Dame's Chicken & Waffles to move from downtown spot for location in East Durham

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- For 15 years, Dame's Chicken and Waffles has served the community in downtown Durham. Those efforts will continue once the restaurant relocates to East Durham in September.

"Opening a new store gives us an opportunity to revisit a grand opening," said Dame's Chicken & Waffles founder Damion Moore.

The restaurant's downtown location has been open since 2019, but over the years, several businesses have relocated or shut down due to rising costs.

"Downtown is expensive. It can be pricey. That wasn't really the reason we chose to move. There is some economics involved with why we're going to where we're going. We are excited, but it was more so about how we can better serve the community," said Moore.

The new location is in East Durham along South Driver Street. It has a smaller floor plan, but the owner believes there are many benefits.

"We'll have parking. We'll have outdoor seating. We'll have some other amenities that we don't have currently," he said.

John Warasila, with Alliance Architecture, owns the Garland Building where the new restaurant is moving to. He believes East Durham is an up-and-coming community that's being revitalized.

"Dame's is a known entity, right? They know what they're doing. So, I think this is a huge stamp of approval that we're getting those kinds of businesses that want to be with us," said Warasila.

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The new location will offer appetizers and desserts. Customers like Derek Rivers said no matter where the restaurant moves to, they will follow.

"Long as he gives me his new address. I won't have a problem with where he moves. I will be at Dame's Chicken & Waffles," said Rivers.

While Moore calls the move to East Durham bittersweet, he has words for his customer base, who he said has kept his vision alive for the last 15 years.

"Thank you! I don't get a chance to say that to everyone who comes here," he said.

The downtown location will close next month, but within a few days, the owner said the new restaurant will open.

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