News Summary
Raleigh has experienced an unexpected increase in restaurant sales during the summer months, traditionally a slow season. Local restaurateurs, including Anthony Rapillo of Flour and Barrell, have reported higher-than-expected revenues, driven in part by population growth in Wake County. This trend has prompted several restaurant operators to plan expansions, while national data indicates growth across the industry. As local dining activity peaks, Raleigh’s culinary scene continues to thrive, contributing to the overall hospitality sector’s success.
Raleigh Experiences Unexpected Summer Sales Increase in Restaurant Sector
Raleigh, North Carolina, has witnessed an unexpected surge in restaurant sales during the summer months, a period traditionally characterized by lower patronage. This change has surprised local restaurateurs and is fueling new expansion plans across the city.
Local Restaurateurs Report Higher-than-Expected Sales
Some restaurant owners in Raleigh have reported a significant uptick in sales this summer. Notably, Anthony Rapillo, owner of Flour and Barrell, observed that “people seem to be dining out more than in years past.” While initially expecting a decline in revenue due to summer travel, Rapillo noted that actual sales figures contradicted these expectations, indicating a healthy increase in customer engagement.
Population Growth Contributing to Increased Dining Activity
The rise in restaurant patronage is partly attributed to the growing population in Wake County. As the county’s population expands, there is a corresponding increase in interest in dining out, with Rapillo mentioning that “new people” are actively seeking restaurant options in Raleigh. This demographic shift appears to be positively impacting local restaurant sales, providing a boost to the hospitality industry amid generally slow summer years historically.
Expansion Plans Driven by Positive Trends
Encouraged by the sales boost, several restaurant operators are planning expansion projects. Rapillo announced plans to open three new locations along Fayetteville Street in Downtown Raleigh, as well as another in the Research Triangle Park (RTP). Similarly, Trophy Brewing Co. is working towards completing construction on Trophy Brewing Five Points, which will become their sixth established location. The company hopes to open this outlet by the end of October.
National and Local Sales Data Reflect Growth
On a broader scale, nationwide statistics support the positive trend in restaurant sales. Data from the National Restaurant Association show that restaurant sales increased by 0.7% in August, marking the fourth rise within six months. This consistency signals a general recovery or growth trend within the restaurant industry across the country.
New Ventures and Renovations in Raleigh
In addition to expansion, individual restaurant owners are introducing new offerings to attract customers. Patrick Shanahan, owner of Peregrine Restaurant, who opened his establishment five months ago, is expanding the venue’s amenities with a new patio and adding brunch service to diversify its menu options.
Visitors Spending Milestone at Raleigh
Raleigh’s tourism sector also highlights a thriving food and beverage scene. An annual report from Visit Raleigh indicates that visitors spent a record-high sum of over $47 million on food and beverages, underscoring the city’s appeal as a dining destination and supporting the overall hospitality industry growth.
Downtown Food Hall on the Market
Meanwhile, the Transfer Co. Food Hall in Downtown Raleigh, which opened seven years ago and hosts nine food vendors, is listed for sale. The listing does not specify a sale price; however, the appraised value is approximately $4.14 million. The food hall offers versatile gathering spaces, suggesting potential for further development or revitalization of the site.
Outlook for the Fall Season
Many local restaurant operators express confidence in sustained growth as the fall season approaches, with most reporting positive sales trends and optimistic outlooks for continued expansion and patronage.
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Additional Resources
- ABC11: Triangle Restaurateurs See Summer Sales Uptick
- News Observer: Real Estate News
- NRN: Restaurant Sales Positive in May
- Wikipedia: Raleigh
- Encyclopedia Britannica: North Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
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.
