Café Royale to Open New All-Day Café in Midtown Raleigh

The French-inspired concept will move from morning coffee and pastries into wine, charcuterie and champagne by evening

Charmain Pieterse News Writer
Café Royale is coming to The Exchange in Midtown Raleigh this September (Image credit: Café Royale)

Café Royale is set to open at The Exchange in Midtown Raleigh, at 1000 Social Street, taking over the former WRK by The Optimist space as early as September, according to Raleigh Magazine’s Instagram. The new all-day café will bring a French-inspired approach to the development, with a menu and atmosphere designed to transition from morning through evening.

According to Raleigh Magazine, the concept comes from Patrick Shanahan and the team behind Capulet Cocktail Club and Rosebud Raleigh. Shanahan is the hospitality entrepreneur behind those Raleigh concepts, and Café Royale will add another project to his growing portfolio.

Raleigh Magazine reports that Café Royale will center on classic European café culture, with flaky pastries and leisurely lattes giving way to salads, wine, charcuterie and champagne as the day progresses. The concept is designed to function as both a daytime café and an evening gathering spot.

The publication also shared details about the interior, which will combine French café influences with playful touches. The space is expected to feature Gucci pink-heron wallpaper, marble bistro tables, rattan chairs and floral couches, with Alice in Wonderland-inspired elements adding a whimsical layer to the design, according to Raleigh Magazine.

Café Royale will occupy the former WRK by The Optimist space at The Exchange, Raleigh Magazine reports. The café is expected to open as early as September, although an exact opening date and full menu have not yet been announced.

The new concept will add another food-and-beverage destination to The Exchange, continuing the Midtown development’s growing hospitality lineup. Café Royale’s all-day format will give customers an option for coffee and pastries earlier in the day before transitioning into wine, charcuterie, and champagne service later on, according to Raleigh Magazine.

Love our content?
Add WhatNow as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.

Be the First to Know

From new restaurant openings to exciting retail launches and real estate insights, be the first to know what’s happening in Charlotte

Share This Article
I am a South Africa-based reporter for WhatNow Media Group covering restaurant and retail openings in Charlotte and Nashville. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Languages, specializing in Journalism, from the University of Pretoria, and bring 20 years of industry experience to my work. My reporting focuses on pre-opening developments, new concepts, and the people behind the businesses shaping local communities. I enjoy connecting with hospitality and retail professionals, learning their stories and sharing their insights, passions, and growth with readers. When I’m not reporting, I’m always interested in discovering the next business, concept, or story worth telling.
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *