Patrick Shanahan — the hospitality visionary who has brought cinematic design to Raleigh’s most talked-about bars and restaurants this year — is bringing his signature creative sensibility to North Hills for the first time with co-owner Robby Opperman. Slated to open in 2027, Little Saint Cocktail Co. will mark Shanahan’s fifth project in two years, and North Hills’ first true standalone cocktail bar. Follow along at @LittleSaintRaleigh.
Shanahan’s track record speaks for itself. Peregrine earned a James Beard Foundation nomination for “Best New Restaurant”; Capulet Cocktail Club at The Exchange was spotlighted in Forbes and Wine Enthusiast for its maximalist design; and Rosebud Cocktail Lounge in downtown Raleigh landed the cover of Raleigh Magazine’s Best Bars issue. This month, the all-day Café Royale will open at The Exchange, introducing a coffee-to-cocktail French café culture. With Little Saint, he’s bringing that same design-forward, hands-on approach to a part of the city that’s never had a dedicated craft cocktail destination of its own.
“North Hills Innovation District (NHID) is a special place with a strong community of locals who come here to work, live, dine and spend time together,” said Mary Ehrenberger, Retail Leasing and Multi-Site Manager for Kane Realty Corporation. “Little Saint is a great addition to the lineup we’re building in NHID. Bringing a true cocktail bar to North Hills gives our guests another reason to linger and enjoy the neighborhood, and Patrick and his team have the creativity and hospitality experience to make this space a natural fit for the district.”
Little Saint will occupy 3,865 square feet on the ground floor of the St. Albans Lofts building at 600 St Albans Drive, on the corner of St. Albans Street and Hardimont (directly across from Standard). The space will include outdoor seating along the street, adding to North Hills’ growing patio scene.
As both designer and co-owner, Shanahan continues his hands-on approach to hospitality design. Little Saint will be completed by Mauer Architecture and JCI Builders, the same team behind his prior four projects.
Little Saint Cocktail Co. will offer an elevated, upscale cocktail experience, filling a longstanding gap in North Hills for a dedicated craft cocktail destination. Follow along at @littlesaintraleigh for updates as the 2027 opening approaches.
But first: Café Royale opens late September 2026 at The Exchange in Raleigh’s Midtown. Follow @CafeRoyaleRaleigh for opening updates.
