Scott Crawford, a three-time James Beard semifinalist, will be opening Standard Foods in early fall at the Person Street Plaza retail center in partnership with Raleigh, North Carolina, investor John Holmes, whose family real estate business, J.T. Hobby & Son, owns and operates Person Street Plaza.
Standard Foods is a part of Nash Hospitality, which was formed by Holmes and Crawford. Holmes is managing partner, responsible for the concept and brand development, Lanier Brooks will serve as operating partner/director of special events and catering, and Crawford will be operating partner/executive chef.
The 80-seat restaurant at Standard Foods will reflect the progressive Southern cuisine Crawford is so well known for. Crawford’s menu will change regularly, and will tap into the exceptional ingredients found in the grocery, featuring items like chilled Strawberry Soup with yuzu and jalapeno, Fresh Bacon with Boiled Peanut Chowder, marble potatoes and leeks, Tomato Popsicles with spicy pickled okra, fried Rabbit with succotash, Pork Cheeks with pickled peppers & apricot mustard, and Southern inspired desserts as well—pudding, pies and peach-ginger sorbet, for instance. The 20-seat bar will focus on wines by the glass, North Carolina beers and craft cocktails. Seating will be available both indoors and out, and at a large communal table in the grocery for impromptu meals and monthly multi-course guest chef and wine dinners. An urban garden behind the restaurant will become a private event space, with a hearth oven.
This specialty “neighborhood” grocery will provide access to Crawford’s own top-of-the-line “pantry” and mis en place, offering everything from brown butter and duck fat to his brines, demi-glace and stocks. Additionally, Standard Foods will offer local produce from North Carolina farms including neighboring Raleigh City Farm, feature whole animal butchery and thus, an extensive charcuterie selection of cured, smoked and fresh meats, and a North Carolina-focused shellfish and seafood selection. Crawford will also offer whole house-smoked fish, innovative soups, salads and braised meats, and a wide selection of frozen custards and cookies.
