News Summary
Downtown Raleigh is set to welcome Saigon Kitchen, a new Vietnamese restaurant, taking over the former Mofu Shoppe location. Mofu Shoppe closed in August after eight successful years, leaving behind a rich legacy. This opening coincides with ongoing changes in Raleigh’s dining scene, highlighted by recent restaurant closures and the upcoming Restaurant Week, which offers special deals across various establishments.
Raleigh, North Carolina
New Vietnamese Restaurant Set to Open in Downtown Raleigh
A new dining option is coming to downtown Raleigh as Saigon Kitchen prepares to open in the former location of Mofu Shoppe at 321 S. Blount St. Signs advertising the new restaurant have already been posted on the windows of the closed establishment.
Mofu Shoppe Closes After Eight Years
Mofu Shoppe, which had operated at that location for eight years, officially closed in August 2023. The closure was announced via an Instagram post, which expressed sentimentality about the restaurant’s history, describing the closure as a bittersweet ending with memories that would linger long after. The restaurant was founded by Sophia Woo and Sunny Lin, who initially started as a food truck called Pho Nomenal Dumpling.
Woo and Lin gained recognition by winning the sixth season of the Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race. They used the prize money to establish the brick-and-mortar store, expanding their presence in the local restaurant scene.
In 2020, Sophia Woo stepped away from the restaurant operations, leading to a transfer of the majority ownership to Matthew Kenner of Bunch of Fives Hospitality. Despite its popularity, Mofu Shoppe could not withstand recent industry challenges and ultimately closed its doors after nearly a decade of service to the community.
Recent Restaurant Closures and Reopenings in Raleigh
Raleigh’s dining landscape continues to evolve with the closing of David’s Dumplings and Noodle Bar at 1900 Hillsborough St. This establishment served its last meals in mid-July 2023 after 15 years of operation. The space is slated to become Barley and Burger, a restaurant chain with existing locations in Rocky Mount, Smithfield, and Charlotte. Barley and Burger specializes in burgers and craft beer, expanding its footprint into Raleigh.
Additionally, Plum Southern Kitchen & Bar in Durham announced its closure after five years, with its final day being September 28, 2023. The restaurant cited challenges faced by the industry, especially those related to recent shifts in local culture, as factors contributing to its shutdown.
Upcoming Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week
In the midst of these changes, downtown Raleigh is preparing for its annual Restaurant Week, which will feature over 40 participating establishments, including those that previously operated in formerly closed spaces like Mofu Shoppe. During this period, participating restaurants will offer three-course prix fixe dinners ranging from $20 to $30 per person, excluding tax and tip. Additionally, some restaurants will provide special lunch deals priced at $5 and $10 aimed at downtown employees and visitors.
Summary
As Raleigh’s food scene continues to adapt and grow, new restaurants such as Saigon Kitchen are stepping in to fill vacancies left by longstanding establishments like Mofu Shoppe and David’s Dumplings and Noodle Bar. Meanwhile, industry-wide challenges have caused closures like Plum Southern Kitchen & Bar, highlighting ongoing shifts in the local hospitality sector. Downtown Raleigh’s upcoming Restaurant Week offers residents and visitors an opportunity to explore the city’s diverse culinary offerings amid these changes.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- News & Observer: Raleigh Restaurant News
- MSN: Restaurant Closure News
- ABC11: Mofu Shoppe Story
- Stacker: Common Cuisines in Raleigh
- Raleigh Today: Soup Restaurants
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.
