New Businesses in Downtown Raleigh [2024]

Are you a resident of Raleigh and interested in discovering new businesses in the downtown area? Here are some of the new businesses that are in downtown Raleigh and coming to the area.

Raleigh is experiencing significant growth, so staying updated on all the new developments and businesses entering the area is crucial. Whether you're in search of a go-to brunch spot or a new boutique to explore, numerous establishments are springing up around the city for everyone's enjoyment.

WalletHub has ranked Raleigh as the 11th best place in the country to start a business, and entrepreneurs are capitalizing on this opportunity. The Downtown Raleigh Alliance has identified a noticeable shift in Downtown. Despite the pandemic's impact on foot traffic, this trend has reversed, resulting in more business openings than closures.

The anticipated increase in population, with approximately 4,500 new residents, represents a 45% growth attributed to the influx of new businesses. With contemporary developers and retailers setting their sights on this area, exciting opportunities are on the horizon, accompanied by a projected surge in population.

Check out the new businesses that have recently been announced to move to Downtown Raleigh and those that have just opened here. 

Here are new businesses in Downtown Raleigh as of 2024. 

1. Biscuit Belly

Address: 708 Seaboard Station Dr, Raleigh, NC 27604

Description: Breakfast and Brunch

Biscuit Belly, a fast-casual breakfast concept known for its large biscuit sandwiches, opened its first North Carolina location in Raleigh on April 30th. This franchise originated in Kentucky and currently has eight locations in other states but is now expanding to the Carolinas.

Whether you're craving adventurous flavors or classic comfort food favorites, Biscuit Belly has the perfect options to satisfy your cravings. Their menu features biscuit sandwiches, brunch items, and much more, and you can enjoy them at their new location in Downtown Raleigh.

2. Bistro 401

Address: 401 Fayetteville St #103, Raleigh, NC 27601

Description: Cafe

Bistro 401 is a charming café strategically situated across from the courthouse on Fayetteville Street in Downtown Raleigh. With its prime location near legal professionals, courthouse employees, downtown workers, and visitors, this location is thriving to be the go-to spot for a quick breakfast, a luxury lunch, or a caffeine fix in the heart of the city.

This is Downtown Raleigh's newest lunch restaurant, serving drinks along with sandwiches, wraps, salads, and sweet or savory crepes. Located near many parking lots, other dining and shopping places, and entertainment venues, this is a great destination for this new café to open.

3. The Cellar Liquor Bar

Address: 905 W Morgan St #201, Raleigh, NC 27603

Description: Cozy Cellar Speakeasy

The Cellar Liquor Bar is a bourbon-focused bar located downstairs at Wolfe and Porter, which is on the top floor of the building. It offers a quieter environment and focuses on bourbon and classic cocktails.

This new bar will offer the cozy cocktail haven we all know and love, plus a curated selection of aged wines, beers, and spirits, all within a peaceful environment. With the two concepts under one roof, these new and improved bars are a perfect addition to the neighborhood.

Located between Downtown and NC State, The Cellar Liquor Bar is the perfect spot to cater to every customer with its diverse vibes on the top and bottom levels. If you are looking for a unique place in Raleigh that has it all, stop by The Cellar Liquor Bar.

4. The Devereux Lounge

Address: 911 N West St 103, Raleigh, NC 27603

Description: Bar

A local trio opened The Devereux to provide a welcoming neighborhood bar that isn't just a cocktail or dive bar but also offers boozy slushies. Housed in the former space of Pink Boot, this honky-tonk aesthetic bar is more than just a spot for a drink; it's a place to feel at home.

The Devereux Lounge offers great cocktails and drinks, as well as a place to hang out with friends and play bar games. This relaxed neighborhood drinking spot also serves approachable cocktails and food from the adjoining sister restaurant, Prospects. Don't miss out on this new experience located in the heart of the city.

5. Figulina Pasta + Provisions

Address: 317 S Harrington St, Raleigh, NC 27603

Description: Restaurant

Figulina Pasta + Provisions is a pasta-centric restaurant made with seasonal ingredients from the Carolinas. According to the owner, this is not your classic Italian concept; Figulina will use pasta as a vessel to highlight North Carolina ingredients from local farming and fishing communities with a touch of Southern flair. 

Along with the resources, there is also a small retail section with provisions like cookbooks, dry pasta, and tinned fish, with plans to expand and include offerings like fresh pasta and sauces. Figulina has many plans for the future with this new restaurant. 

Located in Downtown Humble Pie, this is a must-try place in the city. 

6. The Flavor Hills

Address: 319 Fayetteville St 105, Raleigh, CN 27601

Description: Southern Restaurant

The Flavor Hills is where modern culinary excellence meets Southern charm. Bring the rich flavors of the South to your table while you immerse yourself in the warm ambiance of the restaurants, where a modern scratch kitchen crafts dishes that celebrate the heritage of Southern cooking.

From soulful classics to contemporary twists, the menu here is a journey through the heart of Southern culinary traditions. At The Flavor Hills, they take pride in their carefully crafted bar, offering an array of libations to complement your dining experience.

From signature Bottomless Mimosas to the extensive curated drink menu, this is a great place for positive vibes where friends and families can eat, drink, and have a good time.

7. Yatai Market

Address: 500 E Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Description: Japanese Restaurant

Yatai Market is a globally inspired fish market, restaurant, and speakeasy located in Transfer Food Hall in Downtown Raleigh. It offers sushi, tacos, and more. The market features multiple food and beverage stalls in various styles. 

One stall will offer freshly prepared seafood staples like sushi and ramen from Hapa, while another stall will showcase familiar Baja-style fish tacos. In a third stall, there will be the experience of a speakeasy boasting a global-trotting bar menu that will have a range of sake cocktails, Japanese Whiskey Old Fashioneds, and Mezcal Margaritas.

8. Gussie's

Address: 927 W Morgan St 116, Raleigh, NC 27603

Description: Bar

Gussie's is a new version of an old idea: a mid-day to midnight neighborhood bar that provides a welcoming ambiance for dining in, enjoying drinks with friends, or even grabbing a pint until midnight.

It offers a fresh take on the neighborhood bottle shop and bar, combining local retail with small plates inspired by a wide range of American cuisine. Gussie's is a fantastic new spot to stop by for a quick bite or to hang out.

Gussie's is not just an ordinary cocktail bar, taproom, restaurant, or bottle shop; it's a bit of everything. The establishment includes a grab-and-go section with outdoor seating and a small bar offering sandwiches, salads, drinks, snacks, coffee, and a mini bottle shop on one side. On the other side, there's more of a sit-down area with elevated bar food.

This new lounge-like atmosphere, adorned with colorful murals and wallpaper, provides a great place to hang out with friends or enjoy all that it has to offer. If you're in town, be sure to check out Gussie's for a wonderful experience.

9. Oak City Yoga

Address: d301 N West St, 109, Raleigh, NC 27603

Description: Yoga Studio

Oak City Yoga is a retail atelier and yoga studio that offers wellness courses for the body and mind. The owner's mission is to make yoga as accessible as possible, regardless of your income level. The cost of classes or membership at Oak City Yoga is below market value, and free yoga pop-ups will remain a staple here.

The classes at Oak City are designed to make everyone feel comfortable, including men and people who are new to yoga. These classes often incorporate beer, wine, mimosas, and even adoptable dogs and cats. This is a highly laid-back, open environment that encourages networking and fellowship for all.

As the new space continues to grow, Oak City will incorporate wellness services such as massage and acupuncture, as well as selling high-quality athleisure and athletic streetwear. Everything here will be ethically and sustainably sourced, hoping to make a difference in the world.

Book a class here as well as check out the available schedule. 

10. Press Coffee, Cocktails, and Crepes

Address: 400 Hillsborough Street 108, Raleigh, NC 27603

Description: Cafe

Press Coffee, Cocktails, and Crepes is a European cafe with a Carolina twist that serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch. This coffeehouse offers quality coffee and a variety of sweet and savory crepes, providing a unique experience in the heart of the city.

The expansion of this cafe is a welcome addition to the downtown dining scene, which has seen several closures since the pandemic. Using simple ingredients to create extraordinary food and drinks is what makes this place special. They believe that locally sourced, quality food should be accessible to all, and that exceptional coffee and cocktails are prepared with skill to create an inviting and educational experience.

With its new opening, this is a great place to stop by and enjoy some delicious drinks and food, even if you are on the go. Located in the heart of the city, this cafe is a popular place to gather.

Methodology

We used information from different sources and our data to create this guide, which shows the new businesses in Downtown Raleigh. We used various data sets, so we put them together to help you learn more about the businesses in the area.

• Downtown Raleigh Alliance
• WalletHub
• Raleigh Magazine

The following are a few sources we used to gather most of our information about the new businesses in Downtown Raleigh, NC. 

FAQS

Is Raleigh, NC, a good place to start a business?

Raleigh ranks as one of the top spots to launch a small business. The city ranks highly in almost every category, including business climate, entrepreneurship, and local economy. 

How many new businesses are coming to Downtown Raleigh?

More than 20 new businesses are planning to open in Downtown Raleigh. Many have relocated, closed, or changed. With all these new businesses opening, Raleigh is gaining many new things to do.

Is Downtown Raleigh growing?

Since 2018, Downtown has been experiencing rapid growth, with many businesses relocating here and more new investment properties being developed. Raleigh has always been one of the best places to live, but with the bustling city booming, more people are coming to Raleigh every day.

New Businesses in Downtown Raleigh [2024] - The Bottom Line

It is no secret that Raleigh's Downtown scene is booming and constantly growing and evolving. Despite some businesses closing, there are many new places relocating downtown for you to enjoy.

Downtown Raleigh has become a lively activity hub that continues attracting significant growth and investment. As a focal point for commerce and government, it also boasts a thriving creative culture with artists, musicians, innovative tech companies, award-winning chefs, and cutting-edge makers working together to shape the Downtown Raleigh experience.

Whether you are interested in visiting one of these fantastic new businesses or starting your own, Raleigh is an excellent place. If you are contemplating a move to Raleigh, the job opportunities are abundant, ranging from large corporations to small, family-owned shops.

If you are considering moving or selling, contact us or visit our website. Our team at Raleigh Realty is here to help you with any home buying or selling needs.