214 Martin Street Grand Opening

I didn't grow up in Raleigh or even North Carolina, but having lived here now for 14 years I can say I've witnessed quite a transformation in downtown Raleigh in recent years. Many will remember the early days of visiting Greenshields Brewery and Pub years ago in City Market just off of Moore Square. Originally a farmer's market in 1914, the building was transformed into a pub and brewery in July 1989, becoming NC's second brewpub. (Greenshields is among the first 50 craft brewers in America). At the time, it was a lively spot in downtown Raleigh and the fact that they brewed their own beer at the restaurant was quite unique (how things have changed!)

Then in 2004, a fire severely damaged the building and the brewery never reopened. The building sat vacant for nearly a decade.

Until now. I was excited to attend the grand opening of 214 Martin Street last month and get a sneak peek of the newly renovated building. The abandoned space has been transformed into a beautiful and lively event venue and full service catering business. The space is open and ready to be used for corporate meetings, special events, weddings, pop up restaurants and much more. They offer full catering and a commercial kitchen you can use or hire them to cook.

With plans to improve Moore Square and Martin Street in the near future, this venue will only get better and better. I'm also really happy to see the historic building preserved and restored versus tearing it down and rebuilding. The building is joined to Cobblestone Hall which opened in 2010 and gives versatility to your events as well.

214 Martin Street will be hosting a Beer dinner January 22nd featuring Raleigh Brewing Company and will be serving Easter Brunch, Sunday April 15th.

I'm glad to have experienced good times in this space many years ago and enjoyed attending the grand opening last month. It's great to have new life in this beautiful space and I look forward to coming back again soon to an event in the future!

For more about City Market's history and transformation read a recent N&O story here.
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