Winston-Salem’s East of Texas Expands to American Tobacco Campus Tex-Mex BBQ favorite expands to Durham with 5,579-square-foot restaurant and market
DURHAM, NC – January 13, 2026 — East of Texas and CBC Real Estate are excited to announce that the Winston-Salem restaurant celebrated for its Tex-Mex house-smoked BBQ and outdoor dining experience will open a new location at American Tobacco Campus in summer 2026.
The 5,579-square-foot space will be located in the historic Reed Building and feature a private event area, garage doors opening to outdoor seating near the Lucky Strike water tower, and a market with grab-and-go meals and retail offerings.
Founded by restaurateur Claire Calvin, East of Texas has become a Winston-Salem destination since opening in 2023. The restaurant recently earned recognition for “Best Outdoor Space,” reflecting Calvin’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment where families and friends can come together.
“Winston-Salem and Durham are kindred spirits,” said Claire Calvin, owner of East of Texas. “Both cities cherish their history and welcome new ideas. I’ve always admired Durham’s creative energy, and I’m excited to contribute to the community here in a way that feels true to who we are.”
Calvin, a Houston native and James Beard Foundation Fellow, launched her food career in 2010 with Dinners on the Porch, a family meal delivery service, before opening multiple restaurants and a wholesale catering business.
“Texans aren’t fussy, but we’re serious about food. At the new Durham location, we’ll keep experimenting and having fun. Guests will find our signature chicken enchiladas, smoked meats, and Tex-Mex sides, along with a market offering grab-and-go family meals. I hope East of Texas feels like a place everyone can love, but especially for fellow Tex-pats like me who adore North Carolina and still miss a taste of home,” Calvin added.
“We’re thrilled to introduce a restaurant with such a proven track record in Winston-Salem,” said Eli Bell, Director of Leasing at CBC Real Estate. “East of Texas will bring a lively, flexible dining experience to ATC–a place that works for a weeknight dinner, a quick lunch, or a big gathering of friends. That’s the energy we want here.”
Plans for the East of Texas space at American Tobacco Campus are being led by architect Joe Fitzsimmons, with construction overseen by Joe Williams of LMI Builders. Cindy Christopher of Christopher Commercial represented East of Texas in the lease negotiations, while Eli Bell and Isabel Rigsbee represented CBC Real Estate.
For the latest updates, visit eastoftexaswsnc.com or follow @eastoftexaswsnc on Instagram.
About East of Texas
East of Texas is a Tex-Mex BBQ restaurant created by Winston-Salem restaurateur Claire Calvin. Blending Texas-style smoked meats with Mexican-inspired flavors, East of Texas offers a casual, family-friendly dining experience and a market for grab-and-go meals. Learn more at www.eastoftexaswsnc.com.
About CBC Real Estate
CBC Real Estate (CBC), a division of Capitol Broadcasting Company, is a leading developer, owner, and operator of historic and mixed-use properties across North and South Carolina. Since 2001, CBC has developed over three million square feet of office, multifamily, and retail space. Notable projects include the American Tobacco Campus in Durham, NC; Bandwidth Inc.’s headquarters in Raleigh, NC; MoJud Lofts in Greensboro, NC; Rocky Mount Mills in Rocky Mount, NC; and The Thread in Rock Hill, SC.
Proudly based in Durham, North Carolina, CBC Real Estate is dedicated to strengthening communities through purposeful and impactful development. For more information, visit www.cbcrealestate.com.
Media Contact:
Margaret McNab
Public Relations
CBC Real Estate
(971) 506-9856
