Raleigh

Plant Based Restaurant and Lounge Concept Opening in Raleigh

Dirty V, moving from their previous location in Apex, will bring plant based comfort food, a full bar, and late night dining to Raleigh.

Image from The Dirty V's website

RALEIGH, NC — Dirty V, a plant-based restaurant and bar from VegSouth Hospitality, is opening soon in Raleigh. Owners Carey and Lelia Kidd shared that they are planning a soft opening next weekend at 301 Glenwood Ave Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27603.

Carey Kidd told Business Debut the concept is taking over the space that formerly hosted Marian Kitchen and Cocktails, which is relocating to Havenwing Vineyards in Benson.

What to Expect

Dirty V is designed as a day-to-night concept with a full bar, late-night desserts, and a kitchen that stays open late. Kidd said the team wants to “activate all hours of the day,” with a fun atmosphere geared toward Glenwood South’s nightlife while still keeping food central to the experience.

The menu focuses on plant-based takes on American comfort food, including familiar “college bar foods” like burgers and hot dogs, according to Kidd.

He said the room will lean into bright colors, including pinks and turquoise, and the business will also accommodate common dietary needs, including dairy, nut, and gluten sensitivities.

Kidd said the late-night programming is intentionally built to feel welcoming and safe. As a husband and father of three daughters, Kidd emphasized that it would be a safe space, particularly for women.

“I want people to be able to come there especially women and feel safe and feel like they can come out with their friends and not worry about drinks,” he told Business Debut.

Opening Timeline

Kidd said the team is “planning on opening at the end of the week” with a soft opening, followed by a grand opening next week.

Hours

Dirty V is planning late-night hours, especially on weekends, with food served until midnight. The concept will also offer late-night desserts, along with a full bar program that includes items like slushies and boozy milkshakes.

Marian Kitchen and Cocktails Move

Kidd told Business Debut that Marian Kitchen and Cocktails is relocating from the Glenwood South space to Havenwing Vineyards at 3735 NC-50, Benson, NC 27504.

The property includes two buildings, with a banquet hall already complete and the restaurant portion “about 90% done,” with an opening planned for February. Kidd said the vineyard venue is designed for weddings, private events, and festivals.

Other VegSouth Hospitality Concepts

VegSouth Hospitality's concepts include Element Gastropub on Fayetteville Street, which Kidd said is approaching six years in business. They also run De Plantas, a Latin fusion concept based in South Raleigh.

Kidd told Business Debut they are also restarting a meal-prep operation, Southern Roots Meal Prep & Juicing Company, based in Benson with deliveries planned across the state.

The Dirty V concept is poised to grow via franchising as well. Kidd shared that they intend to open in Myrtle Beach, SC, and Miami, FL.