Vendors have changed at Boxyard RTP. Track dining & retail openings + closings
The 15,000-square-foot conglomerate of shipping containers tucked inside the Research Triangle Park doesn’t look exactly the same as it did when it opened.
Now about three years since its debut, Boxyard RTP still houses several of the original 13 businesses offering dining, retail and entertainment to RTP and surrounding communities. However, there have been some recent changes to the vendor lineup.
Research Triangle Park President and CEO Scott Levitan told The News & Observer in 2021, shortly before Boxyard opened, that he hoped the retail and dining center would give people a new place when venturing out. “The Park has never had this kind of casual, experiential kind of retail space,” he said.
Here’s a list to help you keep track of what’s open at Boxyard RTP, located at 900 Park Offices Drive in Research Triangle Park.
What’s new at Boxyard RTP
- Will & Well opened March 26, and its grand opening celebration was nearly two months later, on May 18. The shop serves salads, cold-pressed juices and smoothies.
- Gold Clover Co. debuted as a pop-up in March and is scheduled to stay until the end of July. The retailer, which specializes in handmade necklaces, earrings and bracelets, began in 2017 as a way for the founder to raise money for a mission trip to Greece.
- What started in 2019 as an all-natural men’s hair care line, New Wave Capitol has since grown into a full-service barbershop. It opened at Boxyard in February and offers haircuts, facials, neck shaves, massages and other services.
What’s gone
- Secondhand Concession started as a pop-up in late January 2023 and ended just months later in July. It sold secondhand and vintage clothes in an atmosphere inspired by the ‘90s and Y2K, The News & Observer previously reported.
- Wonderpuff opened in July 2021 and lasted two years, until July 2023. The cotton candy store, filled with bright colors and disco balls, offered artisanal and organic takes on the classic sugary treat.
- Carburritos closed in 2022, The N&O previously reported. The taco and burrito shop cited supply chain issues and staffing shortages as reasons for the decision.
What else is still here
- One of Boxyard RTP’s first vendors, Beyu Caffe serves coffee, other drinks and food to consume in store or to-go.
- Bulkogi offers Korean barbecue and Korean-fusion cuisine for lunch and dinner, though operating hours vary by day. The company gained a following with its food truck, dishing out burritos, bowls, tacos, bibimbap and other items.
- Buzzy Bakes makes sweet treats such as cupcakes and cookies from scratch, with no preservatives or additives. The bakery began in 2015, serving Triangle residents from a ‘50s food truck, and opened at Boxyard in 2021.
- Fullsteam Brewery has two Triangle locations, in Durham and at RTP. The brewery’s mission is to “craft distinctly Southern beer that celebrates the farm and food traditions of the American South,” according to Fullsteam’s website. Salads, sandwiches, pizza, beer, ciders, wine and cocktails, along with nonalcoholic drinks, are available.
- Game on Escapes & More has escape rooms in Cary and Morehead City in addition to Boxyard, where visitors can participate in “mini-escape challenges” and virtual reality experiences.
- Guildhall Games sells board games, puzzles, dice and plush toys for people of all ages and experience levels. Owners Jake and Nicole Guild “see board games and toys as two of the few things in life that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of age, disabilities or personalities.” The store, which debuted as a pop-up but decided to remain at Boxyard, also hosts events, such as speed puzzling; those interested in participating may register online.
- Honeypress specializes in stationery and other products including notebooks, planners, cards, magnets and keychains. The store strives to be a place for “culturally and racially diverse artists, especially in the Asian community, to display their work and pride,” the website says.
- Lagoon Bar has branded itself as “the world’s very first leisure bar,” serving tiki cocktails, top-shelf liquor, micheladas and other drinks. It’s one of three Lawrence Food Co. concepts.
- Lawrence Barbecue offers oysters, sandwiches, smoked wings, smoked meats and other food items. The N&O’s food writer Drew Jackson listed this joint as one of the best in the Triangle.
- Leroy’s Taco Shop, the third Lawrence Food Co. concept, serves beef, chicken, chorizo, pork and meatless tacos alongside side dishes such as chips and dip and rice. Flautas and tamales are also available.
- At Meat & Graze, visitors will find a variety of charcuterie trays, sized to satisfy individuals or large groups. Ready-made lunch options are available Thursday-Saturday, and visitors can create their own “graze,” incorporating artisan cheeses, charcuterie and dips.
- RTP Uncorked is a “destination for wine enthusiasts.” Wines are available to enjoy by the glass or bottle on site or at home, and the store holds wine classes and other events.
Renee Umsted
The News & Observer