DURHAM, N.C. — East of Texas Durham has officially opened its doors at American Tobacco Campus, bringing its signature combination of Texas-style BBQ and Tex-Mex to Durham. The new location marks the brand’s second North Carolina location following its debut in Winston-Salem and introduces North Carolina’s first Tex-Mex BBQ concept to the Bull City.
Located in the Reed Building by the Lucky Strike water tower, East of Texas brings together two beloved food traditions deeply rooted in Texas culture: Central Texas-style smoked meats and the bold, fresh flavors of Tex-Mex. The menu blends slow-smoked barbecue with scratch-made Tex-Mex favorites, from chicken enchiladas and fresh tortillas to salsa, guacamole and queso, creating a dining experience that celebrates the best of both traditions.
The concept was born from founder Claire Calvin’s own homesickness for the food she grew up with as a sixth-generation Texan from Houston. At the Durham location, that story extends beyond the menu. Designed as an easygoing, communal gathering place, East of Texas features indoor and outdoor seating to create space for families, friends, neighbors, and visitors to gather over a meal. The restaurant is intended to capture the relaxed hospitality associated with Texas while fitting naturally into Durham’s own culture of community, creativity, and independent food experiences.
“Since the first time I met the team from American Tobacco and had a chance to visit campus, I’ve been blown away by the energy and supportive community in Durham,” said Calvin, a James Beard Foundation Fellow. “We have loved getting to know our neighboring businesses, the Downtown Durham team, City leadership and now, finally, the community of guests who have come to visit us during the first few weeks of our soft opening. We love it here!”
The restaurant was created for a wide range of guests in mind, from families looking for a casual meal to food lovers eager to try a different take on BBQ, as well as fellow Texas transplants looking for a taste of home. East of Texas also offers kid-friendly options and complimentary cotton candy for children, reinforcing the restaurant’s goal of creating a place where the entire family can feel welcome.
“We’re thrilled to officially welcome Claire and the East of Texas team to American Tobacco Campus,” said Eli Bell, Director of Leasing at CBC Real Estate. “We’ve already gotten a taste of what they’ll bring to the downtown restaurant scene – not only delicious, authentic Texas flavors, but also a lively and casual atmosphere that will appeal to all ages and all types of groups.”
East of Texas will celebrate its Durham opening with a four-day Grand Opening Labor Day Weekend, featuring food and drink specials, live music, family-friendly activities and events from Thursday, September 3rd, through Sunday, September 6th.
