Durham’s American Tobacco Campus gained a new culinary anchor this Labor Day weekend when East of Texas opened its doors at 318 Blackwell Street. Owner Claire Calvin, a sixth‑generation Texan, brings authentic Tex‑Mex flavors and true Texas barbecue to a city that previously lacked that specific cuisine.
Family‑focused dining and community events
Calvin says the restaurant is more than a place to eat; it’s a gathering spot. “Every Tuesday we have a musician, game night, and even kids’ breakfast,” she explained. The outdoor lawn hosts concerts, DukeArts events and a freezer stocked with grab‑and‑go meals for families.
From Winston‑Salem to Durham
Before opening in Durham, Calvin ran a Tex‑Mex delivery service and three restaurants in Winston‑Salem, about 80 miles west. Her existing customer base helped launch the new venue, but she notes Durham’s growing, diverse population offers fresh demand for genuine Texas flavors.
Local partnerships and a supportive environment
Calvin praised the campus landlords for fostering a complementary business mix. Nearby Fullsteam Brewery even created a prickly‑pear beer, the Terlingua Two Step, inspired by East of Texas. The shared lawn space has become a hub for concerts and community interaction.
Positive reception
Patrons like Tricia Bruno, a former Austin resident now living in Cary, say the restaurant feels like a piece of Texas in Durham. “The barbecue looks legit, which is important,” she said, adding that the Tex‑Mex style is approachable for all tastes.
Looking ahead
Calvin hopes East of Texas will continue to build community ties, just as she did in Winston‑Salem, while offering Durham residents a taste of authentic Texas barbecue and Tex‑Mex cuisine that was previously missing from the local food scene.
Original reporting: The 9th Street Journal (Durham) — read the source article.
