N. Hills eatery, Take 3

Oct 01, 2008 (The News & Observer - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- WB | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- In Raleigh's North Hills shopping center, a new French restaurant is preparing to open where two Southern-themed restaurants have failed, The News & Observer's Sue Stock reports.

The prime corner spot near the main entrance to North Hills was originally Restaurant Savannah, but it closed in late 2006.

Savannah was followed by South, owned by Raleigh restaurateurs Kevin and Stacey Jennings. But after a lukewarm reception, the couple closed South in June.

Now they're back with Coquette Brasserie. It will become part of their Urban Food Group portfolio, which includes popular local eateries Frazier's, Porter's and Vivace.

Coquette will be a step up from a cafe, but with a relaxed atmosphere. It will serve French favorites such as steak pommes frites and breakfast items including omelettes and quiche.

It's to open in late October.

--*

The Triangle's unemployment rate continued its steady climb in August, as the national slump and soaring energy prices hurt hiring prospects for job seekers, The N&O's Alan Wolf reports.

The jobless rate for the region that includes Durham, Johnston, Orange and Wake counties was 5.4 percent in August, according to adjusted data released Friday by the N.C. Employment Security Commission.

That was the highest since November 2003 and up from 3.7 percent a year ago.

"Businesses are less willing to expand their operations now and hire more workers," said Mark Vitner, a Wachovia economist.

Still, this region's job market remains stronger than that of the nation, which saw the unemployment rate jump to 6.1 percent in August. The state average climbed last month to 6.9 percent.

--*

In Raleigh's Sutton Square at Falls of Neuse and Spring Forest roads, Classic Coverings Interior Design will close in December after 19 years, Sue Stock reports. But owner Mary Conroy plans to offer her interior design services by appointment under the business name Classic Coverings Design Studio.

--*

In Wake Forest, Wine 101 will open Oct. 9 at 3325 Rogers Road in the Shoppes at Heritage shopping center, Stock reports. The shop has a sampling machine so you can try wine before you buy.

To see more of The News & Observer, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.newsobserver.com. Copyright (c) 2008, The News & Observer, Raleigh, N.C. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

More News:   Market Updates | Stock Alerts | All Trading News | Stock Index