Maurer Architecture

Figulina Pasta & Provisions brings a fresh concept to the space that was once home to Humble Pie, continuing the building’s restaurant legacy. The central concept of the new design was converting a portion of the dining space into an open concept pasta room which serves as the hub of the kitchen, and also grants diners the opportunity to observe the pasta prep process. New lighting and a new color scheme throughout the restaurant gives this new eatery a new identity.

In addition to excellent cuisine this rehabbed warehouse space provides a warm, ambient atmosphere, guaranteeing a delightful dining experience.

Photographed by: Kyle Foreman Photography

Some of you may remember 905 W. Morgan St as the dive bar Drink Drank Drunk and Atomic Salon; you also might recall the building was completely divided between the bar, the salon and the basement below. In 2021 the owners began re-envisioning the space and soon after the transformation was underway! Fast forward to today and the building now has a totally open floor plan that flows seamlessly between the upper and lower levels. The front patio was renovated and a spacious deck was added to the rear of the building.

While the space does flow from one level to the other, the building is home to 2 concepts under 1 roof. Wolfe & Porter encompasses the upper level and offers a more beer celebrated vibe while its lower level counterpart, Cellar Liquor Bar, leans more towards a cocktail driven menu. Each provides a satisfying array of options.

Photographed by: JR Photography

Raleigh Chef Sunny Gerhart’s newest restaurant concept couples spectacular Spanish-Italian-New Orleans themed fare and stunning design.

This historic building was originally constructed in the 1940’s and operated as a grocery store and laundromat among other businesses over the years, and eventually sat vacant. Following years of planning, preserving and restoring, the space has found new purpose as a Wilmington culinary hot spot. With original storefront windows and 12-foot ceilings, the design concept was to work with the existing materials (including exposed masonry & steel beams) to create a warm and intimate dining experience.

One of the restaurant’s prominent features is a large open kitchen (including a wood-fired grill) lined with bar seating, inviting diners to view the culinary magic in action. The walls surrounding the kitchen and bar area are clad in bright zellige tile providing a complementary contrast to the hues throughout the restaurant.

Photographed by: Anna Routh Barzin

Design Team Included: Kilt Creative

With a name stemming from the Hindu and Urdu word “come over”, this Mediterranean meets Middle Eastern restaurant offers amazing fare along with an intimate neighborhood vibe. A vibrant and warm atmosphere welcomes you and invites you in.

The cozy indoor bar and seating area meets an expansive covered patio providing ample seating options for al fresco diners. A large, u-shaped bar serves as the focal point of the outdoor space. Globe lights and colorful paper lanterns hang from the ceiling boosting the space’s alluring mood.

Ajja’s downtown adjacent location presents visitors with a backyard view of the Raleigh skyline.

Photographed by: JR Photography

Eastcut Sandwich Bar has a new location! After gaining popularity in Durham over the past 5 years, the owners decided to share their mouthwatering menu with the Raleigh community - opening a 2nd location at Raleigh Iron Works. The new spot offers ~1,200 sq ft of dining space, with a covered front porch and open side yard providing an abundance of outdoor seating.

With a philosophy of cultivating Sandwich Utopia coupled with approachable design…it’s no surprise this sandwich shop’s popularity has snowballed. The owners wanted to keep the same good vibes going in the new location and the finished product does not disappoint!

Photographed by: JR Photography

From South St to Dupont Circle - Boulted Bread’s new home is just a few blocks away from its original location where all the baked goodness began in 2014. The reason for the relo? More space!

This adaptive re-use project transformed an existing 4,600 sq ft warehouse building into a bakery and cafe retail space. One of the primary design goals was maintaining Boulted’s ingrained family and friends vibe.

A 30-foot counter built from reclaimed lumber separates the baking from the seating, and showcases the day’s baked treats. Behind the counter you’ll find a large, handmade bread rack presenting the day’s loaves. An enclosed mill room supports the creation of in-house milled flour, and the new oven can bake up to 120 loaves at one time (previously only ~36). In front of the counter is a seating area of thrifted and vintage pieces that accommodates up to a couple dozen people - from friendly-faced regulars to newcomers alike.

Photographed by: JR Photography

Design Team Included: Oak City Customs

The future of food and hospitality requires innovation and creativity. Cheeni Indian Food Emporium delivers on this, offering unique dining experiences for guests. Located in Falls River Shopping Center, Cheeni offers cooking classes, grab and go fare, and tiffin (traditional Indian snacks), all crafted by Chef Preeti Waas.

Photographed by: JR Photography

Bright Spot Donuts in Five Points! The existing 800 sf building was previously an office for an old 15-car garage, which was later demolished.

The building is compact, but full of color and natural light. With a creative menu and coffee program, the focal points of the space are the espresso machine and the custom donut glazing wall.

Photographed by: JR Photography

1 S Front St. is the new home of Seabird restaurant in downtown Wilmington. The space came together beautifully with incredibly intentional design elements. The new storefront was reconstructed based on historic photos and includes a custom prismatic glass transom crafted by a local artisan.

In 2021 Seabird won a Historic Wilmington Foundation Preservation Award. The foundation's mission is to preserve and protect the irreplaceable historic resources of Wilmington and the Lower Cape Fear region. We are honored to receive the award for the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of this 1920 Italianate beauty, now restored to its former glory.

Photographed by: Keith Isaacs Photo

Design Team Included: Smith Hanes Studio

After getting its start in Winterville, NC in 2015, Sam Jones BBQ opened its second location in February of 2021 off of Lenoir St in downtown Raleigh. The downstairs was designed to create seamless flow from the order counter into the seating areas. Check out the hand installed firewood wall located under the stairwell. Upstairs you’ll find The Dewberry Room, an event space available to reserve for meetings and gatherings with catering packages to choose from. The “Dusty’s Open” sign located in the event area was saved from the original building which was previously an auto repair shop.

You can also spot Sam Jones BBQ on Southern Living’s “The South’s Top 50 Barbecue Joints” list!

Photographed by: Keith Isaacs Photo

This bright and happy space located in Gateway Plaza is home to Union Special. A bakery using locally sourced flour from Lindley Mills in Graham, NC and serving up bread and pastry that’s indicative of Eastern North Carolina. The cafe menu is constantly updating and offering delicious breakfast, lunch, and brunch dishes.

Photographed by: JR Photography

We partnered with the Trophy team back in 2012 to bring you the original Trophy Brewing on Morgan Street. Over the last ten years they outgrew that smaller brewery, and this building evolved into Trophy Brewing & Pizza as we know it today.

In 2019 the building was renovated to expand the patio seating (including a new awning), increase indoor dining, and provide a new kitchen. An addition was put on the front of the building to house foeders / additional dining space as well as a green roof above, and 100+ solar panels on the existing roof.

Photographed by: JR Photography

Located in the historic Transfer Company Food Hall in downtown Raleigh, the Benchwarmers space is warm, approachable, bright, and comfortable. The large front bar provides ample space for the making of coffee and specialty espresso drinks, while the kitchen is carefully organized around a large central wood burning oven.

Built in 1909, this historic building was originally home to the HJ Brown Coffin House, and later the Raleigh Industrial Bank. James Goodnight purchased the property in 2012, and Maurer Architecture began the three year design and renovation process. The building was recently completed, and is now home to a restaurant, bar, and event space. Death and Taxes was awarded a Sir Walter Raleigh Award for Historic Preservation.

Photographed by: Keith Isaacs Photo