Carolina Ale House and More Coming to Glenwood South

As if there weren’t enough wings, burger and beer joints on Glenwood South already, here comes another one. Carolina Ale House and three other restaurants (Taverna Agora, Bentley’s and more…) will be added to Nightlife Central soon. The new Ale House will not be but a couple of blocks from the upcoming Tobacco Road Cafe. There won’t be a shortage of places to watch your weekly intake of sports. I wonder how many televisions Glenwood South will have after 2009? Let’s hope all of these new restaurants are up for the competition.

While it’s great that this building will be renovated, as I have been screaming for years, where’s the retail? Food and no goods. That’s no good.

b11/14 07:37 PM

Booooooooooo!

Lisa Jeffries11/14 07:41 PM

Ditto. We can’t eat alllll the time.

I’m not a huge fan of opening up the same concepts all over the place. I’d prefer something original. If I want Carolina Ale House, I’m the same distance from Glenwood that I am to Crossroads… but I guess not everyone has that luxury.

Johnny11/14 08:07 PM

the diversity of business appropriately matches the diversity of patrons.

wait… what does diversity even mean?

claire11/15 12:26 PM

“glo-so” just gets more and more boring with every new chain that comes in- lame!!!

DPK11/15 01:29 PM

You people sure do complain a lot. Don’t like it, go buy yourself some property and do something about it. At least someone is trying to do something in this economy.

TSnow2760411/15 03:48 PM

I’m going to have to politely agree with DPK. It’s much better than an empty building.

Gim11/15 06:14 PM

It’s a bar district. There will not be retail - unless that retail is open from 8p-3a and serves beer.

Acree11/15 09:10 PM

While complaining isn’t the most constructive thing, it at least provides information to entrepreneurs. We’re basically standing on the street, shouting, “Hey! I’ve got money burning a hole in my pocket! Let me tell you exactly how I’d like to spend it!” Now if only more businesses would cater to our wants…

Jedidiah11/15 09:23 PM

DPK/Tony,

I understand your sentiments bit there’s a big difference between complaining and being critical. Cities can’t survive on beer and food but Raleigh is trying it’s best and my fear is that if we don’t adopt a more rounded approach, our city won’t progress positively.

Gim,

Name a district that isn’t a bar district…. Plus why should something be created and known as a bar district? We are more diverse than that as a culture to have “districts” dedicated to tasks of life. Sure New York and London have districts but their cities bleed diversity. Ours bleeds beer and restaurants that fail quickly, not culture. We need more culture, not wings and booze.

Acree11/15 09:44 PM

In Atlanta, districts are based on the culture of the people who spend time there. You have Little Five Points for the culturally marginal and “out there” types, Buckhead for the Fortune 500 young professionals, Virginia Highlands for the bohemian bourgeois, East Atlanta for the hipsters, etc. All those districts have bars, but they vary in terms of atmosphere, pricing, patronage. To call something a “bar district” doesn’t really say anything about it, except perhaps that this is a city unfamiliar with mixed use areas.

Aaron11/16 11:32 PM

You people seem to forget we’re a college and sports town, don’t you.

The Witness11/17 12:46 AM

The problem is indeed a cultural one, no matter how you choose to see it. The entire “area” is swarming with I-need-to-get-laid prowlers, I-need-to-be-accepted-cause-I’m-aging-too-fast-professional-working ladies and men, I’m-tired-of-my-North-Raleigh/Cary-strip-mall-corporate-dining-option yuppies, and who-won-the-game-let’s-get-drunk-my-part-is-small college jocks. Yes, where these people go, there is sure to be money and a way of life leading the way… And yes, there are a few gems and outcasts who exist in the borderlands… Sometimes methinks empty buildings are more beautiful without the barely conscious people and the stupid ideas they spawn moving around inside of them. Eat, get drunk, make some money, spend some money, and so proceed, ad infinitum… One must understand the culture to which one belongs, and adjust accordingly. Good day from one who loves the good people of this city.

Smitty11/17 12:47 AM

At least it will be locally owned unlike Sullivan’s.

Tc11/17 02:09 AM

Raleigh is not a college town, and though I’m a fan of the sports here, it’s not really a sports town either.

A college town is a place where the economy survives based on the contribution of the students that temporarily live there. That’s Chapel Hill, not Raleigh.

TSnow2760411/17 09:33 AM

Some of you seem to think this is constructive criticism which I find hard to believe. Most all responses seem to simply say they want something other than a bar or a restaurant. One or two say they want “retail” and some talk of “diversity.” Could you be more vague? Retail - selling what? Clothes? Is Catch-22 doing that well? Stitch moved. Cherry moved. The chocolate place seems to always be closed. Firefly is gone. Is this really the place to open your business if you want to be successful? Certainly not in historical terms. And if diversity only means bars and restaurants then I would ask if the same patrons of Sullivans and Tasca Brava are the same that go to Hi-5 and the Bassment? How about the Rockford and Haven? And why are we dwelling on the Carolina Ale House (which will give us a second potentially really cool rooftop spot.) It sounds like we are getting a Greek restaurant and Bentley’s seems to get very good reviews. Why not? That building has been empty for many years and during this economic pit, we actually have someone who wants to open new places in an area of town we all seem to care about. Everything is stalling across town and we get this news and the overwhelming reponse is moaning and groaning. I don’t get it.

Jenna11/17 12:12 PM

I don’t have a subscription to TBJ, so I couldn’t read the whole article. Does it mention what kind of restaurants are planned for the first two floors?

(Side note: I, for one, am excited about another rooftop bar in Raleigh, regardless of its “Sports Bar” status.)

bt11/17 01:06 PM

Shame on LM Restaurants for taking an obviously successful business model and trying to capitalize on it by opening a location in one of the most popular “districts” for nightlife in Raleigh. Its apalling, frankly. The last thing downtown Raleigh needs is another successful business opening adding jobs to the economy. Also, where are all the “chains” in Glenwood South? Sullivan’s is the only one that comes to mind…

CF11/17 02:16 PM

Thank you bt and tsnow. The negativity around what should be seen as good news was starting to depress me.

David11/17 02:50 PM

Haha, writing on another site, I predicted the response from this site of the renovation. Unpredictability and diversity of opinion are not the strong suit of NR armchair culturalist complainers.
How about YOU create a great dish to eat/new business venture/service that people enjoy instead of constantly complaining about what other people are doing? Because it’s easier to complain than do anything with your life, that’s why.

arthurb311/17 03:17 PM

You people are funny! Get off the computer and get out everynight and chat up some people and take them to a resturant/bar!!!

CF11/17 03:52 PM

the guy advertising his web site is telling us to get off the computer….

MMI11/17 06:56 PM

Wow, the great blank space on G’wood is going to become something interesting! Hey, this makes me happy. How many times have you even NOTICED that building as something other than the landmark to turn toward the parking deck or The Creamery?

Secondarily, we get another version of the excellent Taverna Agora’. I don’t see how that can be a bad thing.

Chico Scott11/17 09:57 PM

I think it’s great. Myrtle Beach is too far away, and now I can just down to Glenwood my touristy vacation. More televisions please!

Smitty11/18 12:36 AM

Call me kooky, but nowhere in the article does it say he is building a Bently’s or Taverna Agora.

Bub11/18 12:52 AM

Due to the lack of experienced trumpeters, the end of the world has been postponed for three weeks…

MMI11/18 02:01 AM

You’re right, Bub. Maybe there was unposted info, or perhaps it was an inference from this linked article:
http://triangle.bizjournals.com/triangle/stories/2008/03/10/daily7.html

“LM Restaurants is the operator of the Carolina Ale House chain of restaurants. Moshakos also operates Taverna Agora, a Greek restaurant and bar in Raleigh, and the Bentley’s at Crossroads restaurant in Cary.”

ErnstStarvoBlofield11/18 10:33 AM

Many of the people on this site just make me laugh. You want retail ??? Then open something up ? For a measy amount of about $250K to $10M, you too can have you own retail store as many have tried and fail on GS. Then you can quit complaining.

Ale houses have very good food and add in the fact that one of most successful LOCAL restaurants wants to invest inside the Raleigh, well, that is a good thing.

Articles like this and many of the responses are why my friends who claim newraleigh.com is the new media in town are clueless complainers who can barely hold down a job and are critical of everyone and everything else.

GD11/18 10:43 AM

Besides Sullivans you have Stool Pigeons which is a chain. Armadillo is a local chain. Dunkin Donuts will be open soon so theres another one.

I am excited about this - more rooftop bars are needed and this supplies that. Also another greek restaurant in Raleigh? YES!

sarah11/18 11:19 AM

Even though I do not like restaurants/bars like the Carolina Ale House (I think they have no character and should be kept in places like Crossroads), I do agree that it is better then an empty building. While I will choose to patron other restaurants and bars in downtown area, I am sure it will fare well. There are a lot of people in the triangle that frequent the already opened Carolina Ale Houses. Maybe it will bring people downtown that would normally go to crossroads or North Raleigh…then they will find out about all the great things going on in our Capital’s city center. Good luck to all involved.

Acree11/18 12:35 PM

@ESB:

Why shouldn’t people voice their desires and visions for their city? I would think that this kind of information would be very valuable to a business owner hoping to succeed in downtown. Corporations actually spend money on polls to discern public opinion, and here we are offering it for free! I am not gifted with the talents of a businessperson, so it would be foolish of me to start up a store or restaurant whenever I found myself wanting of one. Instead, I express that want (demand) in hopes that someone will hear it and respond (supply). Supply meeting demand makes for an efficient economy. The way I contribute to my city is by engaging in constructively critical dialogs. Yours is the same argument that pipes up during political discussions and cries, “If you don’t like how Bush is running the country why don’t YOU try running for president!” No, actually, being vocally critical of our city or country’s shortcomings—granted, with a respectful attitude—is part of what it means to be a citizen of a democracy. I criticize Raleigh because I love it so much, and I long for it to fulfill some of the many possibilities I see in it.

David11/18 01:28 PM

Acree,

I don’t think your comments are ones that ESB’s, mine, or others outside this bubble are talking about.

hackles1011/18 01:52 PM

When I first read the news it seemed like they were going to use the space for 2-3 establishments. Any news on whether Agora will be one of them, or if its just a restaurant owned by this management group?

I think a greek place with a back porch/view from the second floor would be awesome at Glenwood South! Saganaki….OPA!!!!!!!

Daniellecc11/18 03:17 PM

Hi,
I came across this post and its comments looking for information on a restaurant.
I am one of the owners of “the chocolate place” mentioned in a comment above by TSnow, and just wanted to clarify that we are not always closed. Our hours are tuesday to saturday, 12 noon to 10pm, on weekends we stay open a bit later. As you can see, we accommodated our hours to fit the area’s hours a bit better, and serve those who might want something else other than beer or liquor after their meal, during the day we get a fair amount of people that come in for hot chocolate, coffee, chocolates for themselves or for gifts. We have a very nice, diverse and loyal following.
The only time we have been “always closed” was a week ago, when we closed for a bit of re-modeling because we needed some more space to be able to keep up with the demand, our goal was to just close for 2 days, but we all know how construction goes, and had to be closed for the entire week. We are opened again with a brand new production space and working hard to make enough chocolates for the holiday season.
Just wanted to let people know, we are NOT “always closed”.

Thank you,
Danielle
Escazu Artisan Chocolates

TSnow2760411/18 07:28 PM

Danielle, you’re right and I’m sorry. I get on other people for generalizing and I did it myself. I did say “seems” so I hope you’re not too mad. I have been by and will say that I didn’t see anyone (and I don’t think I saw any chocolate) so I felt kind of intimidated and didn’t come in. But that was only one time and no one should base their opinion on one experience especially when they quit before trying. I love me some chocolate and look forward to visiting soon.

D.to.the.B11/19 03:44 PM

What somebody NEEDS to do is open a pizza place that serves slices 2:00am-4:00am. They’d make a killing!

hackles1011/19 04:28 PM

^agreed, some late night food is the next necessity for glenwood south. Snoopys and the hot dog carts aren’t cutting it.

Throw a diner down there, slice by-the-slice, or late night sub shop and it would make a killing!

David11/20 12:22 PM

On the first, second and basement floors of the building, Moshakos, a native of Greece, is considering two concepts, including one that would serve small plates of Mediterranean food and at least 50 different wines available by the glass. Moshakos is considering opening a smaller restaurant with a wine cellar in the basement.

-TBJ

It doesn’t look like the other two spots are chains, for those that even care. All three spots will bring life to the building as well as another small part of downtown. But they probably won’t be wearing the right kind of clothes or interested in the right kinds of things for NR posters, so it’ll be a wash in the end.

Ben11/20 03:25 PM

Another rooftop bar is a great addition for Glenwood South. One of the greatest benefits that no one’s mentioned - relatively clean air. An 8-month a year outdoor option that gives you city views and a fighting chances against emphysema is alright by me. For those of us that live downtown, this will be a great option!!

Stephen11/20 03:37 PM

Retail - in downtown Raleigh, c’mon?? There’s 6,000 people that live downtown…6,000. I live downtown with my 5,999 friends. We’d all love to see retail…and a grocery store…and a movie theatre…But let’s be realistic - people head downtown for nightlife. The Ale House is a case of demand being met. There’s no demand for retail - and - the lease price sq/ft would require retailers to charge a premium that no one will pay to subsidize the novelty of downtown shopping. I say bring on the drunk Hockey fans - DT Raleigh is officially on the map :p

Micah11/20 04:50 PM

I also live downtown, and must say that we already have a movie theatre and a grocery store. There is Mission Valley and the Rialto (both locally owned and operated), and Harris Teeter at Cameron Village. Sure, they aren’t next the Raleigh Times (some seem to feel that RT and the five blocks around it are the maximum limits of “downtown”), but they are still very accessible to downtowners. There is no way a cinema or a grocery the size of Teeter or Mission Valley could survive in the “real” downtown.

MMI11/20 05:42 PM

By that definition (which I happen to agree with, BTW), we should also include The Fresh Market and Whole Paycheck. Maybe not so much the Food Lion on Western.

dave11/25 07:08 PM

don’t forget the capital city grocery…oops, another retail store bites the dust downtown.

hackles1007/11 05:44 PM

any news on the progress of this project??

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Jedidiah Friday, November 14, 2008