Little Rey Raleigh

Choate partnered with repeat client Rocket Farm Restaurants to transform an existing retail space within Raleigh Iron Works into Little Rey’s first Raleigh location. The build-out includes a commercial kitchen, ordering and pickup counters, indoor dining, merchandise displays, restrooms, and a walk-up takeout window designed to support a seamless flow for guests and restaurant staff.

The restaurant’s bold interior draws inspiration from the industrial setting of Raleigh Iron Works while reflecting Little Rey’s colorful, casual personality. Decorative paint, tile, concrete, wood, steel, pegboard, custom millwork, and hand-painted artwork come together to create a lively dining environment that feels distinct to the brand and connected to its surroundings.

A defining element of the project was the installation of a fully enclosed wood-burning cooking system, requiring significant exhaust and ventilation infrastructure. Delivering this feature demanded close coordination of specialty equipment, life-safety systems, and mechanical components to support authentic cooking methods within a modern restaurant environment.

An extensive specialty signage package extends the experience throughout the restaurant and patio. Custom neon tubing, illuminated channel letters, murals, lightboxes, blade signs, and an animated walking chicken guide guests from the exterior to the ordering counter. Close coordination among the construction team, artists, fabricators, electrical trades, and specialty vendors brings each custom element to life.