coconut rice and spinach, are gluten-free and vegan. The restaurant also offers a vegan protein, sesame garlic tofu.
This story was originally published October 22, 2025 at 1:20 PM.
