Driven by an inclusive culture, our team of aesthetic experts offer the very best in skin, body, and wellness treaments customized to meet your unique needs and goals.
• Medical Weight Loss & B12 Injections
• Botox, Dysport & Jeuveau
• Dermal Fillers & Biostimulators
• PDO Threads
• PRF Injections
• Hair Restoration
• Microneedling & RF Microneedling
• Laser Hair Removal
• BBL & IPL Photofacials
• Moxi & Pixel Skin Resurfacing
• Sclerotherapy & Laser Vein
• Facials & Chemical Peels
Spring comes alive at Spring Daze Arts & Crafts Festival in the heart of Bond Park, Cary, North Carolina. Nestled beneath tall trees and scenic trails, this beloved Cary event features professional artists from across North Carolina, live toe-tapping performances, and delicious local eats. Wander the shaded park, find the perfect piece of art, and soak in the sounds and colors of the season. Spring Daze is where art, nature, and community meet.
SATURDAY, APRIL 25
CARYNC.GOV/SPRINGDAZE26
Bachelors of Broadway
Friday March 20, 7:30PM
Take a trio of dashing men, add soaring melodies from stage and screen, and then refine the sound with contemporary three-part vocal harmony — you’ve got a ticket to BACHELORS OF BROADWAY: Gentlemen of the Theatre. Starring New York City’s top theatrical talent, BACHELORS OF BROADWAY offers a fresh take on audience favorites that have captivated millions worldwide. Tickets at FVArts.org.
Kevin Spencer Special Needs Art Workshops
Monday - Thursday, March 23 - 26 Friday, April 17, 6:00PM
Dr. Kevin Spencer provides meaningful access to the arts for individuals of all ages and abilities. His residency at the Fuquay-Varina Arts Center will include programs to empower children and adolescents with developmental and intellectual disabilities, support senior adults marginalized by ageism, and aid veterans overcoming post-traumatic stress and reintegration struggles. Register online at FVArts.org.
Wake on Stage
Enjoy the fun when United Arts of Wake County comes to the Fuquay-Varina Arts Center for a spectacular party and performance where local celebrities, business leaders, and elected officials take the stage to showcase their hidden talents in a night of entertainment and philanthropy in support of the arts. Tickets available at Unitedarts.org or scan the QR code.
– Rachel Cornett,
Fuquay
All-day
More Access. More Convenience.
What More Could You Ask For?
WakeMed is proud of our longstanding commitment to the Fuquay-Varina community. And now, we’re here with even more services, increased access, and quality care that goes right along with being the area’s leading health care provider.
From primary care and cardiology to orthopaedics, lab and imaging services, we’re growing right along with you, your family and the community.
WakeMed Fuquay-Varina Medical Park
2400 N. Main Street, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526
Visit us at wakemed.org/fuquayvarina-medical-park to view all of our services and to get connected with our care team today.
What You’ll Find Here:
• Heart & Vascular – Cardiology
• Heart & Vascular – Vascular Surgery
• Imaging Services by Raleigh Radiology
• Lab
• OB-GYN
• Pediatric Cardiology
• Pediatric Primary Care
• Primary Care
• Urology – Adult & Pediatric
• Wake Orthopaedics & Physical Therapy
reader Letters
“Thank you for including 16-year-old Chandler Ellis in the January/February issue.”
– GLENN GILLEN, WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY
“I want to thank you again for supporting local creations. It really warms my heart to have the support of a local publication that shines a light on our creative community. ”
– SCOTT STOWELL
“It means the world that you reached out and asked me to do this. ”
– RACHEL CORNETT
“ What’s your favorite part of the maggy party? ”
THE SETTING AND THE VIBES EVERYONE THERE IS EXCITED TO CELEBRATE!
March/April 2026 • Volume 8, Number 2
EXECUTIVE
Bill Zadeits, Group Publisher
Kris Schultz, Publisher
EDITORIAL
Emily Uhland, Senior Editor
Erin McKnight, Editor
Arlem Mora, Social Media Coordinator
Tara Shiver, Digital & Copy Editor
CONTRIBUTORS
Fuquay-Varina Memes
David McCreary
PHOTOGRAPHY
Jonathan Fredin, Chief Photographer
PRODUCTION
Atiya Batts, Graphic Designer
Jennifer Casey, Senior Graphic Designer
Dylan Gilroy, Web Designer
Beth Harris, Graphic Designer
Matt Rice, Webmaster/SEO
Rachel Sheffield, Web Designer
Lane Singletary, Graphic Designer
ADVERTISING
Maureen Powell, Senior Account Executive
PUBLIC RELATIONS
S&A Communications
Chuck Norman, APR
ADMINISTRATIVE
Kristin Black, Accounting
Cherise Klug, Traffic Manager
Lisa White, Senior Event Coordinator & Distribution Manager
Valerie Renard, Human Resources
PUBLISHER EMERITUS
Ron Smith
Main & Broad is published six times annually by Cherokee Media Group. Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. Subscriptions are $18/year.
MAIN & BROAD
Westview at Weston
701 Cascade Pointe Lane, Suite 103, Cary, North Carolina 27513 (919) 674-6020 • (800) 608-7500 • Fax (919) 674-6027 www.mainandbroadmag.com
This publication does not endorse, either directly or implicitly, the people, activities, products or advertising published herein. Information in the magazine is deemed credible to the best of our knowledge.
ON THE COVER: COLORFUL COCKTAILS AND SOPHISTICATED VIBES ARE JUST TWO OF THE REASONS MOONLIGHT LIQUOR LOUNGE EARNED TOP HONORS IN THE MAGGY AWARDS. THE REST OF THIS YEAR’S WINNERS — AS VOTED BY OUR READERS — REVEALED ON PAGE 23. PHOTO BY JONATHAN FREDIN.
Main & Broad is a proud member and supporter of all five chambers in Western Wake County: the Cary Chamber of Commerce, Apex Chamber of Commerce, Morrisville Chamber of Commerce, Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce and Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce.
All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All dwellings advertised are available on an equalopportunity basis.
EPISODE 46
EPISODE 48
EPISODE 47
Host Melissa Wistehuff takes you beyond the pages of Navigating Perimenopause with Jamie Gallagher
Visit Raleigh: An Insider’s Guide with Jessica Holt A Beacon of Hope: NeighborUp CEO André Anthony
EPISODE 43
Art In Bloom: Inside the NCMA with Director Valerie Hillings From Pharmaceuticals to Pastries: Hanadi Asad of Asali Desserts & Cafe
EPISODE 49
Editor’s Letter
Kicking off this year’s Maggy Award issue, I should be telling you how exciting it is to reveal a new class of winners (very exciting), how fun it is to plan the Maggy Party (so much fun), and how impressed we were with the voter turnout (the biggest yet).
Contacting businesses to let them know they’ve won is truly one of best times of our year. I couldn’t stop smiling after my meeting with Tom and Wendy Gavin, owners of Fat Cat Homemade Ice Cream. Their enthusiasm and gratitude were absolutely contagious.
But I can’t help but think about some of the Maggy Award veterans who closed their doors only months ago — some so recently that they still received many votes. Restaurants like Vicious Fishes and Abbey Road Tavern not only won Maggy Awards, but they hosted family dinners, date nights, and celebrations, becoming integral to the community.
It’s an important reminder that small businesses always need our support, whether they’ve been around for 5 weeks or 5 years. So much of Southern Wake’s personality and distinctiveness comes from its entrepreneurs, shops, and cafés — from its residents living out their passions — and they need our support to keep it going.
Join us in celebrating the 2026 Maggy Award winners and all the businesses adding variety and vibrancy to our community.
EMILY UHLAND SENIOR EDITOR
4 This issue BY THE Numbers
27
$5 to $8
cost of the meal kits prepared, and freely shared, by Tracy Gower of Gracy & Co.
80+
Maggy Award winners — amazing restaurants, businesses, service providers, and more — voted by our readers
festive windows painted by artist Rachel Cornett in downtown FuquayVarina during the holiday season
options for local Easter egg hunts, even one for dogs
JONATHAN FREDIN
Next
Gen Entrepreneur Day
MARCH 14
10 A.M. TO 2 P.M.
FUQUAY-VARINA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, 121 N. MAIN ST.
Young entrepreneurs gather to market and network at the Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce’s second annual Next Gen Entrepreneur Day. Participants will engage in activities focused on marketing and customer service. The public is invited to shop and support these young business owners at the vendor fair. fuquay-varina.com
Chalk of the Town
APRIL 11
1:30–4:30 P.M.
HOLLY SPRINGS CULTURAL CENTER
Show off your artistic streak — all skill levels welcome — through chalk and other visual mediums at Holly Springs’ annual Chalk of the Town community art event. Food vendors and music set the scene to get inspired and explore the creative works of local artists. hollyspringsnc.gov/chalk
See Do
Local Events & Experiences to Enjoy
Egg-cellent Adventures
Holly Springs Spring Fling
MARCH 21
10 A.M.TO NOON
NORTH MAIN ATHLETIC COMPLEX, 101 SPORTSMANSHIP WAY
Springtime fun lasts all morning with scenic photo opportunities, local vendors, kids’ games and activities, a scavenger hunt, and two egg hunts. Children up to 4 years old will hunt at 11 a.m., followed by ages 5 and older at noon.
hollyspringsnc.gov/360/Spring-Fling
Ultimutt Dog Egg Hunt
MARCH 24
6 & 6:45 P.M.
APEX NATURE PARK, 2600 EVANS ROAD
Town of Apex Annual Dog Park
Pass holders, along with their furry friends, can hunt for treat-filled eggs and pose for pictures at one of two time slots (advance registration required). Dogs must remain on a leash throughout the hunt. Not a pass holder? No problem. Apply for one through apexnc.org and provide proof of rabies vaccination.
Fuquay-Varina
Annual Egg Hunt
MARCH 28
10 A.M.
FLEMING LOOP PARK
Arrive at Fleming Loop Park early with your basket in tow to start hunting for eggs at 10 a.m. sharp. Easter Bunny sightings expected.
fuquay-varina.org/793/Easter-Events
Adaptive Egg Hunt
APRIL 11
4:30 P.M.
SOUTH PARK COMMUNITY CENTER
The Town of Fuquay-Varina introduces a new, sensory-friendly program designed for kids ages 10 and under, including games, crafts, and an indoor Egg Hunt, plus pictures with a special guest bunny. Pre-registration is required for all participants.
fuquay-varina.org/793/Easter-Events
See Do
Follow Me to Fuquay-Varina Concert Series
6:30–9:30 P.M.
CENTENNIAL SQUARE, 102 N. MAIN ST.
The spring schedule of Fuquay’s popular Thursday night concert series gets underway on April 9 with Chairmen of the Board. Bring chairs from home and sit back to enjoy local brews, food truck fare, sunset views, and well-known local music groups.
April 9: Chairmen of the Board
April 16: The Embers
April 23: Crush
May 14: Heads Up Penny
Aloha Safari Park Day Trip
APRIL 16
8:45 A.M. TO 3 P.M.
DEPARTS FROM SOUTH PARK COMMUNITY CENTER
Adventurous adults age 50 and better travel together to Aloha Safari Park and enjoy a guided wagon ride, walking tour, and an informative keeper talk showcasing the variety of animals within the park. Species include exotic cats, primates, giraffes, camels, zebras, kangaroos, sloths, and more. Bring money for lunch and wear comfortable walking shoes. Register through fvparks.org
Wake on Stage
APRIL 17
6 P.M.
FUQUAY-VARINA ARTS CENTER
Food Truck Rodeo
APRIL 19
NOON TO 3 P.M.
DOWNTOWN VARINA, 801 DURHAM ST.
Sample unique cuisine on display from popular local food trucks, plus live music, kids’ zone activities, and craft beer. fuquay-varina.org/1772/Food-Truck-Rodeo
Save the Date!
Holly Springs International Food Festival
MAY 1
5–8 P.M.
HOLLY SPRINGS CULTURAL CENTER
One of the tastiest events of the year returns to the Cultural Center lawn — bring blankets and chairs. Cultural ambassadors and performances, music, and global food vendors highlight the diversity of Southern Wake. Pick up the event passport to collect stamps as you wine and dine around the world for a chance to win a travel-themed prize. hollyspringsnc.gov/foodfestival
Apex PeakFest
MAY 2
9 A.M. TO 4 P.M.
APEX TOWN HALL CAMPUS, 73 HUNTER STREET
A new event from United Arts Wake County brings local celebrities, business leaders, and elected officials to the stage to showcase their artistic talents. The lineup includes WRAL meteorologist Chris Michaels, NC House Representative Mike Schietzelt, and television personality Valonda Calloway, as well as local and professional musicians and performance groups. The evening benefits Artists in Schools, United Arts’ flagship program that places teaching artists in Wake County schools for curriculum-based performances, workshops, and residencies. unitedarts.org/events/wake-on-stage
Apex’s longest-running festival celebrates 45 years with a new location in 2026, the Apex Town Hall Campus. A full day of entertainment awaits with vendor booths, local artists, live music, shopping, and outreach from area nonprofits. The festival draws thousands of visitors each year. peakfest.org
Dig in Drink up Desert Rose
From Moonlight Liquor Lounge
2 ounces Waterloo Prickly Pear and Rose Gin
1 ounce fresh lemon juice
½ ounce dragon fruit syrup
¼ ounce simple syrup
Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into your favorite glass.
“When we develop our spring menu, we’re always drawn to ingredients with bright, floral profiles that capture the season,” says Moonlight owner Ken Yowell. “The Desert Rose brings together pickly pear and rose through Waterloo gin, both botanical and refreshing, while the dragon fruit syrup creates that vibrant color and adds a subtle tropical sweetness. It’s the kind of cocktail that tastes like spring feels.”
Refreshed cocktail menus debut quarterly at Moonlight, with drinks that embody flavors of the season in creative combinations.
“We also create special menus for events throughout the year,” says Ken. “For example, our Cherry Blossom Festival menu, Agave in Bloom, and other occasions that deserve their own cocktail experience.”
moonlightnc.com
JONATHAN FREDIN
Find Rachel’s Butterfly mural in downtown Fuquay-Varina on the side of Original Strength Institute.
Meet Greet Rachel Cornett
Realtor, artist, Fuquay-Varina downtown advocate
Through window painting and wall murals, Rachel Cornett infuses energy and beauty into the streets of FuquayVarina. She embellished her first window, at Puerto Rican restaurant The Meeting Corner, in 2016. This winter Rachel painted 27 windows with seasonal designs throughout Fuquay-Varina for the Fuquay Festive initiative.
GETTING STARTED: When covid happened, I saw how people were really needing connectivity and something to take their minds off the pandemic impact. I was fortunate to have a lot of the business owners’ numbers in my phone already and have good relationships. I started texting people, “Hey, can I come paint on your windows?”
My daughter was a 2020 grad. She was trying to figure out how to do something to celebrate. All I know to do is to paint something. We approached Kristie with Cousin Couture and Shoppes on Main and said, “We want to mount two sheets of plywood painted with this all-encompassing congratulations design and make it a place where anybody graduating from preschool up through college could go and take a picture.”
Folks came from all around, outside of the Triangle, just to take a picture; to feel like these kids were celebrated. And then it came time to take it down and Kristie was like, “Well, can you paint something else to go up?”
BRIGHT SPOT: One of my favorite murals has to be the little rainbow wings on the side of Linda Johnson’s office (Senter, Stephenson, Johnson, PA). We made it low underneath the windows so that dogs could sit there. I’ve met so many folks who’ll tag me and send it to me on Instagram. I love getting to see the puppies in my feed.
ON PUBLIC ART: Art is so much more than paint on a canvas. It doesn’t just have to live in a museum. It can be on the side of a building. It brings an interesting element of creativity, of inspiration and interactivity. It makes a place more of a destination.
I love that art can take something that’s an eyesore and make it visually appealing. The floral mural (on Raleigh Street) was planned to leave the exposed brick, because everyone loves that aesthetic, but disguise the cinderblocks. To transform that space was a magical feeling. I heard from residents in the Q Building every day I worked on it how they opened their blinds and had a whole different start to their day.
LOCAL LOVE: Fuquay-Varina has always been the place that felt like home to me. I’ve loved watching the heart, soul, blood, sweat, and tears that people pour into the small businesses in downtown. findherinflipflops.com @findher_inflipflops
PRESENTING THE 2026 MAGGY AWARDS
Written by Emily Uhland
Photographed By Jonathan Fredin
Best of Restaurants
Pimiento Tea Room
Best Brunch
Just like the restaurant itself, brunch at Pimiento Tea Room highlights the eclectic creativity of chef/ owner Christy Griffith. You’ll find challah French toast next to chilaquiles, a yogurt bowl alongside hummus toast — everything made in their signature Southern-inspired style. Brunch isn’t complete without a pot of their steeped-to-order tea or a tea-infused cocktail.
Sunday Funday — PTR’s coveted reservation-only take on traditional tea service — dishes up a tiered tray of shareable scones, savories, and sweets to enjoy.
PTR’s sister restaurant, Nightingale Rooftop & Bar, recently introduced high-energy, DJ-led singalong brunches. Stay tuned to social media for the next date.
pimientotearoom.com nightingalerooftop.com
BEST NEW RESTAURANT
Lucci Blue’s Social Cafe
Truman’s Smokehouse & Kitchen
Tiny House Treats
BEST APPETIZERS
My Way Tavern
The Mason Jar Tavern
The Blind Pelican
BEST BAKERY
Stick Boy Bread Company
La Farm Bakery
Asia’s Cakes
BEST BARBECUE
Daddy D’s BBQ
Truman’s Smokehouse & Kitchen
Aviator Smokehouse
BEST BREAKFAST
Eggs Up Grill
Truman’s Smokehouse & Kitchen
Grain & Berry
BEST BRUNCH
Pimiento Tea Room
The Blind Pelican
Lucci Blue’s Social Cafe
BEST BURGERS
Smashed Burgers & Cocktails
My Way Tavern
Town Hall Burger & Beer
BEST DESSERT
Tiny House Treats
Fat Cat Homemade Ice Cream
Stick Boy Bread Company
BEST FROZEN TREATS
Fat Cat Homemade
Ice Cream
JT’s Creamery
Tiny House Treats
Lucci Blue’s Social Cafe & Deli
European flair meets down-home hospitality at Lucci Blue’s, a warm and welcome addition to the Varina district, inspired by owner Kim Blue’s travels through Italy. The cafe’s array of flatbreads, sandwiches, and custom charcuterie invites sharing and fellowship from coffee to cocktail hour.
The space comes alive with weekly wine tastings, yoga classes, and live music.
“We want people to feel a true sense of community and welcomeness when they come in,” says Kim. lucciblues.com
Moonlight Liquor Lounge
Best Cocktails
Expertly crafted classic cocktails meet specialty seasonal sips at Varina district’s moody bar and lounge. The Banana Bread Old Fashioned, with walnut bitters, remains a house specialty since the bar opened in 2023, but fresh combinations, such as the Hot Honey Guava Margarita add spice to late-night and date-night outings.
“We want everything to include really fresh ingredients,” says owner Ken Yowell.
Moonlight also stocks local and North Carolina beers and Starry Eyes THC seltzers. moonlightnc.com
BEST PIZZERIA
J & S New York Pizza
Anna’s Pizzeria
Assagio’s
BEST SEAFOOD
The Blind Pelican
Osha Thai Kitchen & Sushi
Cape Fear Seafood Company
BEST WINGS
Wingin’ It Taphouse & Grille
My Way Tavern
Aviator Smokehouse
BEST DATE-NIGHT RESTAURANT
The Library Steakhouse
The Blind Pelican
Osha Thai Kitchen & Sushi
BEST COFFEE SHOP
Cultivate Coffee Roasters
Dupre’s Coffee & Company
The Mill
BEST FOOD TRUCK
The Rican Lab
Rolling Deep
Jo’s Sweet Indulgence
MOST KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT
Chick-fil-A
Tiny House Treats
The Mason Jar Tavern
BEST OUTDOOR DINING
Aviator Hangar Bar
McWally’s
Pimiento Tea Room
BEST ASIAN RESTAURANT
Osha Thai Kitchen & Sushi
Mei Wei Chinese and Thai Restaurant
Khao Sen
BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT
Zeera Indian Restaurant
Chaska Indian Cuisine
Inis Kitchen
Fat Cat Homemade Ice Cream
Best Frozen Treats
It’s impossible to know if it’s the bold flavors or the cheerful husband-and-wife owners, Tom and Wendy Gavin, that landed Fat Cat Homemade Ice Cream in the 2026 Maggy Award winners’ circle. It could be the cheeky logo that pays homage to the five Gavin family cats or the customer-submitted pet photos on display in the shop. Regardless, a visit to Fat Cat is as fun and friendly as it is delicious.
Wendy masterminds the inventive menu, releasing five new flavors every month, from classics like Birthday Cake to unique combos like Honey Lavender and Honey Butter Cornbread (a November favorite).
“We want to be known for strong, big flavors,” she says.
Many know Fat Cat for their dairy-free ice cream, which uses pea protein and coconut oil, making it vegan as well. “We want everyone to have the same experience,” says Wendy, noting that dairy-free flavors elsewhere tend to be fruit-based sorbets, but at Fat Cat dairy-free options include Smores, Cookies n Cream, and Vanilla Bean.
There are even gluten-free cones, cookies, and brownies available for sundaes and toppings.
“We try to really give that whole experience to the family no matter what their allergy concerns are,” says Tom. Visit Fat Cat inside Quaint Plaza in downtown Varina.
Fat Cat also earned an Honorable Mention for Best Dessert. fatcathomemadeicecream.com
Wendy and Tom Gavin
El Cantarito Bar & Grill
Best Mexican/Latin American Restaurant
This Fuquay hot spot serves all the Mexican favorites you know and love: tacos, fajitas, burritos, enchiladas, and more with fresh ingredients and attention to quality.
“Our cuisine is a bit more traditional than you’ll find elsewhere,” says managing partner Oscar Arellano. Refuel at El Cantarito, centrally located on Fuquay’s Main Street, during a day of exploring the historic downtown district’s shops and attractions. elcantaritobarandgrill.com
Grain & Berry
Best Restaurant for Specialty Diets
Customization is easy at Grain & Berry, where smoothies, juices, bowls, and more are made to order. The cafe’s wholesome ingredients and varied menu captured the hearts and palates of Holly Springs owners Rahmy and Arielle Tawfik, who opened North Carolina’s first location of the franchise in October at Oakview Commons.
“It’s really hard to find healthy options that are also delicious,” says Rahmy. “When you come in here, we put a huge emphasis on customer service and hospitality. … We want you leaving with a smile.”
Grain & Berry also earned Honorable Mentions for Best Healthy Dining Options and Best Breakfast. grainandberry.com/location/holly-springs-north-carolina
BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Garibaldi Trattoria Pizza
Pasta
Mamma Mia! Italian Bistro
Vieni Ristobar
BEST MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT
Nil’s Mediterranean Cuisine
The Gyro Spot
Greek Basma
BEST MEXICAN/LATIN AMERICAN RESTAURANT
El Cantarito Bar & Grill
Fiesta Mexicana
Aye! Toro Tacos & Tequila
BEST RESTAURANT FOR SPECIALTY DIETS
Grain & Berry
SupaBowlz Café
Vegan Community Kitchen
BEST HEALTHY DINING OPTIONS
Nil’s Mediterranean Cuisine
Vegan Community Kitchen
Grain & Berry
BEST COCKTAILS
Moonlight Liquor Lounge
The Blind Pelican
Nightingale Rooftop Restaurant & Bar
BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR
My Way Tavern
Moonlight Liquor Lounge
The Corner Biergarten
BEST SPORTS BAR
Wingin’ It Taphouse & Grille
My Way Tavern
McWally’s
BEST CRAFT BREWERY
Bombshell Beer Company
Local Time Brewing
The Mason Jar Lager Co.
Best of Lifestyle
McWally’s
Best Place for a Fun Night Out
Best Place for Family Fun
Since its opening last year, McWally’s quickly emerged as a top destination for celebrations, gathering, and family fun, with 20 bowling lanes, laser tag, arcade games, and a mixed-reality Valo arena. Plus, there’s food, drinks, and big-screen TVs aplenty throughout the dining and bar areas — a veritable playground for kids and adults alike. mcwallys.com
“We all need a place to feel community, and this provides a space for it. … It’s in your backyard. You don’t have to travel 20 or 30 minutes — it feels like home.”
– Bryden McCormick, owner
Guardian Angel Thrift
Best Nonprofit
With locations in FuquayVarina and Apex, 80% of thrift store proceeds help fund Alzheimer’s research in North Carolina. In its 27th year, Guardian Angel Thrift has contributed more than $3 million toward research grants through the Dementia Alliance of NC. guardianangelthrift.org
BEST PRESCHOOL
Oak Village Academy
Seeds of Faith Preschool
Primrose School
BEST PUBLIC SCHOOL
Willow Spring High School
TIE: Fuquay-Varina High School & Willow Springs Elementary School
Herbert Akins Road Elementary School
BEST ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITY
Windsor Point
The Aspens Holly Springs
Carolina Gardens by Del Webb
BEST NONPROFIT
Guardian Angel Thrift
Military Missions in Action
TIE: Fuquay-Varina Jeep Club (FVDDJ) & US Dog Coalition and Rescue
BEST INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM
House of Maevie
ASF Interiors
The Bath Remodeling Center
BEST PLACE FOR LIVE MUSIC
Niche Cocktail and Wine Lounge
Aviator Hangar Bar
The Brick
BEST LOCAL EVENT OR FESTIVAL
Follow Me to Fuquay-Varina
BBQ, Blues & Brews
HollyFest
BEST LOCAL MUSIC GROUP OR ARTIST
Maverick Rose
2Digh4
Heather Rogers
Oak Village Academy
Best Preschool
A guiding principle at Oak Village Academy: Whatever you can do inside, you can do outside.
“There’s enough outdoor space for all of the children to be outside all at the same time,” says owner Adam Zablud. Sometimes those outdoor environments are used for active play or lunchtime picnics, other times for structured learning, like curriculum-based centers.
“Let’s create something that brings children back outside and gets them learning through exploration and through nature,” says Adam.
Owner Alicia Fink designed the school’s campus with detailed intention, implementing a variety of architectural styles on the building exteriors. She crafted a welcoming lobby that feels like a living room, with framed family photos flanking a cozy fireplace surrounded by plush couches. “It’s a very warm environment; we want it to be another home for the children,” says Alicia. oakvillageacademy.com
OAK VILLAGE ACADEMY
LEADERSHIP TEAM: Adam Zablud, Alicia Fink, Twanda Pulley, Monica Escamilla, Andrea Larsen, Amber Johnson, Ashlyn McDonough
Don Schwenneker, ABC11
Best Local TV Personality
A 6’5” stature and a penchant for covering special weather events
earned ABC11 Eyewitness News
Chief Meteorologist Don Schwenneker — a Holly Springs resident — the nickname “Big Weather.” abc11.com
BEST SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Kris Clark, Fuquay-Varina
Middle School
Heather Johnson, Fuquay-Varina Elementary School
James Cole, Holly Ridge Middle School
BEST SCHOOL COACH
Tom Bellucco, Fuquay-Varina
Middle School Football & Basketball
David Kushner, Willow Spring High School Basketball
Jeb Hall, Fuquay-Varina High School Football
BEST PLACE FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION
Bass Lake Park
Fleming Loop Park
Hilltop Needmore Town Park
BEST PLACE FOR FAMILY FUN
McWally’s
Polly’s Petal Patch
Rock Solid Warrior
BEST PLACE FOR A FUN NIGHT OUT
McWally’s
Rock Solid Warrior
Fuquay-Varina Arts Center
BEST FITNESS PROGRAM
Original Strength Institute
ClubWorx
Level 6 Training
BEST YOGA/PILATES STUDIO
Bradley’s Yoga and Fitness
PRANA Yoga Holly Springs
ClubWorx
BEST KIDS’ PROGRAM
Lune Spark Center for Creativity
Rock Solid Warrior
TIE: Fuquay-Varina Arts Center & Arts Inspired Dance Academy
BEST TRACK-OUT OR SUMMER CAMP
Rock Solid Warrior
Lune Spark Center for Creativity
Arts Inspired Dance Academy
BEST LOCAL TV PERSONALITY
Don Schwenneker, ABC11
Brian Shrader, WRAL
TIE: Wes Hohenstein, CBS 17 & Chris Michaels, WRAL
BEST LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY
Erica DeLong, iHeartRadio
Maverick Rose
KC O’ Dea, 106.1 FM TALK
BEST LOCAL SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNT
Today in the Quay, @todayinthequay
The Blind Pelican, @blindpelicanseafood
Rescued WOOD Rehab, @rescuedwoodrehab
BEST LOCAL PODCAST
The Maverick Rose
Music Hour
Better Together
Basically Famous The Maverick Rose
Hour
Best Local Podcast
Hosted by musician Maverick Rose (voted best local musician), Darcy Woodward, and Jim Spilios, The Maverick Rose Music Hour discusses all things music on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m., live from Niche Cocktail and Wine Lounge in Holly Springs. Join the crew for the live recordings or catch the show via YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. maverickrosemusic.com/maverick-rose-music-hour
Maverick Rose
Kris Clark, Fuquay-Varina Middle School
Best School Principal
At Fuquay-Varina Middle School, principal Kris Clark has “a hand in everything,” from teaching a math class, assisting with the design of the new building (which opened in August 2024), and managing the staff, to fielding questions from parents and even occasionally cleaning bathrooms.
“Being the instructional leader is my top priority,” Kris says.
“Every student deserves a high-quality education. I’m here because I received a high-quality education, and that opened up all the doors for me. I believe our kids deserve that same opportunity to achieve their goals and dreams.”– Kris Clark, FVMS principal
Tom Bellucco, Fuquay-Varina Middle School
Best School Coach
After leading Fuquay-Varina Middle School football and boys’ basketball through undefeated seasons last year, Coach Tom Bellucco stepped into the role of Athletic Director for the 2025– 26 school year. You won’t find him sidelined, though — Tom still coached the girls’ basketball team and assisted with football this year. Building relationships with the student-athletes is the best way to make an impact, he says.
“Showing (the students) that you can be tough and hold them accountable while still being there for them as a shoulder to lean on — I think kids need that more than ever. They need a person to push them, but do it in the right way. Create that bond first, and then once you have that trust, push them to where they don’t think they can go.”
Tom Bellucco, left, and Kris Clark
Best of Services
Massengill Design - Build
Best Custom Home Builder/Home Renovation Specialist
As a full-service home builder, Massengill Design-Build continues to witness the incredible growth in Southern Wake County. Constructing homes in Fuquay since 1986, Massengill’s current active neighborhoods include Forest Bluff Estates, Bentwinds Bluffs, and Carriage Farm. Their detail-oriented process coupled with thoughtful floorplans and quality execution impresses home buyers.
During the 2025 Triangle Parade of Homes, Massengill earned a Gold Award for “Hilltop Haven,” a 5-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom home in Hilltop Bluffs. The home, pictured above, debuted a new floorplan featuring a luxury kitchen and connected scullery, screened porch, and second-floor primary bedroom with en-suite spa bathroom. massengilldesignbuild.com
BEST AUTO MECHANIC SHOP
Fuquay Tire & Automotive Center
Getz Automotive
Sears Tire & Auto
BEST FINANCIAL INSTITUTION
Fidelity Bank
State Employees’ Credit Union
Coastal Credit Union
BEST CUSTOM HOME BUILDER/HOME RENOVATION SPECIALIST
Massengill Design-Build
Ekin Contracting
California Granite & Flooring
BEST INSURANCE AGENT
Christine Walorz, Walorz Insurance
Nash Atkins, State Farm
Lee Hopkins, NC Farm Bureau
BEST MORTGAGE OFFICER
Diane Kinlaw, Revolution Mortgage
Shellie King, First Citizens Bank
Justin Harmon, Wintrust Mortgage
BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT
Tracy Benton, Community First Realty
Heather Dunn, eXp Realty
Roberto Tirado III, ENRG Realty
BEST DOCTOR
Dr. Jason deVente, Fuquay
Varina Family Practice
Dr. Scott Bartowski, WakeMed
Primary Care
Leah Gruber, PA-C, UNC Health
2025 Triangle Parade of Homes Gold Award Winner Hilltop Haven
Serasana
Best Spa
“To be healthy” defines the meaning and mission of Serasana. Through traditional wellness practices, such as acupuncture, reiki, and massage, plus skincare and yoga, guests find a soothing sanctuary that supports health in the mind, body, and spirit. Clients can enjoy a specialty drink from the spa’s signature tea bar after treatments.
Holly Springs is home to North Carolina’s only Serasana location, which boasts thousands of five-star reviews from its patrons. One client remarked: “Your massage therapists are the best around and very professional ... great technique. And I love the cup of tea after.”
Another said: “Serasana is truly a happy place for me.” serasana.com/hollysprings
BEST EYE DOCTOR
Dr. Phil Vito, Holly Springs
Eye Associates
Dr. Robert “Bob” Johnson, Johnson Optometric Associates
Dr. Patrick O’Dowd, Fuquay Eye Care
BEST CHIROPRACTOR
Dr. Cody Gioia, 919 Spine
Dr. Taylor Cox, Hometown Chiropractic
Dr. Sean Hammonds, Foundations Health and Wellness
BEST DENTIST
Dr. Megan Farrelly, Campbell & Farrelly
Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
Dr. Vanessa Campbell, Campbell & Farrelly Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
Dr. Mike Hamby, Hamby Family Dental Center
BEST ORTHODONTIST
Dr. Kristen Fritz, Fritz & Wilson Orthodontics
Dr. Tony Khara, Khara Orthodontics
Dr. Joseph Pittman, Pittman Family Orthodontics
BEST ATTORNEY
Chelly Pennington, Pennington Family Law
Linda Johnson, Senter, Stephenson, Johnson PA
John Adcock, Adcock Law Firm
BEST MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL
Morgan Lavender, Solace
Therapeutic Services
Kristie Laviska, Compass Family Consultants
Bethany Lindemuth, Copper Creek Counseling
BEST SPA
Serasana
Kneaded Escapes
Healing Waves Wellness
BEST MED SPA
Thrive Skin + Wellness
Preston Dermatology
The Skinnovation Studio
Dr. Megan Farrelly and Dr. Vanessa Campbell, Campbell & Farrelly Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
Best Dentist
The duo behind Campbell & Farrelly Cosmetic & Family Dentistry earned top honors as Southern Wake’s best dentists — the fourth year in a row that the practice has been recognized in the Maggy Awards. Megan Farrelly (winner) and Vanessa Campbell (honorable mention) share a central philosophy: create healthy, beautiful smiles in a welcoming environment where every patient feels valued and cared for. Their most requested cosmetic services include teeth whitening, clear aligners, dental bonding, and implants. hollyspringsdentist.com
BEST HAIR SALON
The Foilery
The LUX Loft
Salon Revive
BEST PET SERVICES PROVIDER Pooch Pad
Hilltop Animal Hospital
Peak City Puppy
BEST HOME SERVICES PROVIDER Butler Homes Construction & Remodeling
Kimi’s Carpets Plus
Big Monkey Renovation & Repair, Inc.
BEST HOME CLEANING SERVICE
Dust and Mop
Clean Queens by Jess & Steph
Go 2 Girls
Dr. Megan Farrelly, seated, and Dr. Vanessa Campbell
16 N. Broad St. | 472-234-3066 angier@nilsmc.com
FUQUAY-VARINA
513 Broad St. | 919-567-0887 fuquayvarina@nilsmc.com ANGIER
Best of Shopping
Samantha’s Jewelry
Best Jewelry Store
Samantha Babcock creates jewelry that stands out.
“I want our jewelry to get reactions like, “Oh wow, where did you get that? Who did that for you, because I’ve never seen anything like that,’” she says.
From her namesake shop on Fuquay-Varina’s Broad Street, Samantha has crafted, repurposed, and sold jewelry since 2009. In recent years, her daughter Bailey joined the team.
“A lot of what we do is repurposing old jewelry,” Samantha says. “Customers want to use the stones out of their own jewelry and create something new.”
Class rings, old wedding jewelry, or heirloom pendants, for example, can all be refashioned into modern pieces filled with meaning. samanthasjewelryfv.com
BEST NEW BUSINESS (NON-RESTAURANT)
The Skinnovation Studio
Track Record Vinyl Shop & Listening Lounge
Pawsitively Delicious Treats
BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE
Bless Your Heart Boutique
Southern Dash & Cousin Couture
Betty & Jane Boutique
BEST MEN’S CLOTHING STORE
Ashworth’s Clothing
Apex Outfitters
The Gentlemen’s Corner
BEST CHILDREN’S CLOTHING STORE
Ruby James
Children’s Boutique
Lollipops Children’s Boutique
Little Angel Children’s Thrift
BEST RESALE SHOPPING
Guardian Angel Thrift
Serendipity Consignment Boutique
KnB’s Marketplace
BEST FLORIST
Flowers on Broad Street
Flowers by Nora Expressions of Love Florist
BEST FURNITURE
Adorn Home Furnishings
Rescued WOOD Rehab
Woody’s Furniture
BEST HOME DÉCOR
SouthernlyPlace
Rescued WOOD Rehab
Adorn Home Furnishings
The Skinnovation Studio
After 13 years as a nurse practitioner, three of those years in medical aesthetics, Heather Noll decided to branch out on her own.
“I love being able to have more control over every aspect of the patient experience. From the time clients are searching about the practice until the time they leave, and hopefully return, I get to make sure they are having an exceptional experience,” she says.
The Skinnovation Studio opened last April, situated in the Town Hall Commons building in Holly Springs’ Village District.
Heather’s most requested treatment is neurotoxins, like Botox, followed by skincare solutions.
“What you are doing every day at home is almost more important, so I really outline the importance of that, and I do carry medical-grade skincare. You don’t go to the dentist every six months but not brush your teeth at home,” she says.
“I love being able to help women and men — anybody — feel their best. … Aging is something we can’t prevent and can be hard for a lot of people.
“I love being able to help women and men anybody feel their best.”
– Heather Noll, The Skinnovation Studio owner
“My take on this industry is it’s not about changing you; it’s about making you feel the best version of yourself or giving you back something you had. It’s not about augmenting; it’s about giving the most natural result to look the best version of yourself.”
“I tell my patients that the best aesthetic result is the one nobody knows that you had. Others look at you and say, ‘You look fantastic,’ but can’t quite tell what’s different.”
theskinnovationstudio.com
Heather Noll
BEST GARDEN CENTER
Logan’s Garden Hut
Fairview Garden Center
Polly’s Petal Patch
BEST GIFT STORE
Southern Dash & Cousin Couture
Bless Your Heart Boutique
SouthernlyPlace
BEST JEWELRY STORE
Samantha’s Jewelry
Holland’s Jewelers
Anfesa’s Jewelers
BEST SHOPPING CENTER OR DISTRICT
Downtown Fuquay and Varina
Fenton
Holly Springs Towne Center
BEST SPECIALTY FOODS STORE
Fuquay Spice and Tea
The Butcher’s Market
The Meat House of Fuquay
BEST WINE STORE
Cellar 55
Wine 100
Triangle Wine Company
BEST BOTTLE SHOP The Corner Biergarten
Black Dog Bottle Shop Cellar 55
Bless Your Heart Boutique
Best Women’s Clothing Store
A longtime Holly Springs favorite for women’s clothing and gifts, Bless Your Heart Boutique, owned by Holly Springs resident Jodi Stevens, opened a second location in Apex last year. Bless Your Heart carries popular national brands like Kendra Scott, Nora Fleming, Entro, Liverpool, and SCOUT Bags. Follow along on social media for live sales, new arrivals, and behind-the-scenes accounts of their trips to buying markets. blessyourheartnc.com
Ruby James Children’s Boutique
Best Children’s Clothing Store
Owned by Fuquay-Varina resident Olivia Ellington, Ruby James Children’s Boutique specializes in beautiful and comfortable clothing for babies and children with a focus on seasonal and holiday-themed attire for memorymaking moments.
In 2025, the shop left their downtown Fuquay storefront and transitioned to an e-commerce site. Still want to shop in person? Consider attending one of the pop-up partnerships with Mahjong with Elizabeth — a night of mahjong lessons, open play, and local shopping. The next one occurs on March 25. shoprubyjames.com
Painting the Town:Exploring Fuquay-Varina’s Murals
Discover the artistry of downtown FuquayVarina on the Mural Walk! Fourteen colorful murals are featured on downtown buildings, creating a walkable art experience and inviting visitors to explore all the area has to offer.
What began in 2018 with a handful of murals has grown into a celebrated community project, thriving since the opening of the FuquayVarina Arts Center in 2019. “Murals connect people to place,” says Maureen Daly, Director of the Arts Center. “They tell a town’s story, spark conversation, and welcome visitors to discover its unique charm.” As you wander and discover each unique artwork, you’ll connect with FuquayVarina’s story and character.
The Mural Walk isn’t just about admiring art; it’s about experiencing downtown Fuquay-Varina. Between murals, browse the local shops, savor a delicious meal, enjoy a handcrafted beverage, or relax with a coffee. It’s a perfect afternoon outing!
The Arts Center, working with the FuquayVarina Downtown Association, continues to identify opportunities for new murals, pairing local businesses with talented artists. Each mural adds another layer to Fuquay-Varina’s visual narrative.
Come explore, discover, and celebrate the artistry and community spirit of downtown Fuquay-Varina. Take the Mural Walk this spring!
Below is a list of murals throughout downtown Fuquay-Varina. They are listed by the title, artist, and location. For an easy-to-use map, visit fuquay-varina.org/ muralwalk
1. Historic Fuquay-VarinaArtist Scott Nurkin (Arts Center Building - 123 E Vance St.)
2. Town Events - Artist Vicki Wilson (Corner of West Vance & Main St.)
3. Seasonal - Artists Rachel Cornett & Shelby Cornett (Back of OSI Gym - 212 S Main St.)
4. Local Critters - Artist Ryan Terry (Southern Wildlife Building112 Depot St.)
5. Hard to Say. Easy to LoveCommunity Art Project led by Jebb Graff & Rachel Cornett (Steppin’ Out on Faith Salon123 S Main St.)
6. Bean AnimalsArtist Jason Thomas Clark (Side of Cultivate Coffee128 S Fuquay Ave.)
7. Deep Roots - Artist Rachel Cornett (Side of Aspire Financial - 121 Raleigh St.)
9. Welcome Home - Jermaine Powell (Vance St. Parking lot - 215 S Main St.)
10. Lighthouses - Artist Unknown (Wake Chapel side of Warehouse404 Wake Chapel Road)
11. Hunter, Birds & Hay BalesArtist Unknown (N Main St. side of Warehouse404 Wake Chapel Road)
12. Train - Artist Olivia Scott (Back of Front Porch Realty604 N Main St.)
13. Indy Racers - Artist Unknown (Back of A-1 Car Sales711 N Woodrow St.)
14. I Love Fuquay-VarinaArtist Sean Kernick (Quaint Plaza Parking Lot - 405 Broad St.)
I LOVE FUQUAY-VARINA MURAL
Business Meets Benevolence Fueled by Giving
Written by Emily Uhland | Photographed by Jonathan Fredin
Even if you don’t know the name Tracy Gower, you’ve probably felt her impact. A dedicated entrepreneur, Tracy has nourished and caffeinated residents of Southern Wake through Drive Bru coffee hut, FuQuay Brus café and bakery (predecessor of BOLT Drinks and Coffee), Brus on Main brunch hotspot, and now Gracy & Co. Boutique and Barkery.
“I love creating food,” Tracy says. Her cafés have been known for their boozy beverage flights, coffee beans sourced from her home state of New York, hearty breakfast and lunch fare with creative weekly specials, and commitment to helping neighbors in need.
At Brus on Main, Tracy instituted “pay what you can” meal days, offering hot meals at reduced or no charge — no questions asked. For Christmas and Thanksgiving holidays, the restaurant prepared and distributed full dinners to families in need, sometimes rolling up to 40% of their profits into their free meal program.
Tracy’s passion for feeding the community took root because she witnessed the need firsthand.
“I pay attention to people and the things around me. It just really bothered me, so I decided to start feeding people,” she says.
Tracy sold Brus on Main last year, and the location
is now home to Truman’s Steakhouse and Kitchen, but she packed up her love of feeding folks and relocated it around the corner, to Gracy & Co., her new venture on Raleigh Street.
“I love Brus on Main. I miss the heck out of it. … It was hard to keep a staff, and you can’t run a restaurant with a couple people, so it just became overwhelming.
“If I’m not going to have Brus on Main, I’m gonna have to have something. And I knew that I still wanted to be able to feed those in need. I’ve always wanted to have a little boutique with a little coffee, a little just ... something fun,” she says.
Enter Gracy & Co. Boutique & Barkery, which Tracy calls a “new-age general store” full of sweet treats, gift items, home goods, pet supplies, and all things pink and girly, open in downtown Fuquay since last April.
“I started buying pieces and products. I started reaching out to vendors while I still had Brus on Main. It was another opportunity for me to stay in the community.”
Gracy & Co. showcases the handiwork and expertise of many women-owned micro businesses, several with their own programs to give back to their own communities, Tracy says.
“ I’ve always wanted to have a little boutique with a little coffee, a little just ... something fuN. ”
– Tracy Gower
In the shop, you’ll find a bakery case filled with treats from I’ll Cake That, a Holly Springs–based custom baker, and gluten-free goodies from Bake Lab, a small-batch confectioner from Lillington.
Candles from FranCee Farms, handcrafted woodworking from Deep Roots Workshop, simmer pots, bath teas, linen spray, specialty popcorn, bulk candy, gourmet dips and sauces — the list of artisan offerings goes on.
Gracy & Co., the newest venture by Fuquay entrepreneur Tracy Gower, showcases the creativity of handselected vendors and supports the Fuquay community through free meal kits.
“ They’re not expensive meals, and they’re not gourmet meals. People don’t care. They want food. ”
– Tracy Gower
Tracy maintains a Christmas nook filled with holiday decorations and ornaments year-round.
“This is probably my favorite part of the entire shop, because Christmas just makes me happy. I’ve always loved Christmas lights since I was little, so I keep these lights on day and night,” she says.
“I don’t want to be that boutique that you think about only at Christmas. I want to have something that — if you need a card, if you need a small gift, if you need a teacher’s gift, if you need a treat — you’re not gonna find anywhere else. I want to become the best regular destination for that.”
More importantly, Tracy wants to be known as a welcoming space where help is given to those in need. Tracy continues to offer free meals to the community, now through prepackaged meal kits that she assembles herself weekly. The kits are available for pickup — again, no questions asked — right outside Gracy & Co.’s front door.
“I had to get creative, and I found a lady who runs a ‘dollar meal’ website. I started following her and really watching her ideas,” Tracy says.
Think: a box of pasta bundled with shelf-stable protein and a jar of sauce, or cans of soup with beans and a protein to add bulk.
Tracy’s meal kits feed up to four people and cost between $5 and $8 to make. Those in need can help themselves — no questions asked — to the supply available outside of Gracy & Co.
“The meals cost me $5 to $8 to build. It’s a full meal that’ll feed two to four people,” she says. “They’re not expensive meals, and they’re not gourmet meals. People don’t care. They want food.”
Kits have included chicken, gravy, and potatoes; chili mac ’n’ cheese; beef stew; and chicken and cheese alfredo. Cat and dog food is also available to those who need it.
“Animals are just as important to me,” Tracy says. In fact, the whole back half of Gracy & Co. is devoted to pet products, from treats to toys, and even an adoption board for pets awaiting forever homes.
Tracy encourages anyone who can to stop into the shop and spend $5 or $10 on a unique gift or sweet treat, knowing their dollars support individual vendors and local residents.
“We try to have something for everyone. So when they come in, the more they buy, the more I can feed people.”
Gracy & Co.
decor from Gracy & Co.
Recipes Readers from
Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake from Janet Livengood
An absolute family favorite! The hardest part is peeling and chopping the apples.
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons firmly packed light brown sugar
¾ cup white sugar
4 teaspoons cinnamon, divided
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¾ cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 pound Granny Smith or other tart apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
1 egg
1 cup buttermilk
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Butter and flour a 9-inch square pan. In a large bowl, mix flour, brown and white sugar, 2 ½ teaspoons cinnamon, salt, and ginger.
2. Add oil and stir until mixture resembles coarse meal. Transfer ¾ cup of mixture to a separate bowl and add remaining cinnamon; this becomes the topping.
3. Mix baking soda and baking powder in the original mixture. Add apples and stir to evenly distribute.
4. Whisk together egg and buttermilk, then add to apple mixture, stirring until just combined. Pour into prepared pan and sprinkle with topping.
5. Bake until tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Begin checking around 45 minutes, then check every 5 minutes until done.
Written by David McCreary | Photographed by Jonathan Fredin
Truman White doesn’t consider himself a chef.
“I’m just a cook,” the easygoing Alabama native says with an understated smile. This straightforward self-appraisal reveals the humble yet workmanlike approach the restaurant proprietor brings to his new namesake eatery in downtown Fuquay.
Guests come early and often to get their fill of everything from breakfast bowls and specialty coffee drinks to barbecue platters and craft cocktails. No doubt they appreciate the relaxed vibe, generous portions, and friendly service they encounter with each visit.
Fittingly, the restaurant just received
2026 Maggy Award honorable mentions for Best New Restaurant, Best Breakfast, and Best Barbecue categories.
“We’re excited to be recognized by our loyal guests,” says Truman, a Navy veteran turned IT professional who’s always enjoyed cooking — and eating — quality comfort food. From the time he was just eight years old, he helped make pizza and other family favorites alongside his mother and grandmother.
What originally began as a food truck has grown into a brick-and-mortar eatery situated in the former Brus on Main in downtown Fuquay.
“Sometime last year I was at The Mill envisioning owning and running a place in the local community,” Truman explains. Shortly afterward, he told Brus owner Tracy Gower to keep him in mind if she wanted to leave the space.
Eventually the timing worked out. Truman’s opened its doors for business in mid-2025.
The fried shrimp po boy is served on bread from neighboring Stick Boy Bread Company.
Arrive early to enjoy the brisket sandwich, before it sells out.
“We took our time to get the kitchen set up just the way we wanted it,” says Truman, adding that the restaurant has a small, reliable smoker oven onsite.
Most days involve cooking and serving everything from chicken and waffles to burgers to smoked meats.
There’s good reason Main & Broad readers enjoy visiting Truman’s for the first meal of the day. The Garbage Bowl, a classic returning favorite from the Brus menu, is the ultimate hearty breakfast: a messy heap of eggs, cheese, and corned beef hash, all smothered in sausage gravy over crispy potatoes or creamy pimento cheese grits.
“When we opened, we weren’t necessarily thinking we’d be a place for
breakfast,” Truman explains, “but what we found was that the community really supports breakfast service, especially on the weekends.”
Be sure to try the biscuits, which are made with love using White Lily flour, buttermilk, and lard.
“My mom is the best biscuit maker you’ll ever meet, and she came here and taught our crew how to make them,” Truman shares.
For a lighter option, choose sourdough avocado toast crowned with egg, tomato, and Everything Bagel seasoning.
“We get the bread from our good friends at Stick Boy, which is right next door,” Truman reveals.
Pair your breakfast with a cappuccino,
Truman White
Specialty latte and mimosa flights turn breakfast into a celebration.
“ My mom is the best biscuit maker you’ll ever meet, and she came here and taught our crew how to make them. ”
— Truman White
espresso, or Americano brewed with locally procured java from Oak City Coffee Roasters, an intentional change from the New York–sourced beans previously served at Brus on Main. Or kick it up a notch with a specialty latte like the Wound-Up Tortoise with white chocolate and caramel or the crème de menthe–infused Stoked Grasshopper.
Choose from three varieties of crispy spring rolls: brisket and pimento cheese, buffalo chicken, or pork and mac and cheese.
“
The smoked meats are the stars of the show, especially the brisket. ”
— Truman White
“The Wound-Up Tortoise and another called Wound-Up Turtle were bestselling coffee drinks on the previous menu, so we purposely kept them around,” Truman says.
Solid midday food options include a Reuben sandwich featuring house-smoked corned beef, a smash burger drizzled with zesty pub sauce, and the French Pig comprising pulled pork, cheddar, pickles, onions, and a ridiculously good sweet-andtangy barbecue sauce.
“We make the sauce in five-gallon batches,” says Truman. “When we first started it had 19 ingredients, but now we’ve got it down to 12, including ginger and honey.”
At lunch or dinner, tempting spring roll appetizers are well worth consideration. Whether you select the crispy rolls stuffed with pulled pork and mac and cheese, buffalo chicken, or smoked brisket and pimento cheese, you can’t go wrong.
“Our pimento cheese is made with extra-sharp cheddar, Duke’s mayo, a touch of honey, hot sauce, and fresh jalapeños,” Truman discloses.
If you see it on the menu, order the fried green tomatoes with goat cheese and a balsamic reduction.
Two- and three-meat platters are crowd-pleasing favorites, particularly at dinnertime. Choose from among beef brisket, pulled pork, sausage, meatloaf, and turkey plus two side items, pickles, and Texas toast.
Smoked jalapeno poppers are filled with pimento cheese and wrapped in bacon.
Truman’s maintains a relaxed atmosphere and encourages walk-in diners.
“The smoked meats are the stars of the show, especially the brisket,” says Truman, who advised that the highly desired protein often sells out.
“We’re using prime beef smoked lowand-slow over hickory wood,” he adds.
Don’t ignore the shrimp and grits involving sauteed shrimp served atop creamy grits imbued with scratch-made pimento cheese. Or ask if the fall-off-thebone St. Louis–style pork spareribs are available (just be sure to have plenty of napkins handy).
Rewarding side items include ham hock–tinged collard greens, whiskey-battered onion rings, and sidewinders, a cross between crinkle-cut and steak fries.
“Our french fries are seasoned with our barbecue rub and cooked in beef tallow, which makes them crispier and adds flavor,” Truman says.
When it comes to libations, Truman’s accessible full-service bar churns out quality craft cocktails. Curated mimosa
flights, another Brus carryover, are popular on weekends.
The restaurant offers counter service for breakfast and lunch and table service for dinner.
“We’re not fine dining by any means,” says Truman. “The atmosphere for breakfast and lunch is very relaxed, but for dinner we lower the lights and make it a bit more intimate. We want people to feel comfortable and get a good portion for a fair price.”
A cozy lounge area affords guests access to an electric fireplace, while a petfriendly outdoor patio comfortably seats 25 to 30 people.
Truman’s Smokehouse & Kitchen is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with dinner on Friday and Saturday nights from 5 to 8 p.m. The restaurant operates on a walk-in basis, and event catering is available. tru-b-que.com @trumanssmokehouse
Truman’s has mastered the formula for delectable smash burgers: all-beef patty, melted cheese, fresh toppings, zesty sauce, plus a toasted bun.
Guardian Angel Thrift (GAT) is a local nonprofit committed to the fight against Alzheimer’s disease by supporting research and programs that help individuals and families affected by the disease. At the heart of our work is our community. Through our thrift stores, we also create meaningful job opportunities for aging adults and underrepresented individuals who are seeking employment.
www.guardianangelthrift.org
Written by Fuquay-Varina Memes
Photographed by Jonathan
Fredin
FUQUAY-VARINA MEMES
(also known as FVM) is a freelance writer, meme guru, and an anonymous resident of Fuquay-Varina. She is the creator and manager of the FuquayVarina Memes Instagram page and has a talent for making people laugh and always taking the joke too far.
thefvmemes
fun memes
“It’s too crowded”
“Not another car wash”
“What is that noise?”
“Eww, pollen”
“School’s canceled, again?”
“Ugh, this traffic”
The Madness of March: A Bracket of Complaints
is a deeply unserious month in North Carolina. The weather wakes up every day and chooses violence, sports-ball fans are foaming at the mouth, the pollening begins, and the swimsuit section at Target is about to get hit harder than the curb at Starbucks. For reasons historians will someday study (no they won’t), this is also when the local complaints begin traveling at Mach 10.
So, in the spirit of The Madness of March (it’s … a legal thing), let’s fill out a totally unofficial bracket of the things people in Southern Wake complain about the most once the thawing process begins.
There will not be a prize or a winner, so save your betting for basketball. This article exists for entertainment purposes only. If you are not entertained, congratulations — you’ve already found something else to complain about.
THE TOP SEEDS:
#1: “DON’T MOVE HERE, WE’RE FULL”
March signals the return of spring and the start of the real estate market, which means houses sell, moving trucks appear, and the selfappointed “locals,” many of whom arrived sometime during the Obama administration, immediately start to spiral. The moment inventory rises, so do hackles. Suddenly everyone remembers a simpler time, when Fuquay still had Campbell’s Diner and a sketchy looking high school that would flood
every spring. But I’ve got news for all of you: Unless you’re the 100-year-old woman who has lived on Ballentine Dairy Road since the Carter administration and refuses to pave it out of pure spite, you do not qualify for this complaint. You moved here from somewhere, and I promise some guy was mad about it and probably worked through his feelings at The Brick.
This grievance is ranked as a #1 seed based on longevity, consistency, and its astonishing lack of self-awareness. Bonus points if it’s delivered while standing inside a brand-new subdivision.
Inclement weather strikes again
#2: “WHY ARE THEY OUT OF SCHOOL?!”
Everyone collectively lost their minds this winter when kids missed 84 years’ worth of class due to the threat of black ice, but the fun and games have only just begun. I think we can all agree that a school bus skating on ice sounds a little iffy, but tornado season brings its own types of pretend challenges.
In the springtime, I’ll argue that this is a solid complaint. Heavy rain, high winds, and the threat of a cow-throwing twister cancel at least one or two days of school every year, and as someone who grew up at the tail-end of tornado alley, I don’t really get it. I guess our lives were just worth less in the ’80s. Sirens were going off when we got dropped off at school, guys, and meatloaf was still on the menu.
BIRCH THERAPY PROVIDES COMPASSIONATE MENTAL HEALTH AND EMOTIONAL WELLNESS SERVICES TO INDIVIDUALS OF ALL AGES ACROSS THE LIFESPAN AND THROUGHOUT THE TRIANGLE.
We crouched in hallways covering our heads while teachers laughed nearby with coffee mugs full of God-knows-what, openly praying for a twister to whisk them away from the Chads, Todds, and Jennifers of the era.
This one earns a No. 1 seed because it’s actually valid. That big brick building? Safer than your vinyl-clad three-month build. I don’t care. Fight me.
#3: TRAFFIC (ALL OF IT, EVERYWHERE)
Someone inevitably posts, “This is not normal,” even though it is, in fact, completely normal.
This is a mid-seed because you guys should have known better. If you hate snow, you avoid the Midwest. If you hate shirtless men riding alligators to the Wendy’s drive-thru, you avoid Florida. And yet, here you are.
#6: NOISE COMPLAINTS
This should come as no surprise to any of you. Arguably, this is a yearlong complaint, but it increases in popularity when the weather warms up and people start to feel like they have something to live for. Folks start eyeing up that outdoor patio at Mi Cancun like it’s Justin Bieber at the Grammys, only to get stuck on Highway 55 because the roads in Holly Springs weren’t “ready for this growth.” No worries, you can always turn left. Eventually. In another state.
MID-SEED MAYHEM
As the weather warms up, people go outside. They start riding motorcycles (complaint). They attend outdoor games and cheer and stuff (complaint). They set off fireworks just because they can (BIG complaint). If it happens after 8 p.m. or before 9 a.m., someone is already typing. By the time I finish this article, your neighborhood Facebook page will have already logged at least four complaints. Someone revved their engine. There were mysterious booms in the area. Shearon Harris ran a test siren. I don’t even need to defend this pick, it basically picked itself.
• PLAY AND CHILD THERAPY
• TWEEN/TEEN THERAPY
• TRAUMA FOCUSED INTERVENTION
• PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS
• PARENTING CLASSES
• COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS
• SOCIAL SKILLS GROUPS OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:
#4: “THEY’RE BUILDING ANOTHER …”
Fill in the blank! Storage unit. Gas station. Car wash. Coffee shop. This complaint is flexible and evergreen. It doesn’t really matter what is being built, because I promise you that we don’t need any of it.
It was a tough call making this a mid-seed complaint, because I’ve been hearing it since I moved here in 2005. It’s not exactly seasonally motivated, so I dropped it down a bracket. This complaint gets extra spicy when it’s being built on land that has been “empty forever,” which everyone is also mad about.
#5: THE POLLENING
Every March, pollen comes in hot and pisses everyone off. Cars turn yellow. Ponds and streets turn yellow. Sinuses give up and start planning funerals.
THE CHAMPION
“DON’T MOVE HERE, WE’RE FULL”
After a final four consisting of takeyour-pick, we have a winner.
Undefeated. Timeless. Hypocritical in the most Fuquay/Holly Springs way possible. If Mark says the state is full, it’s full. Might as well ignore that job offer, because it’s pointless. Southern hospitality exists only for those who got here early, and that’s the end of it.
See you next March — same complaints, same madness.
MB
Seen Heard
Nightingale Rooftop & Bar announced a new executive chef, Ruben de Los Santos, in January. Ruben blends “new American cooking with the warmth and comfort of Southern Influence” by focusing on refined technique, quality ingredients, and layered flavors.
Fuquay-Varina celebrated the launch of MicroLink ondemand transit service in January. A segment of GoRaleigh’s transportation service, MicroLink serves residents by offering on-demand rides within the Judd Parkway Service Area. MicroLink operates like a rideshare app, allowing residents to request rides using the app or by calling (919) 9963459. The service is fare-free through January 2027.
Fuquay
Spice and Tea has earned the designation of Certified North Carolina Destination Business, a program of the NC Department of Commerce Main Street & Rural Planning Center. The statewide initiative offers small businesses resources and recognition to support their practices, attract customers and visitors, and enhance the surrounding Main Street community.
“Destination businesses are more than storefronts. They are experiences,” says North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley.
Toll Brothers announced a new residential community in Fuquay-Varina called Vintage Grove. Preliminary site work has begun at Vintage Grove, which will encompass 46 single-family homes on oversized lots with spacious four- and five-bedroom floor plans. Customization options through the Toll Brothers Design Studio allow buyers to personalize their homes with the assistance of design consultants.
“For the past five years, we’ve been working to improve connectivity within our community, and MicroLink is the solution,” stated Mayor William Harris at the ribbon cutting. “This service connects you to anywhere in the FuquayVarina service area, whether you’re headed to the library, Town Hall, our high schools, the Southern Regional Center, or simply need a ride across town. This service will greatly improve transportation options for our residents.”
Scott Stowell, a Willow Spring resident and author, recently released a sci-fi thriller novel, Everhaven, on Kindle. Everhaven blends mystery, world building, high-stakes insurance investigations, and artificial intelligence into an entertaining and timely story. The author hosted a book signing and community discussion focused on AI’s influence on everyday life at The Blind Pelican in February.
Jayson Arendt, an aspiring musician, Banana Ball Championship League baseball player, and Fuquay-Varina native, appeared on the season 24 premiere of American Idol with a successful audition and a promotion to the show’s Hollywood week. Jayson attended and played baseball at UNC Wilmington and Holly Springs High School. At press time Jayson was one week away from his next American Idol appearance on “Hollywood Week in Music City.”
The Coastal Credit
Union Foundation awarded nearly $1 million in grants to nonprofit organizations in 2025. The Foundation supported programs that address challenges surrounding financial well-being, affordable housing, and access to food, healthcare, and education resources. Through partnerships with 70 organizations, the grants impacted more than 2 million lives, according to Coastal Credit Union.
“These numbers represent far more than dollars granted or programs funded,” says Emily Nail, the Foundation’s executive director. “They represent neighbors supported, students empowered, families stabilized, and communities made stronger through collaboration and shared purpose.”
Professional House Cleaners serving the Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, and Morrisville area.
In Focus
By Jonathan Fredin
A frost-dusted oak leaf lies upon a bed of icy grass, glittering like a forgotten treasure in the crisp, quiet morning. Frostlight
CAN YOU SEE WILD HORSES AND DOLPHINS IN THE SAME PLACE?
WHERE IN THE OBX
Only in The Northern Outer Banks
Only in The Northern Outer Banks will memories be filled with Corolla Wild Horses roaming free on pristine beaches, historic maritime attractions, luxurious accommodations and abundant laidback family fun. Plan your perfect vacation!
