Triangle restaurateurs see summer sales uptick: 'People are dining out maybe more'

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Some restaurateurs were surprised to see an uptick in sales this summer, which is typically a slow time of year, and its fueling projects around the City of Oaks.

"It seems like people are dining out maybe more than they were in years past," said Flour and Barrell Owner Anthony Rapillo. "We have a lot of faith in the City of Raleigh and the Triangle overall that people here are going to spend"

Rapillo said he was bracing for a tough summer with people traveling to the beach or mountains, but numbers were good as Wake County's population continues to soar.

"There are so many new people coming here," he said. "People kind of look for new places to come out to eat."

Rapillo's getting ready to open three new spots on Downtown Raleigh's Fayetteville Street, another in RTP, and he's not the only restaurateur expanding.

"We've seen numbers continuing to grow - so it gives us a lot more confidence in this project," said Trophy Brewing Co-Owner Chris Powers.

He's close to finishing up construction on Trophy Brewing Five Points. The space marks his sixth place and he's leasing nearby parking space for customers.

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Powers is hoping to open doors by the end of October and that strong sales from the summer continue.

"People are coming out, spending more, and meeting in larger groups," he explained.

Recent data from the National Restaurant Association finds that consumers continued to spend in August. National sales were up 0.7% and it marks the fourth gain in the last six months.

Patrick Shanahan opened Peregrine Restaurant at The Exchange just five months ago.

The restaurant is expanding its footprint. There is a new patio area and this Sunday, staff will start serving brunch.

Shanahan is looking forward to what the fall months will mean for his new spot.

"It's such a new and growing development. People are still learning about us and so I'm excited for fall because I think people are exploring now. It's not so hot or they're not on vacation," he said. "I think we'll see more and more guests."

Visit Raleigh's annual report was released a month ago, showing that visitors spent more than $47 million on food and beverage, which was an all-time high.