No word on whether they’ll serve deep-fried Snickers bars, but the NC State Fair will expand its comfort-food brand with a modern, two-story dining hall serving fairground chow year-round.
The fair lost points with food fans last year when it closed “restaurant row,” sometimes called “church row,” the strip that served ham biscuits, chocolate pie and chili dogs — all of it continually advertised over a bullhorn. The state assessed that building as old, unattractive and plagued by roof leaks.
But plans now call for building a Midway Events Center, offering indoor and patio dining with vendors slinging dishes even in the dead of winter.
“We believe once the Midway Event Center is completed, it will become a hub for lunch options and after work gatherings, weekend brunch dates and quick business meetings,” NC Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said. “It will become a neighborhood meeting spot and a place where friends can enjoy time together before heading out to another event in the area.”