Shawn Benjamin lives in Raleigh and describes himself as a “foodie” who eats out an average of three times a week.
“There are so many great places in Raleigh,” he says. “I’m always hungry and always looking to get something to eat.”
But many Raleigh residents are finding their options are dwindling after several city restaurants announced they would be closing in 2024. At least seven restaurants have closed so far this year, while others remain open.
Here are the restaurants that have closed, are planning to close or have relocated in and around Raleigh since the beginning of the year:
Restaurateurs point to changing consumer habits.
“I’ve talked to a few other restaurateurs in Raleigh and it’s not a case of bad business, but rather a big change in the way consumers are spending these days,” Cloud Brewing Co. owner Matt McNeil said.
Steve Allen, an economics professor at North Carolina State University, said some companies in the hospitality industry have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The pandemic has hit the whole industry hard, including hotels and restaurants,” he said.
“Look at the Plate. It’s a great location, great food, and it’s closing because that part of Glenwood has turned into a dance club alley,” he said. “The upscale crowd is now avoiding the area.”
“When we opened in 2013, we did so with the belief that everyone should have a relaxed neighborhood restaurant where they can enjoy good food and warm hospitality,” the restaurant wrote in an Instagram post. “Over the past decade, we’ve grown alongside the community, but we’ve never compromised this principle.”
“A lot of things [were] They pushed up costs a few years ago. [but] “Those aren’t the drivers of the restaurant industry today,” Allen said.
As for why some restaurants remain open in other cities and elsewhere in Wake County, Allen said that could be in part because employees are coming into the restaurants to work or working hybrid work schedules.
“It’s a big problem for a restaurant if employees are only coming in two or three days a week,” Allen explains. “Location can be a key factor in whether a restaurant’s future is healthy or tough.”
“I love downtown Raleigh, but nothing will reopen for a few years until things change again,” McNeil said.
Allen also said that while some restaurants have closed this year, the industry is always changing and more restaurants are opening.
“New restaurants are always opening because this industry is always changing, and we’re opening a lot of new restaurants,” he said.
Allen mentioned upcoming restaurant openings in Smoky Hollow, North Hills, Glenwood South and downtown Raleigh, including Lobera, which will open in the former Gonza’s location.
Benjamin said she will continue to support local restaurants in and around Raleigh because food brings people together.
“Support your local businesses. It’s delicious and this is where we live, so we should eat here and relax here,” he says. “The better the food, the better the community.”
