Tag: downtown raleigh

Taz’s Supermarket closes for good, Raleigh real estate firm says

A convenience store at the center of a deadly stabbing will no longer operate in downtown Raleigh.

According to Empire Properties on Friday, Taz’s Supermarket closed its doors this week after the Raleigh developer purchased several historic buildings on East Hargett and South Wilmington streets, which included the supermarket.

“The corner had been underutilized for decades, with virtually no maintenance, care or financial investment to stave off deterioration,” the developer said in a statement.

Mark Garrity Jr. was fatally stabbed at the supermarket in April 2023. The store’s owner, Taiseer Zarka, was convicted of manslaughter in the stabbing and sentenced to at least five years in prison. Zarka testified during his criminal trial that he stabbed Garrity because he believed he was trying to steal Gatorade.

On Thursday, lawyers representing Garrity’s family announced it had settled with the supermarket for $1.3 million in a wrongful death lawsuit.

Empire Properties said it is working with the City of Raleigh on a development plan that will include a six-story, mixed-use building on the non-historic Wilmington Street sites. The company said the goal is to restore the last building on the Wilmington Street side back to a contributing structure.

According to Empire Properties, the investment is expected to exceed $9 million once completed.

Source link

January 16, 2026
‘Animate!’ joins long list of events postponed by Raleigh Convention Center fire

GalaxyCon creators on Friday confirmed that their winter convention, “Animate! Raleigh,” will be postponed due to a fire weeks earlier on the roof of the Raleigh Convention Center.

The convention, which was created after the success of GalaxyCon, was scheduled to take place on January 9 through January 11. Organizers said the convention center informed them this week that they could not guarantee they would be able to run the event as planned.

“While we are disappointed that we can’t hold the event on our original dates, the comfort and safety of our attendees will always take priority,” Convention organizers said in a statement sent to WRAL News. “We are thankful that the convention center and hotels were able to work with us quickly to find a solution.”

In 2025, convention organizers estimated they had more than 10,000 people, estimating it would generate $4 million in economic impact in Raleigh.

The convention is just one of several events that were either postponed or canceled due to a fire at the convention center, including two cheerleading competitions, a statewide cybersecurity conference and a trade show.

On Monday, Dec 1, a fire broke out on the roof of the convention center, sending smoke billowing into the Raleigh skyline. According to Raleigh authorities, the fire was started by a gas leak. City leaders said the roof of the convention center suffered fire and water damage and needed to be repaired, with Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell saying the convention center would need some time to get reopened to the public on a normal basis.

Animate! organizers said the convention will take place on March 13 through March 15. In addition, organizers said all tickets that were purchased already will be honored for the new date, and current ticket holders will receive a free ticket to their new horror event, Nightmare Weekend Raleigh, on October 10 through October 11.

Source link

December 19, 2025
Raleigh extends 2-hour, free parking downtown. Here’s how long.

RALEIGH

The Raleigh City Council is extending a two-hour free parking pilot program by six months, until the end of June.

Several small business owners, as well as the CEO of Marbles Museum, spoke before the Raleigh City Council last week and said the program helps to level the playing field at a time so many people are watching their money.

“I would say honestly, it’s been very instrumental to not only our success but also downtown Raleigh awareness,” said Bricks & Minifigs Owner Pranav Harish.

The shop is one of the largest Lego stores in North Carolina.

Harish says Raleigh’s two-hour free parking pilot program has been especially helpful during the week and it allows downtown Raleigh to stay competitive with shopping centers such as North Hills or The Fenton.

“It’s where we need to be to help us compete and kind of set out some of those strategic differences to allow people to really feel not fearful of coming to downtown and experiencing a lot of these high costs, but instead experiencing downtown for what it is,” said Harish.

The Downtown Raleigh Alliance conducted a survey on the pilot program. It found that 31% of shoppers said free parking was a main or contributing reason for their visit and 86% of businesses said they believe sales are up because of the program.

“We’ve invested a lot in safety downtown. We have a lot more people here, and we’ve seen great results from that,” said DRA President and CEO Bill King. “You got do things that make access easier and making parking cheaper is doing that.”

However, Raleigh transportation officials say the city is losing more than half a million dollars in revenue with this program and that maintenance, such as power washing and painting, is now being deferred.

This story was originally published November 24, 2025 at 11:11 AM.

Elaina Athans | ABC11

Source link

November 24, 2025
Raleigh residents rally against Border Patrol in Charlotte, call for end to immigration crackdown

Protests spread across the state as people rally against Border Patrol agents’ presence in Charlotte.

On Sunday, hundreds of people gathered in Moore Square and marched throughout the streets of downtown Raleigh for an “ICE OUT” demonstration.

Demonstrators really directed their messages toward Charlotte, where that border patrol operation is underway, and also called for the end of Trump’s Immigration crackdown and any operations in North Carolina.

“We’re here standing in solidarity with them and letting the Trump administration,
state legislators, border patrol and ICE they are not welcome in North
Carolina,” said Nicole Drapluk, party for socialism and liberation.

Federal officials have said these operations are about making sure Americans feel safe; however, demonstrators say these operations are sparking fear.

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein said in a post on Facebook Sunday said public safety is the top priority and commended local law enforcement for working to keep communities safe.

In his statement, he also commended Customs and Border Patrol agents for arresting what he described as “violent criminals,” but said the “actions of too many federal agents are doing the exact opposite in Charlotte.”

“This is not making us safer,” Stein said. “It is stoking fear and dividing our community.”

People on Sunday were seen carrying signs that read “kindness toward immigrants” and “no border control in North Carolina.”

Some were immigrants themselves and said protests like this carry extra meaning for them.

“I fear for my family, my friends, my neighbors,” said Maria Bautista, a protester from Sunday’s demonstrations who came to the U.S. 25 years ago. “I feel we’re doing good to come out here and protest for them so we can all come together as a community.”

Source link

November 16, 2025
The best outdoor dining spots in Raleigh

It’s finally spring! That means it’s time for outdoor dining, which is an incredibly popular choice in the city. Both locals and tourists flock to outdoor bars and cafes to grab a bite to eat.

Check out these restaurants with the best outdoor dining in Raleigh!

The best outdoor dining options in Raleigh

If you are looking for outdoor dining in Raleigh, we have a few restaurant recommendations for you. Here is our complete Raleigh outdoor dining guide.

A Raleigh favorite, Taverna Agora has a gorgeous outdoor seating area.

Mulino Italian Kitchen offers a dining experience like no other. While the property was temporarily closed for repairs in spring 2023, it’s worth watching for some of the best Italian food in the city on the patio, complete with a swimming pool!

Mulino is known for its craft cocktails and delicious wood-fired pizza.

Wye Hill Kitchen and Brewing has one of the most famous patios in Raleigh. Take in a stunning view of downtown Raleigh while enjoying classic bar food and a craft beer.

Whiskey Kitchen is exactly like it sounds. It is one part whiskey bar, one part Southern kitchen. Grab one of their famous burgers and choose from one of their 300 whiskey options.

This restaurant is close to downtown and offers a large outdoor seating area that can fit more than 100 people.

They offer unique burger creations with toppings such as fried green tomatoes and pimento cheese. Grab a burger and a margarita, and lounge on their outdoor patio.

St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar brings New Orleans cooking to Raleigh. The restaurant is known for its classic pairing of champagne and oysters.

You can also visit them on the weekends between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. for a classy outdoor brunch.

Irregardless Cafe is one of Raleigh’s oldest and most popular restaurants. The cafe won Open Table’s Top 50 Vegetarian Restaurants contest in 2019. However, you can still enjoy classic favorites such as shrimp and grits and smoked salmon hash.

Located in the former Raleigh Times newspaper building, Raleigh Times Bar is a must-see.

They have a beautiful rooftop patio that offers a great view of the city.

They also have many incredible craft beers and cocktails to choose from while you are enjoying the fresh air. If you’re lucky enough to stop by on a Tuesday, you can take advantage of their incredible tacos.

Gravy and Sitti are two of downtown Raleigh’s most popular outdoor dining restaurants. They are often lumped together as they share a beautiful secluded courtyard.

Sitti serves authentic Lebanese food, while Gravy is a family-owned Italian eatery.

Bittersweet is the perfect place to catch up with a friend or bring your laptop to work. This cafe is perfect for a light bite and serves delectable coffee, cocktails, and desserts. Bittersweet has a seasonal menu, so you get something new every time you go.

Make sure to stop by every Thursday for a new cupcake flavor that is served with a mini champagne bottle to-go.

Diners can enjoy an intimate dinner on Jolie’s rooftop patio, “Le Rooftop.” This cozy French bistro serves both classic and modernized French dishes from world-famous Chef Scott Crawford. If you want to get a table up on the roof, it is recommended to make a reservation, as tables are limited.

Craving pizza? Check out Trophy Pizza in downtown Raleigh. Trophy has a cozy outdoor patio where you can enjoy an incredible pizza paired with one of their many craft beers.

You can even order dough-to-go so you can make your own Trophy pizza in the comfort of your own home!

Raleigh Beer Garden is nearly 8,500 square feet with a large outdoor dining patio and rooftop bar. This location has been made famous by Guinness World Records for having the largest selection of draft beer (around 400 beers on tap).

In addition to their beer, they also have delicious bar snacks, refreshing salads, and mouthwatering pizzas.

Wilson’s Eatery is a favorite among locals. It is a traditional Southern restaurant serving locally sourced sandwiches, flatbreads and salads that will leave you both full and happy.

Wilson’s Eatery shares its property with Lynwood Brewing Concern, so you can finish your meal off with one of their incredible beers in the outdoor garden. Dogs are also welcome here!

Did we miss something? Email us your favorite outdoor dining spots in Raleigh at deyermann@wral.com.

Source link

April 14, 2024
Woman hit, killed by train in Raleigh, roads closed for investigation

Saturday, February 17, 2024 3:58AM

ABC11 24/7 Streaming ChannelWatch Eyewitness News, First Alert Weather, and original programming.

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Raleigh police are investigating after a woman was hit and killed by a train Friday night.

According to the Raleigh Police Department, the incident happened just before 9:45 p.m. at South Blount Street and Hoke Street.

Police said some roads in the area are closed for investigation.

Anyone who believes they may have information that might assist the investigation is asked to visit Crimestoppers at www.p3tips.com/89 for anonymous reporting options or call 919-996-1193.

This is a breaking story.

Copyright © 2024 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved.

WTVD

Source link

February 16, 2024
Woman shot in downtown Raleigh, South Salisbury Street closed for investigation

Friday, February 16, 2024 3:48PM

South Salisbury street was closed down due to the investigation.

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — A woman was shot in downtown Raleigh on South Salisbury Street between West Hargett Street and West Martin Street.

Shortly after 9 a.m., police responded to a report of a person shot in the area.

When officers arrived they found a woman with serious injuries. She was rushed to the hospital for treatment. Her condition has not been released.

ABC11 captured video from the scene showing crime tape in front of a parking deck.

Police could be seen congregating near a while convertible BMW that had its passenger side window busted out.

Police blocked off South Salisbury Street between Martin and Hargett Streets, closing the area while they investigate.

Raleigh Police Department said there is no threat to the community.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting have not been released at this time.

Copyright © 2024 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved.

WTVD

Source link

February 16, 2024