A vibrant, lively 'eatertainment' venue interior — a large, modern bar and restaurant space filled with happy young adults enjoying food, craft cocktails, and interactive games. In the foreground, friends laugh around a table of colorful drinks and shared appetizers, while others play arcade games and duckpin bowling in the background under neon lights.

The massive 23,000-square-foot entertainment space at Raleigh Iron Works won't be empty for long! Following the recent closure of Jaguar Bolera, national "eatertainment" giant Punch Bowl Social has officially submitted permits to take over the sprawling venue.

If you aren't familiar, Punch Bowl Social is a wildly popular concept that perfectly blends a scratch-kitchen restaurant and craft cocktail bar with interactive social games. Think duckpin bowling, vintage arcade games, karaoke, darts, and ping-pong, all housed in an incredible industrial-chic environment. 

The permits indicate that Punch Bowl Social plans to renovate the existing restaurant space, add a brand-new bar, and bring in several new arcade games to put their own unique spin on the venue. It's a natural fit, as both Punch Bowl Social and Jaguar Bolera were actually founded by the same visionary entrepreneur, Robert Thompson.

With over a dozen successful locations across the country, Punch Bowl Social knows exactly how to throw a great party. We can't wait to see how they transform the space and bring a fresh wave of energy back to the Raleigh Iron Works development!

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A mouthwatering flat-lay overhead shot of a Texas-style donut shop spread. A dozen glazed yeast donuts with golden, shiny glaze are arranged on a white surface alongside several savory kolaches — soft, pillowy pastry rolls filled with sausage and cheese, golden-brown and freshly baked.

Texas transplants, rejoice! Shipley Do-Nuts, the beloved Houston-based chain famous for its classic glazed donuts and savory kolaches, is officially making its way to the Triangle. 

If you've never had a kolache before, you are in for a serious treat. These Texas-style staples are soft, pillowy, slightly sweet pastry dough rolls stuffed with savory fillings like sausage, jalapeño, and cheese. They are incredibly hard to find here in North Carolina, making Shipley's arrival a massive win for local foodies.

Of course, you can't forget about the donuts! Shipley has built a cult following across its 400+ national locations thanks to its incredible yeast and cake donuts, featuring a huge variety of fillings, icings, and toppings. Their classic hot glazed donut is the stuff of legends.

Local entrepreneur Dana Norman and Plexus Raleigh LLC have signed an agreement to open two franchise locations in the Triangle. While the exact locations haven't been announced just yet, the goal is to open the first store in 2027 and the second in 2028. We're already counting down the days!

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A beautiful, sun-drenched collage scene of the best of Raleigh, NC in summer 2026. On the left, a stylish couple browses an upscale local boutique shop. In the center, a group of friends enjoy a meal at a vibrant outdoor restaurant patio with string lights. On the right, a family strolls through the lush green lawns of Dorothea Dix Park.

"What should we do this weekend?" It's a question we all ask, and the incredible team at WALTER Magazine has just provided the ultimate answer. Their highly anticipated "OUR TOWN 2026" guide is officially here, and it is an absolute must-read for anyone living in or visiting the City of Oaks.

This massive, meticulously curated guide is packed with the editors' top insider picks for the absolute best places to eat, shop, and explore across Raleigh. Whether you're looking for a romantic date night at the Angus Barn, a shady hike through the greenways, or the best local boutiques for window shopping, this guide has you covered.

What makes OUR TOWN so special is its dedication to celebrating the unique blend of big-city amenities and small-town heart that makes Raleigh so wonderful. The guide shines a well-deserved spotlight on the local businesses, chefs, artists, and creators who pour their passion into our community every single day.

You can read the full guide online, pick up a free physical copy at 14 local Harris Teeter locations, or grab one directly from the WALTER office downtown. It's the perfect tool to help you broaden your palate, explore new neighborhoods, and live life to the fullest in our amazing city!

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