Food & Drink

Raleigh barbecue restaurant closes, citing ‘factors affecting our operations’

A restaurant and bar in Raleigh’s Five Points neighborhood has closed.
A restaurant and bar in Raleigh’s Five Points neighborhood has closed. Charlotte Observer file photo
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  • Mac’s Speed Shop closed its Five Points Raleigh location after opening in 2024.
  • Sign posted confirmed closure, citing “various factors” affecting operations.
  • Mac’s Speed Shop has several other locations in North Carolina.

After nearly two years in business, a restaurant in Raleigh’s Five Points neighborhood has closed.

Founded in Charlotte, Mac’s Speed Shop opened its Triangle outpost in 2024.

It’s unclear when the restaurant, known for its barbecue and bar food, closed. But as of Friday, Jan. 16, a sign announcing the closure was posted to the front door.

“With great sadness we had to close this location,” the sign reads. “This decision was made after careful consideration of various factors affecting our operations. We want to express our heartfelt thanks to our patrons, staff and the community for their incredible support over the years.”

The Five Points location is no longer listed online, but Mac’s Speed Shop continues to operate in Charlotte, Matthews, Concord, Greensboro, Cornelius, Fayetteville and Greenville, South Carolina.

The News & Observer reached out to Mac’s Speed Shop for comment.

A mural by Erica Ashley of MYLK Murals decorates an exterior wall of Mac’s Speed Shop in Raleigh.
A mural by Erica Ashley of MYLK Murals decorates an exterior wall of Mac’s Speed Shop in Raleigh. Renee Umsted rumsted@newsobserver.com

Raleigh Magazine first shared news of the closure.

Mac’s Speed Shop closes in Raleigh

Mac’s Speed Shop took the place of an old Lonerider Brewing taproom at 1626 Glenwood Ave., steps from the iconic Rialto theater.

In Raleigh, the restaurant worked to attract fans of the Canes and NC State, flying the team’s flags outside and offering deals on game days.

It served smoked meats such as pulled pork and brisket, along with dishes including salads, sandwiches and burgers.

The first Mac’s Speed Shop opened in 2005 in Charlotte, founded by Wynn Davis and Hall Johnston.

Its parent company, Mac’s Hospitality Group, also owns the Charlotte restaurant SouthBound plus three other venues.

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Renee Umsted
The News & Observer
Renee Umsted is a service journalism reporter for The News & Observer. She has a degree in journalism from the Bob Schieffer College of Communication at TCU. 
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