Upscale Kitchen and Taphouse Replacing Vicious Fishes in Fuquay-Varina

FUQUAY-VARINA, NC — Duke’s Kitchen and Taphouse is preparing to open at 132 S Fuquay Ave, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526, in the former Vicious Fishes restaurant space. Owner Paul Miller told Business Debut the team is working through final permit items and is targeting the second week of March for opening.

The restaurant follows the recent closure of Vicious Fishes around Thanksgiving, with Miller retaining much of the staff and a similar foundation while introducing a refreshed concept.

We saw the news first in the Triangle Food Blog.

What to Expect

Duke’s Kitchen and Taphouse will offer what Miller describes as upscale bar food that remains approachable and reasonably priced.

The 300-seat restaurant includes a large dining room and patio, with weekend brunch expected to draw significant traffic. “Brunch is sometimes a two-hour wait if you don’t make a reservation,” he said.

Lunch and dinner will be served during the week, with brunch offered on Saturdays and Sundays.

Menu and Vision

The menu will feature wings, entrees, salads and house-made soups, with an emphasis on fresh and locally sourced ingredients where possible. Oysters will be sourced from the Carolina coast in season, and bread will come from local suppliers.

“We’re kind of unique in the market and we give people approachable food at a decent price point,” Miller told Business Debut.

The concept is named after head chef Duke Elliott, a longtime collaborator and friend of Miller’s. “Me and Duke, my chef, have been friends for 20 years,” Miller said. “He deserves it.”

While the previous concept featured only Vicious Fishes beer, Duke’s Kitchen and Taphouse will expand its beverage offerings with a full bar and a broad craft beer selection, alongside domestics, seltzers and more.

Opening Timeline

Miller said the team is aiming to open in the second week of March, pending final approvals.

He added that the Duke’s concept is expected to expand, with plans to open two or three additional locations within the next two years.

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