Celebrity chef sets opening date for new restaurant in Raleigh Iron Works
Tacos, pancakes and charcoal-roasted chicken are on the menu at the newest Triangle restaurant from celebrity chef Ford Fry, set to open in Raleigh in a matter of weeks.
The taqueria Little Rey will open its doors in Raleigh Iron Works on Dec. 9, bringing the latest high profile taco shop to the Triangle.
This is the second Triangle restaurant for the Atlanta celebrity chef, whose first spot Superica opened in Cary in 2022.
Little Rey joins the buzzy Raleigh Iron Works development, which has been the city’s epicenter of highly-anticipated restaurant openings this year, including Scott Crawford’s Brodeto, the wonderland Jaguar Bolera, Ponysaurus, Eastcut Sandwich Bar and Andia’s Ice Cream.
Compared to Superica, Little Rey will be a bit more casual as an all-day counter-service spot. This is the fifth Little Rey location in the works and the first in North Carolina, following other openings in Atlanta, Houston and a planned restaurant in Nashville.
The menu at Little Rey
The large 4,200-square-foot restaurant will serve breakfast tacos, pancakes and avocado toast in the morning, then lunch and dinner includes nearly a dozen different taco options, including the signature grilled chicken, pork belly and steak tacos.
Perhaps the heart of the Little Rey menu is the charcoal-roasted chicken, which comes as a whole or half-chicken, plus four tortillas and all the fixings. There are also snacks like queso fries, where crinkle cuts get dressed up like nachos, smoked wings and freshly made smashed avocado guacamole. Larger plates include crispy flautas, arroz con pollo, salads and the “La Torta Diabla,” a take on the spicy chicken sandwich.
On the beverage side, look for margaritas, both frozen and on the rocks, plus agua frescas and draft and bottled beer. Sweets include a soft serve machine that rotates flavors like vanilla, churro, fried plantains and tres leches.
While Little Rey is still a few weeks away, the taco-curious can get a sneak peek Sunday, Nov. 10, when they’ll be on site at the Raleigh Underground Market serving breakfast tacos. The market runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Another date to keep in mind is Saturday, Dec. 14, when Little Rey will cap off its first week in Raleigh by giving away breakfast tacos — one free taco per person — from 9 to 11 a.m.
Little Rey
1101 E. Whitaker Mill Road, Suite 102
This story was originally published November 8, 2024 at 9:57 AM with the headline "Celebrity chef sets opening date for new restaurant in Raleigh Iron Works."
