Moore County’s food scene is heating up! The restaurant business has been booming here. Dozens of new eateries have opened in the past two years, with new ones coming, and these new establishments are ready to serve up something special. Here’s a look at what’s cooking.

Atrium Food Hall in Aberdeen

Disappointed that Junction Hall food hall is indefinitely on hold? Aberdeen foodies looking forward to a food hall need not worry: Atrium Food Hall will be coming to Aberdeen instead. Though the project is still in development and kept under wraps, Jose Sanchez with NDB Commercial Real Estate confirmed to Sandhills Sentinel that Atrium is a go.

Though little is known about the specifics of Atrium, modern food halls are typically large, indoor spaces that feature a variety of food vendors, often offering gourmet and artisanal dishes. Unlike traditional food courts, food halls generally focus on diverse culinary experiences and often include communal seating for that “community” feeling.

Atrium will be in the same area as the Aberdeen Planet Fitness, Vista Oral Surgery, and Dollar Tree. More news to follow as the project progresses, so keep your eyes and ears open.

Godfather’s Pizza: A Pizza You Can’t Refuse

Have you heard? Godfather’s Pizza is moving into the storefront previously occupied by Petro’s Chili & Chips in Southern Pines (think Tropical Smoothie Café’s area).

Though no official grand opening date has been announced, the Godfather’s Pizza Southern Pines Facebook page has been teasing the county with sneak peeks and hiring events. “We’re excited to be one step closer to opening the new Godfather’s Pizza location!” posted the page. “The dining room is coming together! Get excited, you’ll be able to eat and enjoy some Godfather’s Pizza very soon.”

Homeward Kitchen Is Out, Golden Corral Favorites Is In

It’s been a running joke in the community that Golden Corral and Chick-fil-A switched locations, considering Homeward Kitchen was a Golden Corral property (of sorts).

Now, though, the change has truly come full circle. Right next door to Godfather’s Pizza, Homeward Kitchen has been swapped out for Golden Corral Favorites, which will feature a curated selection of the most popular Golden Corral menu items, served in a streamlined, quick-service format.

As with Homeward Kitchen, the Southern Pines location of Golden Corral Favorites will be the first of its kind. Diners have classic comfort food to look forward to – with a shiny new name and format.

Morganton Park South Progress

Two eateries in the Morganton Park South shopping center in Southern Pines are still planned: Whataburger and Starbucks.

Though the new stand-alone Starbucks location has been in talks for quite some time, Whataburger was brought to the Southern Pines Planning Board in November 2024. The iconic Texas-based burger chain will be side-by-side with the Starbucks and, according to plans, will be beside the Duke Power substation just across from Target.

Both Starbucks and Whataburger are moving forward with previously detailed plans. Whataburger will reportedly have 58 seats and a double drive-through, and will be open 24 hours.

The Whale Tea

Meanwhile, across the street and down the block, The Whale Tea recently opened for business. It’s near Five Guys, IHOP, and Red Bowl – which is fitting considering owner Jessica Lin also owns Red Bowl.

Per The Whale Tea NC’s website, the Southern Pines location offers a wide selection of premium bubble teas made with fresh ingredients. Their menu features desserts, classic milk teas, fruit teas, and customizable options with toppings like boba, agar, and coconut jelly.

Tea not your … well, cup of tea? Tradecraft Coffee Roasters, which previously rolled around the county in a mobile coffee truck, recently announced they’ll soon be opening their first brick-and-mortar coffee and espresso bar. Tradecraft, veteran-owned and operated, serves responsibly sourced specialty craft coffees, espresso drinks, teas, cocoa, and cold brew on tap.

This is a new announcement, so keep your eyes open for details as the project progresses.

Food Truck Parks Rolling Into Northern Moore County

ROAST Chef Matt Delle Opening New Coast Seafood Shack & Country Kitchen

Chef Matt Delle is making a splash. The owner of Roast Farm to Table Sandwich Market in Southern Pines, Matt is slated to unveil a new restaurant, Coast Seafood Shack & Country Kitchen, in Vass.

Matt, who has more than 30 years in the restaurant field, told Sandhills Sentinel that the new restaurant will focus on Calabash cooking and will offer shrimp, oysters, clams, crabs, and fish.

If you know of any new or upcoming restaurants, please let us know by emailing [email protected].

~Article and photo by Sandhills Sentinel Assistant Editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021.