These 3 restaurants in Raleigh are closing (or changing). Here’s what to know
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Beasley’s Chicken + Honey will close Jan. 25 after 14 years in downtown Raleigh.
- Clyde Cooper’s BBQ moved from Wilmington Street to Quail Corners.
- Bongiorno & Son sold; owners will rebrand to Mina’s and retain market offerings.
Even though several new restaurants have already opened in 2026, and many more are to come, the Triangle has lost dining institutions recently.
Here are a few dining closures to know about.
Ashley Christensen restaurant closing soon
After more than 14 years in business, chef Ashley Christensen is closing her restaurant Beasley’s Chicken + Honey.
Known for its fried chicken, the Southern food concept will serve its final customers Sunday, Jan. 25.
“We’ve always worked hard to make Beasley’s the best version of itself, and I believe we’ve achieved that thanks to the incredible team we have here,” Christensen said in an Instagram post. “But Downtown has evolved since the pandemic, and while we have seen encouraging growth, the current Beasley’s model is no longer sustainable in the new landscape.”
Location: 237 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh
Iconic barbecue restaurant leaves downtown
After nearly 90 years in downtown Raleigh, Clyde Cooper’s BBQ is moving to a new location.
Restaurant co-owner Debbie Holt announced in 2023 that the restaurant would leave downtown, so the decision is not a total surprise.
What is new is where the restaurant will be located: at Quail Corners Shopping Center in Raleigh. The new space — a former Red, Hot & Blue — has a smaller kitchen and less indoor seating, but it has outdoor seating and more parking spaces.
Clyde Cooper’s last day on Wilmington Street was Thursday, Jan. 1. Its soft opening at 1326 E. Millbrook Road was Wednesday, Jan. 7.
Bongiorno & Son under new ownership
The Lafayette Village institution Bongiorno & Son has been sold.
Founder Michael Bongiorno handed off the reins to longtime fans of the Italian market and deli, Dave and Sarah Danevich.
Within the next six months, Bongiorno & Son will be renamed to Mina’s (pronounced MY-nas), a nod to a storekeeping tradition in Sarah Danevich’s family.
There could be some new sandwiches or take-home meals, but the Italian, family-style market are remaining.
The News & Observer’s Drew Jackson and Kristen Johnson contributed reporting.
