While downtown Raleigh may not resemble the wide avenues of Paris or Madrid, it offers its own charm with alfresco dining options. Scattered throughout the area are nearly a dozen streeteries, small outdoor dining spaces that occupy parking spots and provide a unique dining experience.
These streeteries have also become canvases for local artists. Last spring, as part of a program through the Office of Special Events and Raleigh Arts, artists began painting murals across these outdoor dining areas. The final piece was installed on June 20 at the streetery outside Raleigh Times.
The artwork pays tribute to Raleigh’s history as an afternoon newspaper hub. Artist Sean Kernick created a collage featuring historical newspaper elements and local events, capturing the past, present, and future of the location. Kernick is known for his work in downtown Raleigh, including the Lavelle Moton tribute mural on Salisbury Street and another mural on Capital Boulevard.
Kernick explained his approach: “The way I do mural work is similar to the way people tell stories,” he said. “I feel more like a middleman rather than a megaphone promoting my own artwork. I see myself as a storyteller.”
Funding for these streeteries and public art came from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Although there is no additional allocated funding available now, businesses can still create or paint their own streetery at their expense.
Businesses interested in establishing a streetery can apply for permits through the Permit and Development Portal. Designs must be reviewed and approved by various City departments according to standards outlined in the Outdoor Seating Guide.
