NC State Fair food all year? That’s the plan with proposed modern dining hall

No word on whether they’ll serve deep-fried Snickers bars, but the NC State Fair will expand its comfort-food brand with a modern, two-story dining hall serving fairground chow year-round.

The fair lost points with food fans last year when it closed “restaurant row,” sometimes called “church row,” the strip that served ham biscuits, chocolate pie and chili dogs — all of it continually advertised over a bullhorn. The state assessed that building as old, unattractive and plagued by roof leaks.

But plans now call for building a Midway Events Center, offering indoor and patio dining with vendors slinging dishes even in the dead of winter.

“We believe once the Midway Event Center is completed, it will become a hub for lunch options and after work gatherings, weekend brunch dates and quick business meetings,” NC Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said. “It will become a neighborhood meeting spot and a place where friends can enjoy time together before heading out to another event in the area.”

Also, over the next four years, the fairgrounds plans to modernize its West Raleigh campus, especially by “refreshing” the flower and garden area and pulling it into Heritage Circle.

“We are embarking on a modernization of the fairgrounds, ensuring it’s long-term ability to meet the needs of fairgoers and fairgrounds visitors and renters,” Troxler said. “The Midway Event Center will bring life to the Fairgrounds 365 days a year and will keep it relevant to the citizens of our state as the neighborhood around us grows into a thriving entertainment district.”

The Midway Event Center replaces the lunch stand building, part of the fairgrounds for 70 years.

Josh Shaffer

The News & Observer

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Josh Shaffer is a general assignment reporter on the watch for “talkers,” which are stories you might discuss around a water cooler. He has worked for The News & Observer since 2004 and writes a column about unusual people and places.