News Summary
Pizzeria Toro, known for its wood-fired pizzas, is expanding from Durham to Raleigh with a new venue at Seaboard Station. This marks their second location after more than a decade of operation in Durham. The new site reflects the brand’s growth strategy and commitment to local agriculture, incorporating ingredients from local farmers. Chef Gray Brooks leads the expansion, excited to introduce their unique pizza offerings to Raleigh’s culinary scene while navigating new operational challenges.
Durham-Based Pizzeria Toro Expands to Raleigh with New Location at Seaboard Station
Durham, NC — Pizzeria Toro, a well-known restaurant specializing in wood-fired pizzas, is set to open a new location in Raleigh, marking its second outlet after more than a decade of operation in Durham.
New Location Details and Strategic Placement
The upcoming Pizzeria Toro will be situated at Seaboard Station, specifically adjacent to The Common Market, a deli and market operated by Charlotte-based entrepreneurs. The choice of this site reflects the company’s growth strategy and interest in expanding into the Raleigh market.
The space previously served as a garage for a trucking company. The restaurant’s team describes the location as being high and airy, which aligns with the ambiance and aesthetic of Pizzeria Toro, making it an ideal fit for their brand and operation.
Leadership and Expansion Vision
The expansion is driven by Chef and partner Gray Brooks, who expressed enthusiasm over the opportunity to extend the restaurant’s footprint. He indicated that the process of selecting the site involved careful consideration, emphasizing the importance of finding a location that fits the restaurant’s vibe and operational needs. After more than 13 years in business, Brooks noted that they had faced various challenges in identifying the right second site but ultimately found a space that met their criteria.
Brooks also highlighted that managing a restaurant outside of Durham presents new challenges, which the team is eager to address as part of their growth plan.
Menu and Local Adaptation
The Raleigh menu will share many items with the Durham location, notably featuring classic and inventive pizza toppings. Additionally, the menu will incorporate produce and ingredients sourced from local farmers within the Triangle area, reflecting a commitment to supporting regional agriculture and offering fresh, locally-sourced options to new customers.
Community and Background Facts
Pizzeria Toro originally opened in 2012 and has become recognized nationally for its unique pizza offerings, including earning a spot on Yelp’s list of “Most Unique Pizzas Across the Nation”. This reputation has contributed to its reputation as a destination for pizza enthusiasts.
Among the restaurant’s notable team members is Chef Marla Thurman, who previously gained recognition by winning on the cooking competition series “Chopped”.
Additional Business Activities and Future Outlook
Besides the Raleigh expansion, Gray Brooks has been involved with Littler, a downtown Durham bistro that recently closed after nine years due to financial challenges. The restaurant chose not to adapt by offering takeout or outdoor seating during the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted its sustainability. Despite this, Brooks remains focused on pizza-oriented ventures and has not ruled out future restaurant openings, considering new approaches to success.
Timeline and Contact Information
As of now, an official opening date for the Raleigh location has not been announced. The new restaurant’s address is 807 Halifax St, Raleigh, NC.
Summary
Pizzeria Toro is expanding from Durham to Raleigh with a new restaurant at Seaboard Station. The new venue aims to bring its popular wood-fired pizzas and innovative toppings to a broader audience, while supporting local farmers and adapting to local tastes. The company’s leadership underscores their excitement about the growth and readiness to face new operational challenges as they enter this new market, continuing a trajectory of successful expansion in North Carolina.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- News Observer: Durham-Based Pizzeria Toro Expands to Raleigh
- Axios: Durham’s Top Chefs Come Together for Helene Benefit
- ABC11: Restaurants Living Wage Fee Durham
- Axios: Best Restaurants Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Triangle NC 2024
- Indy Week: Waiting for Good Dough Pizza Triangle
- Wikipedia: Pizza
- Google Search: Pizzeria Toro
- Google Scholar: Restaurant Expansion
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Raleigh
- Google News: Restaurant News
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