Lutra Opens At American Tobacco Campus

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Lutra Cafe & Bakery has opened its first brick-and-mortar location at American Tobacco Campus after owner Chris McLaurin operated the business as a local pop-up since late 2023.

“I’m so excited to be opening,” McLaurin said. “We’ve worked to create a bright and inviting space where all feel welcome. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick pastry or to join us for a meal, we aim to bring you a bit of joy in every bun and bite!”

The 2,600-square-foot space is located in the Noell Building next door to Ment Beverage Co., just across from the railcar. It was designed by Kurt West of West Workshop, built by Gateway Building Co. and brokered by Elm Partners and the ATC leasing team. 

Lutra quickly gained a large following selling its popular sweet and savory buns at the Durham Farmers Market and later expanded its menu with a Sunday pop-up brunch at Cheeni. Along with its signature buns and other tasty baked goods, McLaurin and team will offer diners a variety of breakfast, brunch and lunch items, including its 100-layer hashbrowns, deli sandwiches and ice box sandwiches. The menu also will include coffee and espresso drinks, orange juice, lemonade, wine, beer and more.

Lutra’s opening is another example of ATC’s strategy of providing tenants, the community and visitors with a variety of dining and beverage options, both from locally owned businesses and beyond. 

“I’ve just been really impressed by the businesses and restaurants that they’ve been bringing to campus and their intentions on how to expand and really curate the selection in the coming years,” McLaurin told the Triangle Business Journal when the Lutra move was announced in May 2025. Other popular North Carolina-based eateries here include Boricua Soul (opened 2019), Parker and Otis (2020), Queenburger (2022) and Seraphine (2023), as well as East of Texas and Fullsteam, both expected to open later this summer.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Chris and the Lutra team to their new home,” said CBC Real Estate Director of Leasing Eli Bell. “It’s the result of a ton of hard work on his part and support from the community. Lutra is a great addition to the lineup of places here to eat, drink and hang out whenever and however people choose.”

Lutra Cafe & Bakery will be open seven days a week, with weekday hours from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and weekend hours from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. An expanded weekend brunch menu will launch in July. More information can be found here.

American Underground Returns to American Tobacco Campus

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Sixteen years later, AU is back where it all started

American Underground, Durham’s premier startup and coworking community, officially opened its newest location right here at American Tobacco Campus and it’s a homecoming sixteen years in the making.

AU first launched in 2010 in the basement of this very campus. Today, it returns with a 40,000-square-foot workspace spanning Bays 9 and 10 of the Washington Building, designed by Little and built by Consigli. The space features open coworking, private offices, a botanical library, a podcasting studio, meeting rooms, and flexible membership options — built for founders, creatives, remote workers, and makers alike.

With this opening, AU joins the restaurants, retailers, and neighbors that have defined ATC for more than two decades, deepening its ties to campus partners Fullsteam, Ment Beverage Co., and Boricua Soul.

“Having them back on campus is exactly the kind of element that makes ATC more than real estate,” said Eli Bell, Director of Leasing and Asset Management at CBC Real Estate. “The AU brings programming, energy, and connection that adds to and reinforces the larger community at ATC.”

A Grand Opening celebration takes place today (6/3/26) from 4:00–7:00pm. Regular community programming begins June 18th.

Read the full release at cbcrealestate.com