New Tenant for the space of Magnolia Grill?

This Thursday, May 31, Magnolia Grill will close its doors forever. People have been literally lining up outside the door to get their last taste of the amazing food served there for over 25 years by Ben and Karen Barker. But time does not stop for anyone and, following Barker's decision to retire, the News and Record reports that Tom Ferguson of Durham Catering Co. and Only Burger Fame may be eying the space to launch his new venture - Rise, a doughnut and biscuit restaurant.

According to the article, Tom's concept is similar to restaurants in Portland and New York that serve gourmet sweet and savory treats using organic, high quality ingredients.  In addition to Magnolia Grill space, Tom is reportedly looking at space on Foster Street, smack in the middle of Durham's hottest DYI district.

Here is hoping that he chooses Ninth Street! First, the location is hard to beat, convenient as it is to most of Ninth Street restaurants and bars. And, of course, the legendary reputation of Magnolia Grill is sure to give this new restaurant a patina of class and authenticity he would be hard-pressed to find in a converted garage. Plus, would Tom be stepping on Monuts Donuts turf?

The full N&O article is reprinted after the break.

Restaurant news: the birth of a new eatery featuring doughnuts

BY ANDREA WEIGL - aweigl@newsobserver.com

Published in: Dining

Doughnut-biscuit restaurant on the horizon in Durham
Chef Tom Ferguson of Durham Catering Co. is looking for a space in Durham for his latest business venture, Rise, a doughnut and biscuit restaurant. Ferguson was inspired to start this new business venture by several eateries across the country: Pine State Biscuits and Voodoo Doughnut, both in Portland, and Doughnut Plant in New York City. He wants to do something similar: using good quality, local ingredients to make doughnuts and biscuits.

Ferguson says he’s looked at two spaces: Magnolia Grill’s location on Ninth Street and a space on Foster Street near Geer Street Garden. But he hasn’t settled on a location yet.
He has settled on his staff: Brian Wiles, a former sous chef at Nana’s in Durham, and Jim Johnson, an alumni of Magnolia Grill’s kitchen.

Here’s where it gets fun for you: Ferguson has purchased $30,000 in doughnut-making equipment. And so, he’s turned part of Durham Catering into a “doughnut laboratory.” While they do their research into what makes a great doughnut, they’ll be occasionally giving away free doughnuts. Check out their Facebook page for details: facebook.com/risebiscuitsdonuts