This could be J.Lights and I wouldn’t know the difference. Both seem to lack any kind of thought around design and character, IMO.
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This shit look like a high school cafeteria. Wtf are they thinking??
Even J. Lights had a little more going on than this…And that says alot.
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free expression walls showing off beer creativity?
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This all makes me wonder if they were working only within the tenant fit-up allowance built into the lease.
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I’m overall just underwhelmed with Smoky Holly thus far. Started as a cool idea, but phase 3 (and 4, 5, etc) haven’t materialized. The office space is apparently empty, the retail so far is basically a yoga place and some bubble tea place. One place already shut down, and this brewery that was supposed to be a big draw to get people in there is bland as hell. The Crunkleton has made zero progress towards construction. Maybe Madre and whatever else is supposed to be coming will help, but right now I’m kind of disappointed with the whole venture.
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It’s almost like… these brand-new multi-block “destination” developments with huge (though these at least offer a few smaller-scale) retail spaces that only deeeep pockets can afford leads to super sterile, boring ass “destinations” 
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I’m still hopeful that Madre will, in fact, stand out over there but on the whole I agree.
Kane’s ‘curated sterility’ needs a shot in the arm.
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Internally-focused retail like this may work fine in some cases but it’s almost always doomed to fail in a downtown environment. To succeed you have to be part of a district like Glenwood South, rather than next to but set apart from that district.
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I’m still somewhat optimistic. It would be nice to have an area without any cars around. Midwood is doing well and their outside space is actually pretty fun. Hopefully Madre does well, and New Anthem could figure it out.
I think they should let a couple Food Trucks park on that driveway on the weekends. Could generate some more foot traffic.
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Madre will be excellent. SmoHo will be just fine.
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Yeah I’ve gotten glimpses of Madre. There’s a true vision and a lot of love being thrown into that project. It’s going to be one of the premier spots in downtown Raleigh. Can’t wait for it to open. It’s really going to transform Smoky Hollow into a destination.
New Anthem’s lack of character is somewhat bumming. Hopefully that character can be added as they grow there. But still activates Smoky Hollow nicely. Was awesome to see a crowd of people hanging in the Hollow. I’d love to see a pizza slice shop open next door to them. Would go perfectly with the beer.
Midwood is really active. It looks like it’s going to be a success. I really enjoy the entire vibe, minus the carpet haha. The food is amazing and they’ve got a great staff.
Really hope Crunkelton gets going. Wonder what’s the holdup on that? That’s another spot that if it goes live, is going to make Smoky Hollow fantastic.
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Actually, there are 3 floors we can see of the office space that are concurrently under construction. I’m not sure if there even any available space in that building.
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This is in keeping with their Wilmington aesthetic, hopefully they add a cool mural like their Greenfield location. I don’t have many hopes for high quality interior design from them but at the same time, the beer wants to be the focus of the place. And it’s really good.
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Hey everyone, I’m Tyler, Co-Owner of Madre. I’ve been living in/around DTR for 20 years and was one of the first people to move into The Line. Having watched the development through a microscope over the last 2.5 years I can confidently say that Smoky Hollow will be the destination that all of you have been hoping it would be. Mature, elevated. A night out, a first date, your “Cheers” spot, serendipitous friend-making.
A few points worth noting/clarifying:
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Kane does not want sterile. They are one of the best commercial landlords I’ve worked with and desire nothing more than to facilitate creative concepts that elevate the restaurant and retail experience in Raleigh.
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While some concepts have had a tough go, this is not indicative of the location or of what’s to come.
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New Anthem opened softly without many of the decor pieces and permanent fixtures that will be coming. Their product and people are top-notch and they will serve the Hollow well. More to come there.
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Between permitting, supply chain challenges, and fundraising, opening a business in the last three years (especially a restaurant) has been excruciatingly difficult. All concepts here, including Madre and Crunkleton, are moving as fast as humanly possible to get open. Crunkleton will be a fantastic addition to the Hollow.
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Madre opens next month. Bring your moms!
Long live the Hollow,
T
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You might’ve just saved The Hollow. Welcome to the forum, and thank you for your contributions to make DTR an even better destination. We’re glad to have you here!
I think I can speak for us all when I say we can’t wait to to check out Madre!
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Thank you very much for your insight and willingness to share with us. Madre is by far the addition I’m most excited about, and your post made me more optimistic about New Anthem, Crunkleton, and the rest. Just when I was feeling pessimistic.
Also, wishing you and your whole team all the best with the new space!
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Thanks for the comments! I just moved into The Line and I’ve loved everything so far. Smoky Hollow overall has such good vibes. My friends and I can’t wait for Madre to open, we’ll definitely be some of the first customers.
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I went to Midwood last weekend. Personal thoughts:
Great service. Good, crowded ambiance. Some of the saltiest bbq I’ve ever had. Good if you’re on that side of town, front-of-house absolutely have their shit together, but Longleaf and Sam Jones blow it away for food quality.
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I also want to chime in on the office tenant situation – my company is one of the ones moving in there, but it has been a very slow process, mostly due to supply chain/labor issues. Until I got an inside glimpse of how furnishing an office space works, I didn’t realize how… construction-y it is. I mean we have to put up a bunch of new walls and install water pipes and all sorts of stuff. It’s a process.
Right now we just go into the “office” (currently a shared co-working space on the 2nd floor) 1x/week, but it’ll be much more frequent when our space is done. And I know we aren’t the only ones in this situation.
The office tenants will come.
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