A Glenwood South restaurant has closed. Here’s what will replace it
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- VegSouth relocates Marian to Benson and converts Glenwood spot to Dirty V.
- Dirty V will target late-night Glenwood crowd with plant-based menu and events.
- Operators plan bright murals and indoor and outdoor seating.
Carey and Lelia Kidd opened Marian Cocktails & Kitchen in Glenwood South about a year ago to test the concept — a more refined restaurant serving plant-based takes on Southern food.
Meanwhile, the Kidds, who own VegSouth Hospitality, were searching for a Raleigh location for another one of their places, The Dirty V, which closed in Apex at the end of 2024.
After a year of operating Marian in downtown Raleigh, they decided a better fit for it would be at their property in Benson, which has a wedding venue, vineyard and restaurant. It will open there on Valentine’s Day.
That left an opening for Dirty V on Glenwood, where it would be near another VegSouth concept, Element Gastropub, which opened almost six years ago on Fayetteville Street.
“Dirty V fits Glenwood Avenue to a T, not from a nightlife standpoint, but from a demographic standpoint — fun and college and different energies and bright colors, just kind of bringing a different vibe,” Carey Kidd told The News & Observer in a call.
The Kidds are trying to bring back late-night dining to Glenwood South, filling the area known for its nightlife and bar scene with more restaurants, Carey said.
They also want the business to be fun and safe, and are planning events to make it “more than just your average dining experience.” That could look like a Galentine’s Day dinner, complete with a special menu and pink drinks, or a book club night.
“Stuff where people can go out and enjoy each other and actually socialize and make friends, but you’re not in a club screaming at each other,” Lelia Kidd said.
Dirty V’s vegan menu
Dirty V will stay open late, with the kitchen closing around 10-11 p.m. during the week and around midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. After midnight, customers will still be able to come in for dessert.
The whole menu at Dirty V, along with VegSouth’s other concepts, is plant-based.
“We’re not preachy vegans, where we try to throw vegan in your face, because vegan is a bad word,” Carey Kidd said. “We just try to feed people, and we’ve done a really good job of that.”
One of the more popular dishes is the Trash Talker ($19), a vegan take on a garbage plate, with waffle fries, a 4-ounce burger, macaroni and cheese, Texas chili, onions, shredded lettuce, tomato and the signature Dirty V sauce.
Another best-seller is the Basic Betty burger ($12), made with the signature Dirty V sauce, plus lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles.
“All our food is really different. It’s got bright colors, but it’s naturally colored,” Carey Kidd said. “Really good flavors.”
The Kidds are also proud of their brunch menu, which has vegan takes on popular dishes, such as the McDonald’s McGriddle. Dirty V’s version, The Dirty Griddle ($13.50), has Impossible sausage, a vegan egg and cheese served on a pancake bun, with syrup.
“We’re good at making things relatable to people,” Carey Kidd said.
The Dirty V opening in Glenwood South
Marian closed in January, and the Kidds are now transforming the space into Dirty V. Minor kitchen work was completed, but the changes are mostly cosmetic. Murals are being added to walls. Tables are being replaced. The place will be filled with bright colors including magenta and turquoise.
“Think of a real-life comic book, graffiti-style piece on Glenwood,” Carey Kidd said.
The Dirty V will be able to seat about 60 inside and another 70 outside. It’ll have an indoor bar and an outdoor patio bar.
The Kidds are hoping to open The Dirty V at 301 Glenwood Ave. on Saturday, Jan. 24.
