Zweli’s Ekhaya, the new concept from Zimbabwe-born Chef Zweli Williams, will completely transform the space formerly occupied by Saladelia in the Crowe Lobby. What was previously a fast, casual coffee and pre-made lunch kiosk-plus, will become an enclosed and stylized high-end tapas restaurant focused on Bantu-fusion, a mix of flavors and delicacies from the Bantu indigenous ethnicities from across Africa.

“Ekhaya in Bantu is more than a word, it is a feeling, a sense of being ‘at home’ wherever you are,” says Chef Zweli Williams.”These feelings of comfort, support, and familiarity are what we strive to bring to each diner via our menu and dining experience. Whether it is something brand new or a new take on something familiar, we want each and every visitor to leave our restaurant feeling as if they have returned home.”

Chef Zweli, along with husband and partner Leonardo “Leo” Williams, opened the nation’s first Zimbabwe restaurant in 2018 (Zweli’s Piri Piri) and the crowds and accolades quickly followed.

From best new restaurant to best chef to best chicken wings to best restaurant for vegans/vegetarians, diners have found a delicious and novel menu served alongside a demonstrable commitment to community.

For Zweli and Leo, food is only the beginning of their commitment to “Ekhaya.” While Zweli’s journey started thousands of miles from Durham, Leo attended NC Central where he served as the Head Drum Major for their prestigious marching band. After college, Leo became a Durham Public Schools teacher and administrator earning the honor of “Teacher of the Year.” He is a mentor to young men of color in the community and a candidate for Durham City Council.

Zweli’s interest in food grew as a young child in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe where she learned to make unique, creative dishes from the ingredients available. Upon graduating from high school, she emigrated to the US and attended NC Central where she met Leo. After graduating, Zweli entered the restaurant industry managing several restaurants while retaining her commitment to cooking and her roots in African Bantu cuisine. After attempting to find a restaurant that served these dishes, she and Leo decided to create the nation’s first Zimbabwean restaurant.

For the couple who also have a 10th grader at home, the COVID-19 pandemic presented an opportunity to support their community. Rather than focus on the hardship of operating a restaurant in a pandemic, Zweli and Leo worked with other locally-owned small business owners to raise more than $3 million to create a small business fund to prevent the closure of small locally-owned businesses in Durham. They coordinated nearly 100,000 meals pre-pandemic and post-pandemic to serve the displaced, elderly, and the homeless.

“We’ve had the very fortunate opportunity to work with dozens and dozens of restaurateurs and thousands of entrepreneurs at the American Tobacco Campus and American Underground,” says Adam Klein, director, American Tobacco Campus. “Zweli and Leo represent the best of Durham. They are creative, committed, caring, and, most importantly, community-focused. We’re honored that they chose to share their journey with us and take part in ours.”

Zweli and Leo will return to Zimbabwe this December to further hone and add to the Ekhaya concept. The restaurant will open early 2023 with a complete redesign of the Crowe Lobby space and patio with lots of exciting offerings to be announced.

You can learn more about Zweli’s and stay updated on the restaurant by visiting their website, following them on Instagram and Facebook.

Just in time for the holidays and New Year, American Tobacco is unveiling one more reason to celebrate and look forward to 2023. Opening in mid-2023, Seraphine, a Louisiana-inspired restaurant and bar from Brad and Graham Weddington, will complete the historic campus’ makeover of its dining options over the past year.

The brother’s duo behind beloved Nanasteak–also on the American Tobacco Campus–are bringing their familial roots in the famed Louisiana culinary scene to this new concept which will take over the remaining portion of the former Tyler’s Taproom space shared with Parker & Otis. Seraphine will be a completely separate restaurant encompassing what was formerly the back bar and side patio of the Taproom.

As described by the Weddingtons, Seraphine will have an ambiance:

“Find yourself transported into a time and place when things move a bit slower, friends linger a bit longer and share a bite and a dram among them. Seraphine will be an exploration of family heritage born in Louisiana, as seen through staple dishes made modern, and barrel-aged whisky transformed into classic and eclectic cocktails. Ensconced in an intimate atmosphere curated to encourage groups large and small to join together and relax.

Join us for roasted oysters in the garden before you make your way down the grand hall to have a late dinner. Check into the bar for happy hour after work, or join friends for a nightcap after the ball game.”

As has become a tradition at American Tobacco, Seraphine will take full advantage of the one-of-a-kind setting on campus and create an outdoor dining and gathering experience for their guests with a patio for casual drinks and appetizers or dining. Unique to Seraphine, their patio will serve as a gateway to the soon-to-be-developed American Tobacco expansion on the former University Ford site.

Seraphine joins recent 2020/2021 openings at the historic campus of a relocated Parker & Otis, the second location of creperie and cocktail pioneer Press, and Puerto Rican food truck turned fast-casual staple Boricua Soul, as well as the recent announcements of celebrated expansions from Queenburger, Zweli’s Ekhaya, and Five Star.

“These past two years have been a true inspiration for us here at the campus,” says Adam Klein, director, American Tobacco Campus. “While we’ve worked tirelessly to maintain our community, we’ve also sought out and worked with some of the greatest entrepreneurs in our region to think big and develop plans for creating a culinary renaissance focused on celebrating our region’s culinary excellence.”

Seraphine plans to open in mid-2023..

Capitol Broadcasting Co. and Hines in Partnership with USAA Real Estate Announce Major Mixed-Use Development in Downtown Durham

Partners will develop prime vacant site alongside the renowned American Tobacco Campus 

(DURHAM, NC) — July 28, 2020 — Capitol Broadcasting Co. (CBC), Hines, the international real estate firm, and USAA Real Estate today announced plans to develop a 600,000-700,000 square foot mixed-use destination bordering the west side of the bustling American Tobacco Campus.   

The expansion of ATC will take shape in a series of phases on the prime 11-acre downtown site previously occupied by University Ford. Plans for the dynamic mixed-use community include retail, restaurants, residences, and Class-A offices — all delivered with the thoughtfulness and high quality associated with the three partners. A website with more information about the expansion can be found here.

CBC redeveloped the American Tobacco Campus (ATC), taking it from an abandoned, century-old factory to a thriving mixed-use destination. ATC’s rebirth is credited with helping to kickstart downtown Durham’s renaissance. Additionally, CBC owns the neighboring Durham Bulls Athletic Park and has been a crucial supporter of the adjoining Durham Performing Arts Center. 

Hines and USAA are also proven developers in the Triangle area, having partnered on the highly anticipated Fenton mixed-use destination in Cary. Hines’ expertise with historically significant developments is evident in its success with Atlantic Station in Atlanta.

Phase One of ATC’s expansion is expected to unfold over eight acres with the partners eyeing a construction start in late 2020 or early 2021. In addition to bordering ATC, the new development features easy access on its south side to Highway 147, a vital Triangle artery connecting downtown Durham to the Research Triangle Park, I-40 and I-85. Just to the north is Durham’s burgeoning urban core featuring a host of amenities. 

Timber Structures

Architecturally, the ATC expansion will carefully and imaginatively fit with the historic look of the original American Tobacco campus while embracing the amenities, efficiencies, and innovations of new builds. They will also respect and play-off downtown Durham’s unique flavor.

As but one example of the expansion’s distinctiveness, the partners plan to utilize T3 timber structures throughout the project’s first phase. The timber builds will be a first-of-its-kind in the Triangle, and join only a handful of mixed-use destinations in the U.S.

Heavy timber construction goes back centuries, from churches to schools to warehouses. But the vast majority of buildings that dot modern skylines were built with steel and concrete or are  ‘stick-built,’ i.e. wooden-stud construction atop a concrete base.

A T3 structure is different — both beautiful and environmentally responsible. The airy and bright office spaces will feature manufactured wood columns and beams braced by steel and as well as a flooring system that includes thick, laminated wood beams sandwiched with a layer of concrete. 

American Tobacco Campus is thrilled to invite you to experience Press, a European-inspired coffeehouse, creperie, and cocktail bar now open in Diamond View III (directly adjacent to the Durham Bulls Athletic Park).

Press is open for weekday breakfast and lunch and weekend brunch. Press serves coffees, crepes, salads, sandwiches, and craft cocktails, all inspired by Europe while highlighting local ingredients.

Press is an open, airy, all-day café with an espresso bar, cocktail bar, and a seated crepe bar for watching the kitchen in action. Press also features an expansive covered patio.

The Press menu includes classic coffee and espresso drinks, 32 oz. coffee growlers to go and fair trade teas. Their scratch-made breakfast crepes are served all day, along with sweet and savory crepes, weekend specials like the hash brown waffle, avocado toasts, and signature sandwiches and salads. The cocktails, beer and wine all rotate with the seasons and are focused on quality, consistency, and accessibility. Press features local purveyors whenever possible, including Counter Culture coffees, draft beers from Forgotten Road Ales in Graham, and Ashe County Hoop Cheese.

Come and check it out!!

Parker and Otis (now open)

For decades, Durhamites and visitors alike have flocked to Parker & Otis for a casual breakfast with friends, a business lunch, a first date dinner, and everything in between.

Now located in the heart of American Tobacco, Parker & Otis is at home within the campus’ historic walls and ready to accommodate the more than one million workers, visitors, and residents that come to the campus each year.

With a full-day menu of southern-inspired dishes, there is something for everyone and anyone who enjoys delicious, scratch-made, and high-quality local fare.

Come for the Shrimp BLT and stay to work in the cafe or browse their eclectic and inspired retail shop.

Just look for the bright pink P&O sign calling you home.

This summer and fall, we’re proud to announce we’re partnering with Duke Performances for a series of concerts on the beloved American Tobacco Campus Amphitheater lawn!

Featuring an eclectic and diverse slate of local artists, the concert series will offer something for everyone:

• Wed, Sep 15: The Dead Tongues
• Wed, Sep 22: Rissi Palmer
• Wed, Sep 29: Skylar Gudasz
• Fri, Oct 1: The Veldt

Make sure to mark your calendars and plan your visit now! To-go menu items will be available from all restaurants and there will be plenty of space to stretch out on the lawn.

ATC Live Music P’s and Q’s

• No glass allowed
• Leashed and well-behaved pets are welcome
• Please be mindful and courteous of other guests. Aim to leave the now customary six feet of space between you and those outside your party.
• Duke University has instituted a mask mandate for all outdoor events over 100 people.
• The City of Durham has instituted a mask mandate for all businesses. Masks must be worn indoors at all restaurants and other businesses, including lobby areas and restrooms.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Press, a coffee and crepe concept that catalyzed Downtown Graham, will open its second restaurant in American Tobacco’s Diamond View III this summer.

With a promise of “European Inspired, Carolina made,” the casual eatery will serve the campus’ 3,500 daily workers and more than 1.2 million annual visitors a menu of scratchmade, local breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner items seven days a week. The menu for their Graham location can be found here.

In addition to a full menu of both sweet and savory crepe options, Press aims to translate its status in Graham as a welcoming “third place” coffee shop that serves as a gathering spot outside of work and home for telecommuters, families, friends, and business meetings. 

Press joins a recent slate of American Tobacco news including the launch of a new website and visual identity as well as the recent opening of Boricua Soul and Parker Paper Co.

Press is completely renovating and remodeling the space formerly occupied by The Bullpen in Diamond View III (359 Blackwell St, Ste 135, Durham, NC 27701). Restaurant hours and exact opening date to be announced. 

The shop is now open in American Tobacco’s Diamond View III!

Parker Paper Co. is a standalone extension of the popular retail shop within Parker & Otis’ acclaimed restaurant. 

Parker Paper Co. focuses on those items dedicated to the tactile experience of putting pen (or pencil) to paper as well as gifts and grab and go sandwiches from the restaurant’s beloved menu.

They will soon offer craft beer and wine to continue the tradition of Parker & Otis’ extensive and curated stock.

Stop on by today to grab a sandwich or some stationery! 

Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Monday through Friday

Parker & Otis’ Parker Paper to Open March 2020 with Stationary, Gifts, Grab & Go Food and Beverage

(Durham, N.C.) – January 16, 2020 – One of Durham’s most beloved institutions, Parker & Otis, is planting a permanent flag at American Tobacco Campus after participating in the historic district’s PopUp series back in August 2019.

As an extension of the popular retail shop within Parker & Otis’ famed restaurant, Parker Paper Co. will focus on those items dedicated to the tactile experience of putting pen (or pencil) to paper as well as gifts and grab and go sandwiches from the acclaimed restaurant’s beloved menu. They will also offer craft beer and wine to continue the tradition of Parker & Otis’ extensive and curated stock.

A photo of the pop-up store is ​here​. Photos of ATC are ​here​.

“I am so excited and grateful for the opportunity to open our shop at American Tobacco,” says Jennings Brody, owner, Parker Paper Co. and Parker & Otis. “What a lovely place to work!”

Parker Paper Co. extends Parker & Otis’ retail offerings alongside sister stores Tiny and Chet Miller. The shop will be located in the Diamond View III building along Blackwell Street.

The shop also continues a new tradition of high performing PopUps opening permanent retail presences. Parker Paper Co. will join ATC’s expanded retail and restaurant offerings that includes fellow PopUp alum Boricua Soul which opened in fall 2019. This week, American Tobacco also launched a new website and brand identity for 2020 designed to showcase the history and legacy of the campus while also setting the stage for new announcements to come in this new decade.

“Parker Paper Co. and Boricua Soul are great examples of the trajectory we see American Tobacco taking in 2020 and beyond,” says Adam Klein, strategist, Capitol Broadcasting Company. “I’ve had the privilege of knowing Jennings for a while and she’s one the best retailers in the Southeast. We couldn’t be more excited to have her sharing her knack for amazing stationary, gifts and food with ATC and beyond.’”

Parker Paper Co. will operate in 359 Blackwell Street in 625 sf of retail space. The shop will open in March 2020 with specific hours to be announced.

About Capitol Broadcasting

Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc. is a diversified communications company which owns and/or operates WRAL-TV , WRAL Digital , WRAZ-TV , WRAZ Digital, WRAL-FM, WRAL-HD2, WCMC-FM, WCMC-HD1, WDNC-AM , WCMC-HD2, WCMC-HD3 , WCLY-AM , WCMC-HD4 , Microspace , CBC New Media Group and Wolfpack Sports Properties (a joint venture with Learfield) in Raleigh, NC; WILM-TV, WILT-LD and Sunrise Broadcasting in Wilmington, NC; The Durham Bulls Baseball Club, Bull City Hospitality and Bull Durham Beer Co., and the American Underground startup hub in Durham, NC; Holly Springs Salamanders in Holly Springs, NC; and real estate interests including the American Tobacco Historic District in Durham, NC, and Rocky Mount Mills in Rocky Mount, NC; and Professional Builders Supply (an equity partnership) in Morrisville, NC.