🌳 Di Fara Pizza Expands to RTP

In this issue:

• Tense Week for Durham Schools

• Di Fara Pizza Expands to RTP

• Del Taco Opening First NC Location

• Narrative Coffee Finds Permanent Home

• Commissioners Fund Jail Health, Police Facility

• APS Pet of the Week - Goose

Approx Read Time: 3 mins

Tense Week for Durham Schools

In a pivotal week for Durham Public Schools, the school board approved North Carolina’s first-ever “meet and confer” policy while also facing growing pressure from parents and teachers over budget shortfalls and staffing issues. The two meetings revealed both historic wins and deep frustrations within the district.

• Board approves first educator input policy: The new “meet and confer” framework gives staff a formal voice—but passed without DAE’s final input, prompting a walkout by union members.

• Parents push for budget fixes: Parents and teachers demanded increased support for immigrant families, more school bus drivers, and higher pay for social workers.

• Bus driver and staff shortages persist: The district is under a hiring freeze with a $7M deficit, frustrating parents and educators alike.

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Di Fara Pizza Expands to RTP

Di Fara Pizza Tavern, a Brooklyn-born pizzeria with a cult following, is opening a new location in Research Triangle Park later this year. The restaurant will anchor a 4,000 sq. ft. space at the Horseshoe at Hub RTP development.

• RTP location opens later this year: The second Triangle spot joins the original in Cary.

• Large space with outdoor views: Features a walk-up bar, gelato, and seating for 145 guests.

• Joins growing foodie hub: Will open alongside Prime STQ, Cheeni, Drift Coffee, and others.

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Del Taco Opening First NC Location

Del Taco, a popular California-based fast food chain, is making its North Carolina debut with a new restaurant in Durham. The Triangle will be the first stop in a planned five-location expansion across the state.

• Durham location opens this month: Located at 4716 Apex Hwy near RTP and I-40. The 2,300 sq. ft. space features a double drive-thru design.

• Part of larger NC rollout: Franchisee RAM Restaurants plans five total locations.

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Narrative Coffee Finds Permanent Home

Narrative Coffee, a popular Triangle-based coffee truck, is opening its first brick-and-mortar café in downtown Durham this summer. The new location will be on the ground floor of the Durham Innovation District building at 300 Morris St.

• First permanent café opens June: The space brings coffee back to the building after a year-long vacancy.

• Pop-ups every Friday until launch: Narrative will host weekly events at the space leading up to opening day.

• Joins retail mix downtown: The café will sit alongside Flying Bull Beer Co. and Virge Yoga.

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Commissioners Fund Jail Health, Police Facility

The Durham County Board of Commissioners met on April 14, 2025, to approve long-delayed funding for jail health programs and finalize contracts for a new sheriff’s training facility. The meeting also included key proclamations and updates on housing access, re-entry programs, and public safety coordination.

• Jail treatment funding unlocked: Commissioners approved use of a 2023 grant to expand medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for jail residents. The program, currently capped at 50 participants, can now grow with proper staffing and planning.

• Sheriff’s facility contracts approved: Two contracts totaling $1.1 million were approved to advance construction of the new training facility. The vote passed 3–2, with some commissioners opposing the spend.

• Stagville land deal praised: A creative conservation easement will protect historic Stagville while offsetting environmental impacts elsewhere—earning bipartisan praise.

• Sidewalk and park access expanded: Easements were approved for improved access at Stadium Drive, Slater Road, and other high-use areas.

• Equity initiatives highlighted: The board proclaimed April as Fair Housing Month and Second Chance Month, with re-entry job fairs, A1C testing, and resume events already underway.

Watch the Full Discussion >>

APS Pet of the Week - Goose

Meet Goose, a young, medium-sized pup bursting with playful energy and personality. This orange-coded cutie is full of enthusiasm, loves toys and treats (especially peanut butter!), and would make a great sidekick for an active adult who enjoys outdoor adventures. He’s still learning the ropes, so training and slow introductions to other dogs are recommended—but he’s ready to be your fun-loving companion!

Meet Goose >>