A new fast-casual concept called Churp is preparing to open at Olde Raleigh Village, located at 3121-3201 Edwards Mill Road, founder Tyler Helikson shared with WhatNow Charlotte during a recent interview. The upcoming restaurant is currently targeting a late summer or early fall opening.
According to the Triangle Business Journal, Helikson is also behind the better-for-you restaurant brands Happy + Hale and Hale Yeah Kitchen, concepts that have expanded across the Triangle with a focus on health-conscious meals and accessible dining. His background developing wellness-focused fast-casual concepts helped inform the vision behind Churp.
Helikson said the new restaurant is centered around making healthier food more approachable and affordable, with a menu built primarily around customizable bowls designed for convenience and flexibility.
“We want to create nutritious food that people actually want to eat on a regular basis,” Helikson told WhatNow Charlotte. “The idea is to make healthy eating feel accessible and easy for families.”
The concept is also being designed with younger diners in mind. According to Helikson, Churp will feature a dedicated kids menu with bento box-style meals intended to help make healthier choices more engaging for children.
Helikson said the team intentionally selected a high-traffic shopping center location for the debut restaurant as they work to introduce the concept to the Raleigh market. “We really wanted to be in a place that already has strong daily activity and a sense of community around it,” he said.
While additional menu details and an exact opening date have not yet been announced, Helikson said the company is already considering future expansion opportunities depending on the success of the debut location.
“We definitely see opportunity for expansion,” he said. “Right now the focus is making sure the first location really resonates with the community.”
