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Good afternoon, Raleigh. How is everyone surviving the cold weather? 🥶

In today’s Raleigh Rundown:

• 5 fun things to do in Raleigh this weekend

• Triangle Town Center gaining new tenants

• La Farm Bakery opens Raleigh location

• Whataburger coming to Raleigh?

Let’s get to it. 🏃

STORIES THIS WEEK

Triangle Town Center facing a brighter future 🛍️

Triangle Town Center in northeast Raleigh is seeing a major turnaround under new owner Summit Properties USA, with occupancy rising to 89% from its previous 74-76% range. New tenants include A Toda Madre Mexican Kitchen, with DC-based 1865 Steak Seafood & Cigars and The Farmer's Indian Restaurant opening soon.

General Manager James Pruett credits local residential and hotel growth for the renewed interest, and the mall is now focusing on unique regional tenants rather than typical retail chains. The food court is fully leased, and there are plans to develop an additional 40,000 square feet of space with an emphasis on entertainment offerings.

Raleigh rated best city for economic growth 📈

Raleigh has claimed the top spot in the Milken Institute's 2025 Best-Performing Cities report, climbing from its #2 ranking in 2024 and #3 position in 2023. The city's success stems from its strong performance across multiple metrics, particularly in its high-tech sector and labor market, though it faces growing pains with rising housing costs and cost of living pressures.

While not leading in any single category, Raleigh ranked fifth for high-tech industries and ninth for job growth, outperforming other major tech hubs like Austin (#6). The broader Triangle region's economic strength is further evidenced by Durham-Chapel Hill's rise to #16, jumping 20 spots from the previous year.

La Farm Bakery opens new location in Raleigh 🍞

La Farm Bakery, the popular Cary-based establishment, has opened a second location in a new 3,200-square-foot location at 404 E. Six Forks Raod in Raleigh's Creekside Crossing Shopping Center, featuring a bakery, cafe, and full-service bar. The expansion includes new menu items like Neopolitan-style pizza, soups, and charcuterie across all Triangle locations.

Led by master baker Lionel Vatinet, a three-time James Beard Foundation Award nominee, and his wife Missy, La Farm is celebrating its 25th year with locations now in Fuquay-Varina, downtown Cary, Glenwood South, RDU Airport, and this latest addition on Six Forks Road.

When is Whataburger opening a Raleigh location? 🍔

Whataburger has announced its expansion into North Carolina, with plans to open multiple locations across the state. While Charlotte and the Triad will see openings in 2025, Triangle residents will have to wait until at least 2026 for the planned Raleigh locations at 501 E. Six Forks Road and 6305 Falls of Neuse Road.

CEO Debbie Stroud outlined the rollout, which will begin with four Charlotte-area restaurants in 2025. Gastonia will open in late spring, followed by Hickory, northeast Charlotte, and Indian Land, SC. The Triad will open locations in Winston-Salem and Greensboro this summer, and High Point and Archdale will open in the fall. After this initial phase, the company plans to open about 10 new locations annually in North Carolina.

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND

RETRO PIC OF THE WEEK

Pictured below is the Five Points intersection circa 1920 looking north on Glenwood Avenue.

Hayes Barton Baptist Church now occupies the space in the middle of the frame near the utility pole.

WEEKEND WEATHER

Friday

51 🌡️ 34 | 🌤️ | 0%

Saturday

54 🌡️ 39 | 🌦️ | 50%

Sunday

46 🌡️ 21 | 🌦️ | 50%

LOCAL SPORTS

Hockey 🏒

• Friday: Carolina Hurricanes VS Las Vegas Golden Knights | 7 PM

Men’s College Basketball 🏀

• Saturday: Stanford at UNC | 2:15 PM

• Saturday: California at NC State | 6:00 PM

• Saturday: Duke at Boston College | 8:00 PM

THANKS!

Thanks for reading the Raleigh Rundown today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who likes hamburgers. 🍔

Have any suggestions for what you would like to see in future editions? Reply to this email and let me know!

Let’s do this again next Thursday!