Earlier this month, NC took the No. 1 spot on CNBC’s 2022 list of America’s Top States for Businesses. And let’s not forget that the Lending Tree ranked the Raleigh metro area as the best place to start a small business last October.

The Downtown Raleigh Alliance released its quarter two market report and the numbers back the rankings. Here’s the rundown on downtown businesses in Q2 (Fri., April 1-Thurs., June 30).

Fast downtown business facts

8 new businesses opened.
2 downtown shops expanded.
17 new development projects are under construction or in site preparation (like RUS Bus + 320 W. South Street).
There are $5.5 billion of investments in the downtown Raleigh development pipeline.
2,451 residential units are under construction or in site preparation.
There was a 15% increase in food and beverage sales from Q1.

So about those new businesses and expansions…

Now open

Visit Site
Copperline Plant Co. | Retail | April 2022
Vault Craft Beer | Bar + Taproom | April 2022
Urban Pothos (expansion) | Retail | April 2022
9Round | Service | April 2022
Reign Luxury Beauty Lounge | Service | May 2022
The Bath Place at Pop-Up Shops at Martin Street | Retail | May 2022
Unorthodox Vintage | Retail | May 2022
Marigold Parlour (relocation/expansion) | Service | May 2022
Whiskey Rose | Bar | May 2022
The Parlor at Heights House | Hotel | June 2022

Coming soon (2022)

Amitie Macarons Restaurant | Retail | Wilmington Street
Sugar Euphoria | Retail
El Toro Loco Taqueria | Restaurant
Rainbow Luncheonette | Restaurant | N. West Street
Longleaf Swine | Restaurant
Soul Taco | Restaurant
Jew Fro | Restaurant
321 Coffee | Restaurant | Glenwood South
First Watch | Restaurant
Raleigh Midwood Smokehouse | Restaurant | Smoky Hollow
J Lights Market & Cafe | Restaurant | Smoky Hollow
Madre | Restaurant | Smoky Hollow
Milklab | Restaurant | Smoky Hollow
The Crunkleton | Bar | Smoky Hollow
YogaSix | Service | Glenwood South
CrossFit Serve (second location) | Service | Fayetteville Street
Sky Cafe | Restaurant

For more downtown facts from Q1 click here.