The popular bakery known for its sweet and savory buns now sells at two farmers’ markets and pop-ups. Plans are to open at American Tobacco Campus by end of 2025.
Lutra Cafe and Bakery , the beloved Durham-based bakery known for its crave-worthy sweet and savory buns, will open a counter- service restaurant at American Tobacco Campus by the end of 2025.
Founded in Jan. 2024 by chef-owner Chris McLaurin, Lutra has built a loyal following through its presence at farmers markets, pop-ups and local coffee shops across the Triangle. Its permanent home will be a 2,600-square-foot location on the north side of American Tobacco Campus, adjacent to Ment Beverage Co., the production facility and tasting room for Honeygirl Meadery. Lutra will serve breakfast, lunch and baked goods for dine-in, patio seating or takeout.
“American Tobacco feels like the perfect home for Lutra. We’re so excited to be a part of their thoughtful and local mix of businesses,” said chef-owner Chris McLaurin. “Whether you’re
popping in for a quick treat, a to-go breakfast or want to enjoy yourself with a leisurely brunch, Lutra will be situated to easily meet your needs – and with lots of easy parking.”
A Chapel Hill native, McLaurin brings years of experience to the project. After graduating from George Washington University and training at L’Academie de Cuisine, he worked under chef Johnny Monis at acclaimed D.C. restaurants Komi and Little Serow. While McLaurin worked in the kitchen at Komi, Monis won Best Chef Mid-Atlantic from the James Beard Foundation and the restaurant maintained its No. 1 spot on Washingtonian Magazine’s Best Restaurants in D.C. At Little Serow, McLaurin worked as a host and learned how delicious food and professional but casual service can come together.
McLaurin returned to North Carolina in 2013 and worked at a number of popular Triangle restaurants and bars, including Rose’s, Bar Lusconi, Picnic, and La Place. In 2022, he was named chef de cuisine at Poole’side Pies, part of two-time James Beard award-winning chef Ashley Christensen’s celebrated Raleigh restaurant group. Following Poole-side Pies’ closure in late 2023, McLaurin launched Lutra Bakery and quickly gained momentum, selling baked goods at the Cary and North Durham farmers’ markets, as well as regular Durham pop-ups at Cocoa Cinnamon and Sunday Bunday events at Queeny’s. In its first year, Lutra sold more than 10,000 buns and hosted over 130 pop-ups across the region.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Lutra Cafe and Bakery to the American Tobacco Campus,” said Eli Bell, CBC Real Estate’s Director of Leasing & Asset Management. “Lutra built a real following through their pop-ups and quickly became a local favorite—it feels like bringing in a friend the whole neighborhood already loves. Their creativity and energy are a perfect match for ATC, and we know folks will be lining up bright and early for coffee and those unforgettable buns.“
At the new cafe, guests can expect a rotating menu of baked goods—including buns, breads, and soft pretzels—as well as breakfast and lunch offerings like biscuits and gravy, eggs Benedict, salads, and sandwiches. “At Lutra, we’re looking to create a space with craveable food that fosters genuine connection in a casual atmosphere,” McLaurin said.
Lutra Cafe and Bakery will be located at 312 Blackwell St., Noell Building #102, Durham. For updates and more information, follow on Instagram at @lutrabakery or at https://www.lutrabakery.com/.