Italian Flavors and a Modern Market to Open at The Exchange Raleigh
RALEIGH, NC – Italian cuisine with a fresh twist is arriving in Midtown! Dewitt Carolinas, Inc. is excited to announce the latest restaurant tenant at The Exchange Raleigh, its 40-acre mixed-use development. The new concept from Chef Michael Bongiorno—renowned for Bongiorno & Son in Lafayette Village—will occupy a 2,193-square-foot retail space on the ground floor of 1000 Social, the flagship 12-story office tower at The Exchange. The restaurant will be conveniently located just steps from the building’s main lobby, bringing Italian charm and culinary innovation to Raleigh’s Midtown community.
The current Bongiorno & Son, an old-fashioned Italian deli and market in Lafayette Village, has earned a devoted following. Inspired by the tradition of Sunday home-cooked Italian meals, Bongiorno & Son combines cherished family recipes, globally inspired dishes, and a legacy of Italian culinary excellence passed down through generations.
Bongiorno & Son's charming storefront in Lafayette Village sets the tone for the imported delicacies inside.
Founded by Michael Bongiorno in 2020, Bongiorno & Son brings the charm of northeastern “Italian stores” to North Carolina, offering an array of hard-to-find Italian meats, cheeses, antipasto, and retail items. Their menu features hearty sandwiches, soups, and classic Italian staples like imported pasta and sausage, perfect for creating a sense of nostalgia for customers.
Michael Bongiorno's food roots run deep - all the way back to his family's patisserie shop in Little Italy.
The forthcoming concept at 1000 Social will offer an updated take, featuring a modern aesthetic with dark wood accents and bold graphics. The space will house an expanded market with grab-and-go salads, meals, and pantry staples designed for busy professionals. Patrons can also enjoy freshly prepared custom sandwiches, Italian pastries, breads, and deli selections at a classic counter.
The 1000 Social Bongiorno and Son location plans to offer even more robust takeaway meal options, offering an easy dinner option for busy professionals heading home after work.
Adding a distinctive element to the concept, the new location plans to embrace the Italian apertivo tradition—a drink and light snack or meal that takes place at the end of the workday. Seen as a warmup to dinner and a chance to socialize over distinctive small plates and wine, the apertivo will foster a sense of community among office tenants and visitors. Seasonal osteria-style community dinners, where food is served family-style at long tables, are also expected to make an appearance at the new location of Bongiorno & Son.
“This project is deeply personal to me,” says Chef Bongiorno. “Family has always been the foundation of my life and my career. My great-grandfather owned a patisserie shop in New York’s Little Italy, and my grandfather owned an Italian grocery store in Jersey City, NJ. You will find pictures of them throughout the restaurant. That legacy of bringing people together through food is something I’m proud to continue here in Raleigh.”
Michael Bongiorno's grandfather stands in his Italian grocery in Jersey City.
While the name is yet to be finalized, the restaurant is expected to open in Q3 of 2025. Chef Bongiorno brings decades of global culinary expertise to the table. He led Hyatt International’s Southeast Asia operations for 15 years, served as a private chef in Beverly Hills, and later became Corporate Chef for United Therapeutics in Raleigh. Following that chapter, he pursued entrepreneurship by opening Zanyu, a noodle shop he has since sold.
Building on its success, Bongiorno & Son is expanding with an additional outpost at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), in addition to the new location at The Exchange.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chef Bongiorno and his team to The Exchange Raleigh,” says Connor Saieed, who manages retail leasing at Dewitt Carolinas along with his brother, Tommy Saieed. “Dewitt is a family business, so Chef Bongiorno’s deep respect for family and tradition, coupled with his commitment to creating exceptional culinary experiences, makes him an ideal partner at 1000 Social. Creating spaces that feel like home—and communities that feel like family—is his specialty. We can’t wait to see Bongiorno & Son come to life at 1000 Social.”
Elm Partners represented Bongiorno & Son and Dewitt Carolinas represented 1000 Social in this transaction. The Exchange Raleigh continues to shape the future of Midtown with its curated blend of innovative office spaces, vibrant retail, and local culinary talent.
About The Exchange Raleigh
The Exchange Raleigh is Dewitt Carolinas’ 40-acre, mixed-use project in Midtown Raleigh. Upon completion, the development will feature 4 acres of green space, up to 990K square feet of office space, up to 1,275 residential units, 300 hotel rooms, and 125K of retail and dining. Infused with local culture and lush greenery, The Exchange is a vibrant community rooted in health, wellness, and intentionally balanced living. Full-time residents, hotel guests, office tenants, and visitors alike can reconnect to mindful living via city conveniences and restorative wellness-focused amenities. Discover this project at TheExchangeRaleigh.com.
About Dewitt Carolinas Inc.
Dewitt Carolinas Inc. is a Raleigh-based full-service diversified real estate company with over 25 years of experience across more than 200 projects throughout the Carolinas. Dewitt Carolinas specializes in office, retail, and multifamily development, construction management, property management, and leasing. Explore more at DewittCarolinas.com.