New sushi & burrito restaurants (+ a sports bar) are opening in Durham
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Olive Garden expanded with a new location in Selma.
- KatSushi Bar at Boxyard RTP will serve hand rolls, ramen, rice bowls and craft cocktails.
- EO’s Athletic Club offers pub fare and beers; Bubbakoo’s opened in Durham.
Durham has been the big winner of restaurant openings this week.
The Bull City has a new sports bar and burrito restaurant, and a new sushi spot is joining a development at RTP.
Here are a few restaurant openings you might have missed.
KatSushi Bar coming to RTP
The well-known chef Katsuji Tanabe and local restaurateur Anthony Rapillo are partnering again on a new concept, KatSushi Bar.
The restaurant will be at Boxyard RTP, where Tanabe and Rapillo also operate La Taqueria by Katsuji.
KatSushi Bar will serve hand rolls, ramen, rice bowls and craft cocktails. Expect it to open this spring.
Location: 900 Park Offices Drive, Durham
Sports bar opens in downtown Durham
The team behind Kingfisher, Queeny’s and QueenBurger partnered on a new sports bar, EO’s Athletic Club.
Located in the former Beyu Caffe, the bar features more than two dozen TVs and athletic-inspired decor such as pennants, trophies and vintage gear.
Visitors can order local craft and basic beers, plus pub foods including wings and pizza.
Location: 341 W. Main St.
Bubbakoo’s Burritos opens in Durham
Bubbakoo’s Burritos opened its first North Carolina restaurant in Durham.
The chain, known for fusion dishes such as the Papi Hibachi and Nashville Hot Chicken burritos, first opened in New Jersey in 2008.
Bubbakoo’s also sells “Chiwawas,” which are panko-crusted cheesy rice balls filled with protein, sauces and other add-ins. Quesadillas, tater tots, nachos and tacos are among the other menu offerings.
Location: 8202 Renaissance Parkway, Durham
Olive Garden opens in Selma
The popular Italian chain Olive Garden Italian Kitchen has extended its reach in the Triangle with a new location in Selma.
Housed in the Eastfield development, the restaurant joins retailers including BJ’s Wholesale Club, Panda Express, Ulta Beauty, Hobby Lobby and Old Navy.
Olive Garden has several other Triangle locations in Raleigh, Wake Forest, Cary and Holly Springs.
The News & Observer’s Drew Jackson contributed reporting.
This story was originally published February 20, 2026 at 2:58 PM with the headline "New sushi & burrito restaurants (+ a sports bar) are opening in Durham."
