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Renee Umsted

@reneeumsted.bsky.social
145 followers 46 following 57 posts

Affordability Reporter at The News & Observer. TCU alumna 🤠. Say hi: rumsted@newsobserver.com

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Reposted by Renee Umsted
The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 21/09/2026
Join The News & Observer’s @dpkane.bsky.social Sept. 24 at 2 p.m. for a Reddit #AMA. He’ll answer Qs about Power & Secrecy, Greater Carolina investigation and more. Chat with him here. #ncpol www.reddit.com/r/ncpolitics...
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Renee Umsted @reneeumsted.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
I'm leading Triangle Saver, @newsobserver.com's newest Facebook group focused on affordability and consumer news. Join us! www.facebook.com/groups/10437...
facebook.com
Facebook
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Renee Umsted @reneeumsted.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
@newsobserver.com visual journalist Robert Willett and I visited NC State this week to chat with some new students and their families about what they spent on dorm decorations and furnishings. Here's a glimpse into move-in day. www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
newsobserver.com
How much are Raleigh college students spending to decorate their dorm?
The N&O spoke with some of the newest N.C. State students to learn how much it currently costs to furnish and decorate their dorms.
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Reposted by Renee Umsted
Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Power bills are insane this summer, and Duke Energy says high temperatures are to blame. NC WARN says Duke's profits and building are behind the hike. @reneeumsted.bsky.social tries to sort out the truth.
newsobserver.com
Your electric bill is up. Is it because of the heat or Duke Energy?
With high temperatures, residents are using more energy to cool their homes. But the weather may not be the only factor contributing to higher bills.
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Renee Umsted @reneeumsted.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
“I realized that the more I invest, the more that I can have the financial freedom to pursue the activities and the hobbies that I enjoy,” North Carolina native Mary Esposito said. Read more about this 23-year-old investor: www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
newsobserver.com
How this UNC grad turned $2,500 from selling handmade crafts into $230,000
Mary Esposito started knitting as a hobby. Then, at age 14, she turned it into a business. And then she invested the profits.
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Reposted by Renee Umsted
The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 31/07/2026
Some convenient methods of payment may end up costing you more. But there are ways to dodge the fees.
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Triangle residents might be paying extra on routine purchases. How to avoid fees
Some convenient methods of payment may end up costing you more. But there are ways to dodge the fees.
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Reposted by Renee Umsted
The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 29/07/2026
Multiple airlines that serve RDU Airport let you save some money if you pay for their checked bags early.
bit.ly
Some airlines offer discounts for prepaying for checked bags. Here’s how much
Multiple airlines that serve RDU Airport let you save some money if you pay for their checked bags early.
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Renee Umsted @reneeumsted.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
HomeShare Durham is trying to get off the ground, but it needs help from the community. www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
newsobserver.com
Free Durham program wants to help people save on housing. What’s the problem?
This program matches people who need housing with those who have space to share. Here’s how it works.
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Renee Umsted @reneeumsted.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
It's only mid-July, but stores have already started advertising back-to-school sales. Families may spend more than $900 on things like clothes & technology, according to a new poll. Some may find relief in the form of tax-free weekends. Not so in NC. www.newsobserver.com/news/local/e...
newsobserver.com
NC families may spend $800+ on school supplies. Will they have to pay sales tax?
Tax-free weekend could give families, including teachers looking for classroom supplies, relief during back-to-school shopping.
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Renee Umsted @reneeumsted.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
The new report also gives county-level data on how many households are ALICE households or in poverty.
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Renee Umsted @reneeumsted.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
I was surprised by how thorough the simulation was. Teens were even offered the opportunity to have a will drafted.
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Reposted by Renee Umsted
The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 25/06/2026
In a matter of months, hundreds of fake property listings in Wake and Durham counties have been found. Here’s how to recognize the scam and how to protect yourself.
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NC Triangle renters targeted by new wave of scams. Here’s how to protect yourself
In a matter of months, hundreds of fake property listings in Wake and Durham counties have been found. Here’s how to recognize the scam and how to protect yourself.
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Renee Umsted @reneeumsted.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
Did you make it to the Canes parade and rally today? My @newsobserver.com colleagues and I did. Here's what you missed. www.newsobserver.com/sports/nhl/c...
newsobserver.com
Live updates: Canes’ Stanley Cup win brings surge of fans to Raleigh victory parade
Join the Carolina Hurricanes Stanley Cup celebration, virtually. Refresh this page often for updates, photos and videos.
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Renee Umsted @reneeumsted.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
This week, I tried an app that offers discounted "surprise bags" from local grocery stores and restaurants. Here's what I got. www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
newsobserver.com
Is this app the best way to get cheap food from Triangle restaurants & grocers?
You can buy heavily discounted food from local restaurants and grocery stores. But there’s a catch. Here’s what to know.
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Reposted by Renee Umsted
The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 05/06/2026
Carolina Hurricanes fans complained about issues trying to purchase tickets. Attorney General Jeff Jackson noticed.
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NC attorney general gets involved with Ticketmaster after Canes ticket fiasco
Carolina Hurricanes fans complained about issues trying to purchase tickets. Attorney General Jeff Jackson noticed.
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Reposted by Renee Umsted
Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Even the watch parties for Carolina Hurricanes fans at the Lenovo Center come with Ticketmaster frustrations. The latest from @reneeumsted.bsky.social.
newsobserver.com
Canes sold tickets to Stanley Cup Final watch parties. Here’s how it went
For some fans who tried to buy tickets to the Lenovo Center events this week, the sales process did not go smoothly.
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Renee Umsted @reneeumsted.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
Canes season ticket holders had early access to purchase tickets to the Stanley Cup Final games. But some still struggled to get them. My latest for @newsobserver.com www.newsobserver.com/sports/nhl/c...
newsobserver.com
Canes season ticket holders had early access to Stanley Cup seats. It didn’t help
When some Carolina Hurricanes fans were finally able to buy game tickets, the only ones available were resale tickets, priced around $1,000.
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Renee Umsted @reneeumsted.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
An Indiana-based company was accused in a lawsuit of contributing to high prices of meats including chicken and turkey for NC shoppers. A settlement was recently announced. Here's what to know about it. www.newsobserver.com/news/busines...
newsobserver.com
NC settles lawsuit against company accused of contributing to higher meat prices
“Families paid higher prices so a handful of companies could profit off information no one else was allowed to see,” AG Jeff Jackson said.
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Renee Umsted @reneeumsted.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
If you fill up at Sheetz, you might have seen the Unleaded 88 gas. It's usually priced lower than the regular unleaded. Here's what to know about it. www.newsobserver.com/news/busines...
newsobserver.com
Sheetz sells gas type that’s cheaper than regular unleaded. Is it safe?
The price tag may appeal to drivers, but the gas shouldn’t be used in all vehicles. Here’s what to know.
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Reposted by Renee Umsted
Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Headed to watch the Canes in the third round of the NHL Playoffs? It won't be cheap -- starting in the parking lot. @reneeumsted.bsky.social has details.
newsobserver.com
Going to see the Canes and the Canadiens? Parking will be (even) more expensive
Parking prices at the Lenovo Center have gone up. Again.
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Reposted by Renee Umsted
The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 20/05/2026
The governor appointed a new senior adviser for housing policy, who will oversee efforts to increase the state’s housing supply.
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Gov. Josh Stein announces new plan to solve NC housing shortage. Details
The governor appointed a new senior adviser for housing policy, who will oversee efforts to increase the state’s housing supply.
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Renee Umsted @reneeumsted.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
State inspectors make sure gas pumps across North Carolina are functioning properly, checking things like meters, displays and hoses. Between March and early May, inspectors found issues at pumps at more than 12 gas stations in the Triangle. www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
newsobserver.com
Pumps at 12+ Triangle gas stations were recently flagged for problems. Here’s where
State inspectors make sure gas pumps are working properly, so customers aren’t cheated out of fuel they’re paying for.
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Renee Umsted @reneeumsted.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
If you're going to a Canes game, you might want to budget for parking, and not just the tickets, beer and snacks. www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
newsobserver.com
Some Canes fans pay $60 to park. How much was it during 2006 Stanley Cup run?
Watching the Canes play at the Lenovo Center is not nearly as cheap as it was 20 years ago. What will it cost next week?
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Renee Umsted @reneeumsted.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
On Thursday, I attended a roundtable to hear from several Triangle-area businesses and nonprofits about how high fuel prices are affecting them. Here's what they had to say. www.newsobserver.com/news/busines...
newsobserver.com
High gas prices hurt Triangle businesses, nonprofits and, yes, gas stations
“Nobody wants to pay us more to haul stuff, yet all my expenses are going up,” one local trucking company CEO said.
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Renee Umsted @reneeumsted.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
We're all dealing with high gas prices. These apps can help you find better deals. www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
newsobserver.com
Gas prices are still high. These apps can help find it cheaper in the Triangle
Drivers can save money just by filling up at a different gas station. These apps show you where to go.
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Renee Umsted @reneeumsted.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Today's my last day on the Service Journalism team @newsobserver.com. Next week, I'm starting as the Affordability Reporter, covering what it costs to live in the Triangle. There's a lot to explore, including housing, transportation and healthcare, but I'm excited to dig in.
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Renee Umsted @reneeumsted.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
Do you live in the Triangle? Does your grocery list include soda, chicken breasts, berries, bread or cereal? If so, this is for you. My latest for @newsobserver.com www.newsobserver.com/news/busines...
newsobserver.com
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Renee Umsted @reneeumsted.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
Public broadcasters lost federal funding last year. For @newsobserver.com, I checked in with a few stations in North Carolina to learn how they're coping. www.newsobserver.com/entertainmen...
newsobserver.com
NC public radio & TV stations lost federal funding last year. How are they now?
Leaders of PBS North Carolina, WNCU and Blue Ridge Public Radio reflect on the past few months and share plans for the future.
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Reposted by Renee Umsted
The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 28/01/2026
Breeze Airways to fly from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to San Antonio, Texas, Madison, Wisconsin, and Atlantic City, New Jersey.
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Breeze announces new flights, including ones to RDU’s top unserved destination
Breeze Airways to fly from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to San Antonio, Texas, Madison, Wisconsin, and Atlantic City, New Jersey.
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Reposted by Renee Umsted
The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 28/01/2026
This restaurant specializes in the classic Vietnamese sandwich, but also offers sweet treats such as macarons and pastries.
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New cafe offering banh mi & baked goods is opening soon in the Triangle
This restaurant specializes in the classic Vietnamese sandwich, but also offers sweet treats such as macarons and pastries.
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Reposted by Renee Umsted
Caitlin McGlade @caitmcglade.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
The measles is going around. Is your child's school protected? I did a ton of data cleaning and analysis to bring you answers, via @charlotteobserver.com. www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/a...
charlotteobserver.com
Measles is spreading: Is your child’s North Carolina school vulnerable?
When the number of vaccinated children drop too low in a school, the risk of infection increases there and in the wider community, experts say.
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Reposted by Renee Umsted
The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 05/12/2025
There’s still a Santa at the popular Raleigh mall — just not the same jolly fellow who’s been there for the past decade or so.
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After 13 years, Crabtree mall’s Santa has a new home. Where to find him now
There’s still a Santa at the popular Raleigh mall — just not the same jolly fellow who’s been there for the past decade or so.
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Reposted by Renee Umsted
The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 05/12/2025
The meteorologist is “over the moon” about shutting off the very early alarm for the first time in years.
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CBS 17 meteorologist leaves the station after 6 years. Here’s what to know
The meteorologist is “over the moon” about shutting off the very early alarm for the first time in years.
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Reposted by Renee Umsted
The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 05/12/2025
After the unexpected death of her fiancé this year, the WTVD co-anchor talked to The N&O about her departure and what’s next.
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ABC11 co-anchor explains why she’s leaving the station and the Triangle
After the unexpected death of her fiancé this year, the WTVD co-anchor talked to The N&O about her departure and what’s next.
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Reposted by Renee Umsted
The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 03/11/2025
Three of NC’s four “Bib Gourmand” distinctions are in the Triangle.
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19 Triangle restaurants in the new American South Michelin Guide: The breakdown
Three of NC’s four “Bib Gourmand” distinctions are in the Triangle.
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Renee Umsted @reneeumsted.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
In my latest for @newsobserver.com, I tell you how to order coffee like a Jonas brother. www.newsobserver.com/living/food-...
newsobserver.com
Jonas Brothers visit Durham’s Omie’s Coffee Shop before show
Ahead of their concert in Raleigh, a popular band visited a Triangle coffee shop. Here’s how they made it to the local business and which drinks they ordered.
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Reposted by Renee Umsted
Keung Hui @keunghui.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
Raleigh’s No Kings protest this weekend isn’t downtown. Here’s why. Organizers cite downtown festivals and crowd size as reasons for holding Saturday's protest on Capital Boulevard, near Triangle Town Center. (Via @reneeumsted.bsky.social) www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a... #ncpol
newsobserver.com
Raleigh’s No Kings protest this weekend isn’t downtown. Here’s why
Many protests that happen in Raleigh are held downtown. But this one will be miles away from the State Capitol.
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Renee Umsted @reneeumsted.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
Yesterday, @newsobserver.com saw the inner workings of the giant pumpkin and watermelon competition at the N.C. State Fair. Here's what you missed: www.newsobserver.com/news/state/n...
newsobserver.com
Massive pumpkin sets new record at the NC State Fair. Here’s how much it weighs
It’s a great pumpkin indeed. For the third year in a row, pumpkins weighing more than a ton were entered in the “Super Bowl for giant growers.”
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Renee Umsted @reneeumsted.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
I had brisket for lunch this week. Here's how my visit to one of the Triangle's newest barbecue joints went. www.newsobserver.com/living/food-...
newsobserver.com
I visited a hot Triangle barbecue joint’s new location. Here’s how it went
Traditional North Carolina and Texas-style barbecue? They’ve got it. But tacos and sandos are also on the menu.
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Renee Umsted @reneeumsted.bsky.social · 08/10/2025
We're asking readers: Which restaurants should Crabtree mall add?
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Renee Umsted @reneeumsted.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
The Wake County ABC store in downtown Raleigh is now open. www.newsobserver.com/news/busines...
newsobserver.com
Downtown Raleigh is getting a new ABC liquor store soon. Here’s what we know
For the first time in 40 years, downtown Raleigh will have its own ABC store.
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Reposted by Renee Umsted
Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 16/09/2025
Inside Look at the new location of one of the Triangle's most unconventional -- and acclaimed -- barbecue brands. From @reneeumsted.bsky.social and @vizjourno.bsky.social.
newsobserver.com
Acclaimed Triangle barbecue joint brings ‘the spirit of leisure’ to Cary
The barbecue gods are looking favorably upon downtown Cary.
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Renee Umsted @reneeumsted.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
Riff ram
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Reposted by Renee Umsted
The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 21/08/2025
A new entertainment complex in the Triangle has activities for all ages, including a mixed-reality playground, and serves food and drinks. Take a look inside.
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This new Raleigh-area business has a ‘mixed-reality playground.’ See inside
A new entertainment complex in the Triangle has activities for all ages, including a mixed-reality playground, and serves food and drinks. Take a look inside.
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Renee Umsted @reneeumsted.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
See what's in the works for Crabtree mall. www.newsobserver.com/news/busines...
newsobserver.com
Crabtree Valley revival: What a $60 million facelift will do for the aging mall
Raleigh's Crabtree Mall is undergoing a $60M transformation with sleek updates, aiming to increase occupancy and attract top-tier shopping brands.
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Renee Umsted @reneeumsted.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
A @newsobserver.com photojournalist and I spent the past few months talking with and visiting North Carolina shrimpers and other commercial fishermen, who have been thrust into the spotlight recently. Here's what we learned: www.newsobserver.com/news/state/n...
newsobserver.com
A ban nearly crushed NC shrimpers. Why they embrace the life they fight to keep.
Shrimp trawling kills too many fish and damages marine habitats, critics say. Those who do the work say it’s a job and a culture worth preserving in North Carolina.
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Renee Umsted @reneeumsted.bsky.social · 06/06/2025
Want to go to the new Gipson Play Plaza at Dix Park? Here's what you need to know. www.newsobserver.com/raleigh-city...
newsobserver.com
Here’s a guide to the new Gipson Play Plaza at Raleigh’s Dix Park
The 18.5-acre addition includes playgrounds, a sand box, a sensory maze, a splash pad and more. Here’s what to know about visiting.
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Renee Umsted @reneeumsted.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
I went to the "grocery store" to ask people why they shop and sell there. www.newsobserver.com/news/busines...
newsobserver.com
Raleigh has the best ‘grocery store’ in NC, study says. It isn’t a grocery store
The new ranking analyzed thousands of stores in the 100 most populous cities in the U.S. And the best “grocery store” in North Carolina is in Raleigh.
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Renee Umsted @reneeumsted.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
Big news for us Texpats: www.newsobserver.com/living/food-...
newsobserver.com
A big Texas taco brand is opening in Raleigh, offering ‘bold, global flavors’
A big Texas taco brand looks to Raleigh as part of a nationwide expansion.
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Renee Umsted @reneeumsted.bsky.social · 14/05/2025
Looking for a new place for outdoor dining? This restaurant, which opens soon, features a patio and a fire pit. www.newsobserver.com/living/food-...
newsobserver.com
Popular NC seafood restaurant expands to a 4th location in the Triangle
Serving fried platters and the Southern classic shrimp and grits, the restaurant will soon open in a new Triangle town.
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