Drew Jackson
Verified
As seen in:
The News & Observer,
LinkedIn,
MSN,
Yahoo Entertainment,
Yahoo Life,
Samsung Business USA,
Yahoo Canada,
Yahoo News,
Aol,
U.S. News and World Report,
Yahoo Finance
and
Food writer @newsobserver | failed fortune cookie writer
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Drew Jackson
2 NC spots named among the best in America for.Texas-style BBQ! Food writer Drew Jackson weighs in (Video)
N&O Food Writer Drew Jackson discusses a new ranking of Texas-style barbecue and the two N.C. restaurants that made the list. Cue fins, prepare to be surprised.
2 NC spots named among the best in America for Texas-style BBQ. 1 is in Wake Co.
Prime Barbecue in Knightdale, NC, has been named one of the 10 best Texas-style barbecue spot in America by USA Today. A Triangle barbecue destination has been named one of the country’s best spots for Texas-style que, even better than one of the biggest names in barbecue. Knightdale’s Prime Barbecue has been picked as one of the best Texas-style barbecue spots in America.
2 NC spots named among the best in America for Texas-style BBQ. 1 is in Wake Co.
U.S. Politics Now The collapse of GOP voters for Blackburn in TN. Two years later, and 1M fewer votes.
2 NC spots named among the best in America for Texas-style BBQ. 1 is in Wake Co.
Drew Jackson Mon, November 9, 2026 at 5:40 AM EST 2 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Add Yahoo on Google A Triangle barbecue destination has been named one of the country's best spots for Texas-style que, even better than one of the biggest names in barbecue. Knightdale's Prime Barbecue has been picked as one of the best Texas-style barbecue spots in America.
Triangle food scene adds a bar revival, a chef’s vision and 2 ice cream shops
The Triangle’s food and drink scene is gaining new momentum this fall, with a beloved Raleigh bar returning after more than a decade and a top Durham chef finally realizing a long-delayed vision. Two new ice cream shops are also staking out spots in Raleigh. • Sadlack’s, the sandwich shop and dive bar that stood on Hillsborough Street for 40 years before closing in 2013, is returning in a few months at 913 W. Morgan St. in Raleigh under new owner Henry Goodall.
Triangle food scene adds a bar revival, a chef’s vision and 2 ice cream shops
The Triangle's food and drink scene is gaining new momentum this fall, with a beloved Raleigh bar returning after more than a decade and a top Durham chef finally realizing a long-delayed vision. Two new ice cream shops are also staking out spots in Raleigh. Here are key takeaways: Sadlack's, the sandwich shop and dive bar that stood on Hillsborough Street for 40 years before closing in 2013, is returning in a few months at 913 W. Morgan St. in Raleigh under new owner Henry Goodall.
Triangle restaurants and cafés face closures and changes. Here’s what to know
Several beloved Triangle eateries are closing or relocating as owners cite post-pandemic struggles, oversaturated markets and shifting business conditions. From a longtime vegan standout in Raleigh to a national cookie chain, the local food scene is changing.
Durham’s latest hot spot delivers fiery spice and punchy citrus from a top chef Original
If things had gone according to chef Michael Lee’s original plans, Durham might not have one of its flagship restaurants — M Sushi. More than a decade ago when Lee was looking to open his first restaurant, he thought it would be M Nikkei, a fusion restaurant blending Japanese techniques and dishes with the spice and citrus of Peruvian ingredients. There was nothing else like it at the time in Durham, nor since.
A top chef brings a firely fusion of spice and punchy citrus to Durham with M Nikkei
M Nikkei opened in Durham’s Five Points, bringing Chef Michael Lee’s long-awaited Nikkei cuisine with hamachi ceviche, toro tiradito and locally grown Peruvian peppers.
Another signature Raleigh restaurant is closing. Drew Jackson has the details.
News & Observer food writer Drew Jackson discusses the news about Fiction Kitchen, a standout vegan restaurant in Raleigh since 2013, that will close Nov. 14 after relocating to Gateway Plaza from downtown and struggling post-COVID.
Sadlacks is coming back to Raleigh! Drew Jackson explains.
Beloved sandwich shop and dive bar Sadlacks is coming back to Raleigh in a new incarnation. News & Observer food writer expalins its history and its future.
One of Raleigh’s most influential restaurants will close after 13 years
One of Raleigh’s most distinct and influential restaurants will close this month after more than a decade of championing and celebrating vegetarian cuisine. Fiction Kitchen plans to close its doors for good on Saturday, Nov. 14, and will serve its final Sunday brunch on Nov. 8. “This was a very difficult decision and one full of tears, but we feel the time has come for us to sunset Fiction Kitchen,” owners Caroline Morris and Siobhan Southern said in an Instagram post.
The best Carolina-style BBQ joints in the US, says USA Today. 2 are in Raleigh
In barbecue, Carolina-style usually means one of two things: vinegar or tomato. In bridging the barbecue divide, there’s a new ranking of Carolina-style joints that puts a Raleigh icon in the top spot. Raleigh’s influential smokehouse The Pit Authentic Barbecue was named the country’s best Carolina-style barbecue, according to USA Today’s 10Best. In compiling its rankings 10Best barbecue experts nominated top spots and readers voted for their favorites.
Beyond Buc-ee’s: Restaurants with Texas ties keep heading to NC
North Carolina is getting a taste of the Lone Star State. Texas-based Buc-ee’s, already building one store in the state, is now eyeing a second location along Interstate 95. The travel center could join Texas-inspired restaurants setting up shop in the Raleigh area. From a barbecue joint to a beloved burger chain, here are openings The News & Observer has covered this year: • Buc-ee’s could build a second North Carolina travel center near I-95 and Halifax Road in Rocky Mount.
Beyond Buc-ee’s: Restaurants with Texas ties keep heading to NC
Reporting by Simone Jasper and Drew Jackson Tue, November 3, 2026 at 10:29 AM EST 2 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Add Yahoo on Google Sliced brisket sandwiches are a popular item at Buc-ee’s in Florence, South Carolina, one of the closest locations for many living in North Carolina. North Carolina is getting a taste of the Lone Star State.
Triangle restaurants close doors after years in business. Here’s what to know
Follow Triangle restaurants close doors after years in business. Here’s what to know Reporting by Drew Jackson Sun, November 1, 2026 at 5:01 AM EST The Pour Taproom in Durham is on the first floor of the Unscripted Hotel. Two longtime Triangle food and drink spots are shutting down, each citing changing tastes and tough industry conditions. The closings mark the end of nearly a decade of service for both businesses.
Triangle restaurants close doors after years in business. Here’s what to know
19 hours ago From Europe to Asia, governments are telling citizens to prepare for potential disruptions from war, cyberattacks and threats to critical infrastructure. But is there an immediate danger, or is this simply a matter of being prepared? Former U.S. Cybersecurity Czar Richard Clarke joins to break down …
Food & Wine named this wood-burning pizzeria the best pizza in North Carolina
Winston Salem’s Mission Pizza Napoletana was named the best pizza in North Carolina by Food & Wine magazine. North Carolina is one of the sneaky best pizza states in the country, and one of the biggest food magazines just named our best pizzeria. The wood-fired pies from Mission Pizza Napoletana have been named the best pizzas in North Carolina by Food & Wine magazine.
Food & Wine named this wood-burning pizzeria the best pizza in North Carolina
Drew Jackson Fri, October 30, 2026 at 7:25 AM EDT 2 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Add Yahoo on Google Winston Salem’s Mission Pizza Napoletana was named the best pizza in North Carolina by Food & Wine magazine. North Carolina is one of the sneaky best pizza states in the country, and one of the biggest food magazines just named our best pizzeria.
Craft beer woes continue as a pioneering Durham bar shuts off taps for good
A pioneering beer bar in Durham will end its nine-year run on Halloween, the latest signal in the ongoing slide of craft beer. The self-serve beer bar Pour Taproom announced this week that its last service would be Oct. 31, capping off nearly a decade of business in the very heart of Durham. Pour is best known for introducing self-serve beer taps to Durham in 2017.
Sushi burrito shop with a higher calling closes in RTP after 8 years
A sushi burrito shop near RTP has closed its doors after eight years in business. Sushiōki announced on its website that it had permanently closed, thanking fans and guests for their years of orders. Its last day was Oct. 17. “After 8 amazing years, and with heavy hearts, we have made the difficult decision to close Sushioki,” the owners posted online. “We are very grateful to our customers, many of whom became our friends, and to our community for your support over the years.
New restaurants are coming to Durham, Apex and Hub RTP. Here’s what to know
The Triangle’s dining scene keeps growing with fresh concepts headed to Durham, Apex and Research Triangle Park. From healthy bowls to handmade pasta, here’s a look at what’s coming to the area. • Little Barrow, a healthy comfort-food bowl restaurant, will open its first storefront at Horseshoe at Hub RTP in southwest Durham in 2027.
New restaurants are coming to Durham, Apex and Hub RTP. Here’s what to know
Cooking 2 hours ago The One-Pan French Chicken So Good, You’ll Memorize the Recipe The Kitchn - Jan Valdez • 2h Loading Email Sign-Up Form... There’s something so satisfying about turning a French classic into an easy weeknight dinner.
New restaurants are coming to Durham, Apex and Hub RTP. Here’s what to know
Reporting by Autumn Coleman & Drew Jackson. Sun, October 25, 2026 at 10:00 AM EDT 1 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Add Yahoo on Google A new superfood smoothie store has opened up in northwestern Apex’s Beaver Creek Crossings on Saturday, Oct 10 The Triangle's dining scene keeps growing with fresh concepts headed to Durham, Apex and Research Triangle Park. From healthy bowls to handmade pasta, here's a look at what's coming to the area.
Belk unveils its flagship store in Crabtree, betting on nostalgia and service
If you grew up in North Carolina you grew up going to a Belk department store, though you probably didn't call it that. For more than a century it wasn't Belk, but Belk's, the name still used by most people today, as if owned by someone they've known maybe their whole lives. Even if you've known Belk forever, the flagship location at Crabtree Valley Mall would like to reintroduce itself.
Belk unveils its flagship store in Crabtree, betting on nostalgia and service
If you grew up in North Carolina you grew up going to a Belk department store, though you probably didn’t call it that. For more than a century it wasn’t Belk, but Belk’s, the name still used by most people today, as if owned by someone they’ve known maybe their whole lives. Even if you’ve known Belk forever, the flagship location at Crabtree Valley Mall would like to reintroduce itself.
2 in NC plead guilty in international monkey torture case
Two people in North Carolina pleaded guilty to their part in an international criminal operation that produced videos of animals being tortured and killed. The US Justice Department announced this week that Mary Longoria of Brunswick County and Patrick Naylor of Hoke County pleaded guilty to conspiring to create and distribute videos of monkeys being crushed and sexually abused overseas.
Get to know the 3 new Triangle restaurants added to the Michelin guide Original
Three Triangle restaurants joined the Michelin Guide this week, earning the coveted Bib Gourmand distinction for exceptional value. The honors were announced Wednesday night in Nashville as Michelin unveiled its updated American South guide. FULL STORY: 3 Triangle restaurants earn big Michelin honors.
Triangle restaurants earn big Michelin coveted honors. Food writer Drew Jackson digs in.
Three Triangle restaurants earned their way into the Michelin Guide Wednesday night, joining the ranks of the world's most distinctive places to eat. They each earned "Bib Gourmand" honors: Ajja from Cheetie Kumar and Paul Siler; Ideal's Sandwich & Grocery from Ian Bracken and Paul Chirico; and the Carrboro pasta spot Tesoro.
A tiny North Carolina pasta counter earned a Michelin honor. It opened with just 18 seats
A sandwich shop, an intimate pasta bar and one of Raleigh’s buzziest restaurants. Three Triangle restaurants earned their way into the Michelin Guide Wednesday night, joining the ranks of the world’s most distinctive places to eat. They each earned “Bib Gourmand” honors: Ajja from Cheetie Kumar and Paul Siler; Ideal’s Sandwich & Grocery from Ian Bracken and Paul Chirico; and the Carrboro pasta spot Tesoro.
A tiny North Carolina pasta counter earned a Michelin honor. It opened with just 18 seats
South Florida 1 hour ago Boutique Rising: In South Florida’s Tower Wars, The Newest Luxury Is A Smaller Building Forbes - Peter Lane Taylor • 1h South Florida has always struggled with its identity. When I first came here in the early 1990s, vast swaths of it were still firmly anchored by Jimmy Buffett and Miami Vice. I only stayed for five years that time around.
3 Triangle restaurants earn big Michelin honors. Here’s who is now in the guide
3 Triangle restaurants earn big Michelin honors. Here’s who is now in the guide A sandwich shop, an intimate pasta bar and one of Raleigh’s buzziest restaurants. Three Triangle restaurants earned their way into the Michelin Guide …
3 Triangle restaurants earn big Michelin honors. Here’s who is now in the guide
A sandwich shop, an intimate pasta bar and one of Raleigh's buzziest restaurants. Three Triangle restaurants earned their way into the Michelin Guide Wednesday night, joining the ranks of the world's most distinctive places to eat. They each earned "Bib Gourmand" honors: Ajja from Cheetie Kumar and Paul Siler; Ideal's Sandwich & Grocery from Ian Bracken and Paul Chirico; and the Carrboro pasta spot Tesoro.
Owners of the Triangle’s favorite Italian restaurant plan to expand in Durham
A beloved Durham restaurant is expanding for the first time in years with a new Italian concept. The owners of Pomodoro Italian Kitchen will open a new restaurant in the Latta Park development in North Durham. Building on their reputation for casual Italian-American dishes, owners Carlo and Josephine Finazzo plan to open Compa Pizza & Pasta in the new development.
Owners of the Triangle’s favorite Italian restaurant plan to expand in Durham
Sandwiches 4 hours ago Must Try Milwaukee: Sandwiches onmilwaukee.com - Lori Fredrich • 4h What makes a great sandwich? The best of the best are as well thought-out as a fine dining dish. Looking for new spots to try? During Dining Month, … 0:18 2 hours ago Couple enjoys drinks at restaurant amid Paris protests USA TODAY - Trevin Smith, Reuters • 2h The unbothered couple were seen sipping on drinks near the Arc de Triomphe, where some of the main protests took place.
New Raleigh restaurant has opened, bringing Izakaya skewers to Quail Corners
Shinmai Moku, the third restaurant from the team behind Cary’s Shinmai Shokudo and Shinmai Kumo, is now open in Raleigh’s Quail Corners shopping center. The new spot leans into the Triangle’s growing Izakaya trend, built around charcoal-grilled Japanese skewers. FULL STORY: This trend is red-hot, and a new Raleigh restaurant is ready to sizzle • Shinmai Moku is located at 1200 E. Millbrook Road, joining neighbors like the relocated Clyde Cooper’s Barbecue and Big Ed’s in Quail Corners.
New Raleigh restaurant has opened, bringing Izakaya skewers to Quail Corners
Key Takeaways AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Shinmai Moku has opened at 1200 E. Millbrook Road in Raleigh's Quail Corners. The restaurant centers on Izakaya-style skewers grilled over binchotan charcoal. Shinmai Moku is the third restaurant from the team behind Shinmai Shokudo and Shinmai. The third Shinmai restaurant Moku, shown in this rendering, opened recently in the Raleigh’s Quail Corners shopping center.
New Raleigh restaurant has opened, bringing Izakaya skewers to Quail Corners
Reporting by Drew Jackson. Sun, October 18, 2026 at 11:00 AM EDT 1 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Add Yahoo on Google The third Shinmai restaurant Moku, shown in this rendering, opened recently in the Raleigh’s Quail Corners shopping center. Shinmai Moku, the third restaurant from the team behind Cary's Shinmai Shokudo and Shinmai Kumo, is now open in Raleigh's Quail Corners shopping center.
A new Italian market is now open on Person Street in Raleigh’s Oakwood
A chef-driven Italian market and eatery has opened in Raleigh’s Oakwood neighborhood, taking over the former Ish Deli space on Person Street. Gallicchio’s Market & Eatery is the project of longtime chef Stacy Murphy, who drew on the Italian markets and delis of her Northeast upbringing. • Gallicchio’s fills the former Ish Deli spot on Person Street, sharing a building with Person Street Pharmacy. Owner Stacy Murphy lives in Oakwood and said the neighborhood connection drove the location choice.
A new Italian market is now open on Person Street in Raleigh’s Oakwood
Reporting by Drew Jackson. Sat, October 17, 2026 at 11:00 AM EDT 2 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Add Yahoo on Google The Oakwood neighborhood got a new Italian market and restaurant, Gallicchio’s from chef Stacy Murphy. A chef-driven Italian market and eatery has opened in Raleigh's Oakwood neighborhood, taking over the former Ish Deli space on Person Street.
A new Italian market is now open on Person Street in Raleigh’s Oakwood
The Oakwood neighborhood got a new Italian market and restaurant, Gallicchio’s from chef Stacy Murphy. Key Takeaways AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Gallicchio’s Market & Eatery opened in Raleigh’s Oakwood on Person Street. The market occupies the former Ish Deli space beside Person Street Pharmacy. Chef Stacy Murphy’s menu mixes Italian American dishes with New Orleans.
A new Italian market is now open on Person Street in Raleigh’s Oakwood
Miss Manners: Do I owe a thank-you for a charity donation made in my name? Dear Miss Manners: I received a card indicating that a donation had been made to a charity in my name. The amount of the donation was not specified. …
Driver convicted after he hit, killed woman, 78, in front of Johnston County courthouse
Less than a month after he struck and killed a woman walking in a crosswalk in front of the Johnston County courthouse, a Wayne County man was found guilty of death by motor vehicle. Selvin Adelso Vasquez-Perez, 20, was found guilty in a Wednesday bench trial for his role in the Sept. 19 crash that killed 78-year-old Virginia Tucker Lyon of Smithfield, the Johnston County District Attorney’s office announced Friday.
Charlotte & WNC hotels among ‘very best’ in the US, Michelin says. Which ones?
The Ivey’s Hotel photographed in March 2017. AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. The Ivey’s Hotel in Charlotte received one Michelin Key in the 2026 guide. The 47-room Ivey’s Hotel also earned one Michelin Key when awards began in 2024. Nine North Carolina hotels made Michelin’s 2026 guide, more than double last year. A Charlotte boutique hotel has once again been recognized among the world’s finest by the Michelin Guide.
A signature restaurant in downtown Raleigh has new owners. Here’s what’s changed
One of downtown Raleigh’s signature restaurants has new owners after 14 years in business. Bida Manda, an influential and transportive Laotian restaurant on Moore Square, is now owned by Chuan and Anna Tsay, who also own Heirloom in downtown Raleigh. The restaurant was founded in 2012 by brother and sister Vansana and Vanvisa Nolintha, taking its name from the sanskrit words for mother and father. Now Bida Manda has a new family, and its new owners hope to welcome new diners through its doors.
Prime BBQ co-owner sues acclaimed pitmaster over RTP expansion
The co-owners of one of North Carolina’s most acclaimed barbecue spots are entangled in a lawsuit over that restaurant’s expansion plans. Last week, Prime Barbecue co-owner Fred Von Canon filed a lawsuit in Wake County Superior Court against pitmaster and majority owner Christopher Prieto, alleging he was cut out of plans to expand the acclaimed restaurant brand into RTP.
Use our 10 foodie tours to find the best foods at the 2026 NC State Fair
Key Takeaways AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. The News & Observer offers 10 self-guided foodie tours for the 2026 NC State Fair. The tours include 25 reader-loved vendors plus more fair food favorites. An interactive tool helps fairgoers map out a foodie day at the fair. The North Carolina State Fair is a celebration of home, history and culinary delight.
Use our 10 foodie tours to find the best foods at the 2026 NC State Fair
The North Carolina State Fair is a celebration of home, history and culinary delight. We at The News & Observer are no stranger to the imaginative and simply delicious food that you can get on the fairgrounds every October. We tell our readers year after year which new foods are worth waiting in long lines for and share the stories of vendors who have been serving fair classics for generations.
Use our 10 foodie tours to find the best foods at the 2026 NC State Fair
The North Carolina State Fair is a celebration of home, history and culinary delight. We at The News & Observer are no stranger to the imaginative and simply delicious food that you can get on the fairgrounds every October. We tell our readers year after year which new foods are worth waiting in long lines for and share the stories of vendors who have been serving fair classics for generations.
Popular lobster pop food truck won't return to NC State Fair over new vendor fees
; ; ; Continue reading More for You
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Drew
Contact Drew, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack