Passions and Progress

We often see articles that feature updates, ‘where are they now?’ and with all the plans for new places to explore in our area, we thought it would be neat to focus on where they are now (and when they’ll open). Our area has welcomed many new additions in the realm of food and drink and we’re happy for more cuisines, a mix of locations, and acclaimed chefs.

Siler City and Silk Hope
Oasis Open Air Market recently started their weekly events, which include hours during the Siler City Farmers’ Market, adding to the lively atmosphere. They’re partnering with groups that are hosting events (including the Third Friday Downtown Music Series), so you’ll find plenty of food vendors too, among the art galleries in historic downtown Siler City. Kick off spring at the British Block Party (Apr 8) and check out the mix of vendors at the Oasis Open Air Market this year.

Pickle Jar Café and Catering recently opened, near Silk Hope Farm Heritage Park. Want to experience local flair and food? Here, you’ll meet local residents who know the best places to explore, how to get there, and other helpful tips. Take a trip on the roads to this area, with plenty of farmland scenery along the way, and fresh air. They serve breakfast, lunch, and coffee and focus on scratch-made recipes with farm-fresh ingredients whenever possible. Try salads, burgers, hot dogs, omelets, pancakes, and more. Pulled pork, sausage and collards, and catfish Reuben are among the varied sandwich options.

Peppercorn is the third business owned by Joan Underwood. You’ve possibly visited Courtyard Coffee & Café and Blue Dot. Both are great coffee shops with atmosphere that invites you to sip slowly. Since her spots make everyone love to linger, it’s going to be fun when Peppercorn opens later this year, with plenty of food and plans include offering a venue space for events, special occasions, etc.

Pittsboro
Bottle Rev will open late 2017 (projected, as we anticipate possible weather or other delays) and it will be the largest of the four locations in the Research Triangle Region. The site offers a taproom, which is two-thirds of the total 2,400 sq ft. Craft beer on tap and wine by the glass will be available and the lounge area is going to be comfortable and inviting. One-third of Bottle Rev in Pittsboro will be a bottle shop with a selection of beer and wine, including N.C. offerings. A festive and lively atmosphere, pub runs, trivia nights, and other events are planned.
The location will share a lovely outdoor seating area with Root Cellar Pittsboro, creating an excellent place for guests to appreciate food and drink. The most notable difference from the other Bottle Rev locations is the amount of space dedicated to the taproom and strong commitment to wine. Bottle Rev in Pittsboro will join the Heart of NC Trails when they open and the excitement continues to build as we add to our collection of places to stay and enjoy craft beverages.

Adjacent to Bottle Rev will be the Root Cellar Café & Catering; owners Sera Cuni and Susan White will open a second location of their popular eatery in the new Penguin Place at Chatham Park. The new 3,725 square foot café will offer the same core menu and catering options as the Chapel Hill location, with a stronger focus on dinner, more outdoor seating, and seasonal flavors, featuring locally-sourced ingredients. They are targeting a fall 2017 opening. Susan White grew up in Chatham County and Sera Cuni has lived in Chatham County for more than a decade; together, they bring their scratch-made food to guests at this new location, with sandwiches, salads, baked goods, breakfast and coffee, and a smaller, focused selection of specialty food items for sale, including jams, sauces and peanut butters.

The Root Cellar will also bring its popular Family Dinner and Paleo Family Dinner program to Pittsboro, offering a weeks-worth of scratch-made meals that customers can pick up and eat at home. The building design team includes ORA Architecture in Raleigh, Hobbs Architects of Pittsboro, Civil Consultants Inc. in Durham and Gateway Building of Durham. Public art at Penguin Place will feature the sculptured works of Edwin White, a member of the Chatham Artists Guild who resides in Siler City. As the project name suggests, Edwin’s work will feature ‘waddles’ of penguins.

Postal Fish Company launches an inaugural oyster roast (Mar 19) at City Tap and a pop-up event, Easter brunch, at Fair Game Beverage Company. They plan to open later this year and Chef Hartley and Chef Clark will focus on seafood prepared well, a sustainable approach, and a strong commitment of customer service to their community and guests.

We’ll keep you posted about these passionate entrepreneurs and their businesses as they progress.