Walking down Hillsborough the past year, one could not go a block without the sound of hammers and bulldozers. With the construction of new buildings, including two apartment complexes, and a hotel, Hillsborough is getting a facelift. The Stanhope Apartments and Aloft Hotel are both planning on having street-level storefronts with many new businesses opening, catering to students.
“Students will find a wider selection that fits their needs,” said Jeff Murison, the executive director of Live it Up! Hillsborough Street. “Hillsborough is evolving to more than just a place to get lunch.”
With two established local businesses choosing to open locations along the street, the Hillsborough neighborhood is growing and attracting new venues. Here is what students can expect to come across from campus the coming year.
A Place at the Table
The pay-what-you-can concept restaurant will occupy a space in the back of the new building where Two Guys and The Keg formerly stood. It is a risky business decision to let customers decide the price, but this concept should certainly draw in customers, if only out of curiosity. The nonprofit restaurant not only seeks to serve food, but also serve the community by bringing together people from all walks of life at communal tables.
Expected Opening: January 2016
Gonza Tacos and Tequila
With locations in Durham, Wake Forest and North Raleigh, the spot in Aloft Hotel will be the fourth location for Gonza Tacos and Tequila. Gonza will offer a sit-down dining experience with a Latin-inspired menu. Customers can expect innovative recipes and a solid drink menu, prominently featuring tequila, of course.
Expected Opening: August 2015
Jubala Coffee
With the edition of Jubala Coffee, students can now walk to a different coffee shop every day of the week. Under Aloft Hotel, this location will cater to the guests, but students will also be welcome. This is the second location for Jubala with the flagship store in North Raleigh. They specialize in espresso drinks as well as pour-over coffee.
Expected Opening: August 2015
CVS
The drugstore chain will be opening a location in a storefront under the Stanhope Apartments. According to Murison, this location is planning on going beyond the drugstore basics of snacks and prescriptions to provide a small-scale market for groceries catering to students. In the future, perhaps students will not need to go all the way to Cameron Village to pick up milk and eggs.
Expected Opening: January 2016
IHOP
The International House of Pancakes has been a Hillsborough Street favorite since 1968 with its iconic blue roof. The property the existing restaurant resides on was sold in 2007, and the restaurant has been planning its move since then. With the relocation to the Stanhope apartments, the 24-hour breakfast spot will be much closer to campus. Soon, students on campus will no longer need to travel all the way to Western Boulevard for a meal at 3 a.m.
Expected Opening: January 2016
Liquid State
Opening in the vacant location where Locopops once was, Liquid State will be a coffee shop and wine bar. Although, there are already six coffee shops within walking distance from campus, Liquid State aims to cater to a different experience, with the edition of a bar. It could become the perfect spot to get a caffeine fix before class and unwind after.
Expected Opening: August 2015
