Cheeni Plans New Location at Hub RTP Horseshoe
Horseshoe at Hub RTP, the mixed-use development at the center of Research Triangle Park’s new downtown district, has announced its first retail tenant. Cheeni, a local restaurant recognized for its modern approach to regional Indian cuisine, has signed a lease for a 3,000+ square foot space within the Horseshoe project.
This will be the second full-service location for Cheeni, owned by Chef Preeti Waas, a two-time James Beard Award Best Chef Southeast semifinalist.
The Horseshoe development, led by Charlotte-based White Point and the Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina, includes 121,900 square feet of Class A office space and 35,600 square feet of retail space. It is positioned as a central gathering place within Hub RTP, a 100-acre development in the research park.
Erik Johnson, co-founder and partner of White Point, commented on the significance of Cheeni’s addition: “Cheeni will be an amenity for office tenants, residents, and visitors of Hub RTP, as well as the broader Triangle area. This is the first of several retail announcements planned for the coming months,” Johnson said.
Cheeni is scheduled to begin construction this fall, with an opening date set for 2025. The restaurant is known for its homestyle cooking, which blends Indian and American culinary traditions. The Durham location offers regional Indian dishes influenced by Chef Preeti’s personal food experiences. The new location at Hub RTP is expected to offer a similar dining experience.
Waas noted the opportunity presented by the Horseshoe location: “I am inspired by the community that White Point and the Foundation are building at Horseshoe and Hub RTP. This is an exciting opportunity for our team, and we look forward to contributing to the development.”
The Horseshoe project, which began construction in October 2022, is nearing completion. Choate Construction is finalizing the 157,500 square feet of office and retail space, with delivery expected in the coming weeks.
Horseshoe is located between NC Highway 54 and Interstate 40, near the Davis Drive exit, and is accessible from across the Triangle. The development will include a courtyard, event lawn, splash pad, and connections to more than 20 miles of existing RTP trails. Hub RTP also will feature up to 1,200 residential units, a 279-room Marriott Renaissance hotel, and lab space.
