News Summary
Pizzeria Toro, a popular wood-fired pizza restaurant based in Durham, is set to open its first location outside Durham in Raleigh’s Seaboard Station. The new restaurant will feature a menu similar to its Durham counterpart with an emphasis on local sourcing and fresh ingredients. Chef Gray Brooks expresses enthusiasm about integrating into Raleigh’s vibrant food scene and growing their brand. While an official opening date has yet to be announced, the expansion showcases Pizzeria Toro’s strategy to establish a significant presence in the region.
Pizzeria Toro Expands with New Location in Raleigh’s Seaboard Station
Raleigh, NC — Pizzeria Toro, a well-known restaurant specializing in wood-fired pizza in Durham, is preparing to open a new location in the city’s Seaboard Station area. This marks the restaurant’s first expansion outside of Durham, reflecting its growing popularity and desire to reach more customers in the region.
Details of the New Location
The upcoming restaurant will be situated at 807 Halifax Street, within the Seaboard Station development. Once operational, it will serve as a neighbor to The Common Market, a Charlotte-based deli and market slated to open early next year. The layout of the new space is described as a high, airy garage that used to house a trucking company, a setting that restaurateurs believe is ideal for their style of dining.
Menu and Local Flavor
The menu at the new location will feature many items from the Durham restaurant, such as its signature wood-fired pizzas with a variety of toppings—ranging from classic to inventive. Additionally, adjustments will be made to incorporate products from farmers in the Triangle area, emphasizing local sourcing and fresh ingredients. This approach aims to connect the restaurant’s offerings to the regional community and reflect the local culinary scene.
Operator’s Perspective and Community Engagement
Gray Brooks, a chef and partner of Pizzeria Toro, expressed enthusiasm about the new venture and the opportunity to integrate into Raleigh’s food scene. Brooks noted that operating outside of Durham presents new challenges but also opportunities to grow the brand and explore new markets. He highlighted his positive outlook on Raleigh’s vibrant food environment and his anticipation of becoming part of the local community.
Background on Pizzeria Toro
Established in 2012, Pizzeria Toro has earned recognition for its diverse range of pizzas, which blend traditional and creative toppings. Over the years, the restaurant has garnered accolades, including being featured in the list of “Most Unique Pizzas Across the Nation.” Its chef, Marla Thurman, also gained fame as a champion on the television show “Chopped,” further elevating the restaurant’s reputation for culinary excellence.
Anticipated Opening and Future Plans
As of now, an official opening date for the Raleigh location has not been announced. The restaurant’s leadership is focused on preparing for a successful launch and establishing a strong presence in the community. The expansion reflects Pizzeria Toro’s strategy to grow its brand regionally while maintaining its commitment to quality and innovation in pizza making.
Conclusion
This expansion represents a significant step for Pizzeria Toro, which has operated in downtown Durham for over a decade. The new Raleigh site aims to replicate its successful formula of unique pizzas and locally sourced ingredients while becoming an integral part of Seaboard Station’s vibrant neighborhood. As plans progress, local residents and food enthusiasts in Raleigh are eagerly awaiting the opening of this new culinary destination.
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RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
