Vacant warehouses and garages on Geer and Foster Street will begin filling in quickly this summer. One of the newest additions will be Hutchins Garage, a 3,200-square-foot full-service bar serving Grandma-style pizza, salads, and sandwiches. Hutchins’ owners and partners already have connections to the Triangle restaurants scene: Harvey Gray, owner, and Tracy Hancock, owner/manager, also own Raleigh beer hall, The Stag’s Head; long-time Bull City residents will remember Tracy from his decade long stint as bar tender and manager of Bull McCabes. As owner/operator of Bull McCabes, Malachy Noone has been a familiar figure in Downtown Durham business for over a decade, and is also a partner in Viceroy, and Stag’s Head. And head chef, Michael Morrone, formerly of Dos Perros and Pizzeria Toro, brings his talent and his love of this unique style of pizza to the Triangle. Even the name of the restaurant has roots here.

Located in the heart of Durham’s blooming DIY/Warehouse District, the former Hutchins Automotive car dealership has long been an icon of the area, with distinct curved glass showroom frontage and offset garage bays. Built and owned by the Hutchins family, owner Mark Hutchins is rightfully proud of its position in Durham’s historical landscape. “With an eye towards the building’s and the family’s place in Durham’s story, the decision to keep the Hutchins name for the new venture was an easy one,” says Hancock. “Additionally, architectural elements of the original garage were selected to incorporate into the aesthetic of the space. Inspired by a time when design was understated and intentional, with a nod towards the warehouses and workspaces of the period, the color and material palette compliments the patina of the original space while giving it an updated but vibe without losing its history.” Boasting a full bar, 12 hand curated taps, and comprehensive wine list; Hutchins Garage will offer sandwiches, salads, and pizzas. Formed in a rectangular pan, Grandma style pizza is quick and casual, weighing almost nothing, and soft and crunchy in all of the right ways. More traditional, kid-friendly pizzas will also be available.

Brunch and plenty of outdoor seating will follow the initial opening, as will specialty pies and daily specials. Hutchins will be offering to-go and catering once they get up to speed after opening. Hours will be 4 pm-2 am Monday to Thursday, and 11 am-2 am Friday through Sunday.