Cantina South, a modern Mexican restaurant, will hopefully open by the end of June in the space formerly occupied by Bogart's in Raleigh's Glenwood South area.
Kevin Summers, a former co-founder of Rocky Top Hospitality and restaurant consultant, explained that he had been looking for the right restaurant ownership opportunity. When he heard that Rocky Top Hospitality owner Dean Ogan was giving up his lease at the 510 Glenwood Ave space that Bogart's occupied, Summers thought he had a good concept and had found his opportunity to return to being a restaurant owner.
Cantina South will serve modern Mexican cuisine with entrees between $13 and $20, specialty margaritas and more than 50 tequilas. It will be a high-energy fun restaurant offering late-night music with a focus on country and rock music.
The chef is David Peraza, who was a consultant chef for the opening of Mez in Durham and Jibarra when it moved to downtown Raleigh. The menu features freshly-made guacamole prepared tableside, a selection of ceviches and most intriguing to me, duck confit in flautas and carnitas.
Summers' business partners include Bill Holt, who the Melting Pot restaurant in Raleigh, and Dave Medvetz, president of Blue Sky Services, a real estate and contracting firm in Raleigh.
Summers said Cantina South should open by the end of June but could get pushed until early July.
