Kroger announced today it will be closing two Triangle stores -- both of them in Raleigh.

The closings, which are scheduled for January, will bring the number of Kroger stores in the Triangle to 14.

A majar player nationwide, Kroger has faced stiff competition in the Triangle from Harris Teeter, Lowes Foods and Food Lion.

For more details on Kroger's decision to close these stores, click HERE.

Go HERE to read my story about Magnolia Grill's last month.

Scott Howell’s venture into the pizza business has ended after a year and a half. Howell, better known as chef/proprietor of Nana’s, has turned the keys of the pizzeria over to Dan Ferguson, owner of The Original Q Shack next door.

Ferguson is teaming up with Turner Lawrence to open The Fish Shack in the space, with a target opening date of March 29.

The eatery will specialize in variations on the fried seafood theme, from baskets to fried Cobb salads to po’ boys (including an intriguing sandwich called the Shack Attack, pairing fried crawfish with beef brisket from the Q Shack).

Other options will include a Low Country boil, smoked rotisserie chicken, and a daily grilled fish selection. The goal, according to Ferguson, is fresh food served fast at affordable prices, with most entrees under $10 and nothing over $16.95. I’ll have more details in my Epicurean column when the restaurant opens.

N & O reporter Sarah Ovaska has an interesting post on the WakePol blog about the imminent closing of the State Soda Shop in downtown Raleigh. I wasn't aware that the this little hole-in-the eatery might well be the city's oldest restaurant. Here's a link to her post: 

http://blogs.newsobserver.com/wakepol/close-state-soda-shop-say-it-aint-so

There's still time to stop in for one last chicken salad sandwich at the State Soda Shop, but I'm afraid it's too late to visit these three area restaurants, which have closed their doors for good:

Armadillo Grill - Wake Forest location only; the other locations are still going strong.

Francesca's Italian Cuisine in Durham - not to be confused with Francesca's Dessert Caffe on Ninth Street, which is, again, still going strong.

Sedona in Raleigh - the space is up for sale.

Finally, there's a sign on the door of Oishii LP in Cary stating the the restaurant is temporarily closed, and thanking customers for their friendship and patronage. I'll let you know when I have an update.