- Attraction: Old North State Food Hall
- Location: 67 Jr Rd, Ste 300, Selma, NC 27576
- Industry: Food Hall
- Website: https://onsfh.com
Forget everything you think you know about interstate highway food – Old North State Food Hall is revolutionizing road trip dining by bringing gourmet cuisine directly to Exit 97 on I-95.
Opening in August 2022 in the former JR Cigars Outlet building, this 15,000-square-foot destination earned the distinction of being America’s first “roadside” food hall.
Instead of choosing between fast food chains or gas station snacks, travelers and locals now enjoy made-to-order Cuban sandwiches, authentic Neapolitan pizza, Indian street food, and craft cocktails just steps from the interstate.
The concept addresses a real problem for road-trippers – finding quality, diverse dining options without venturing far from major highways.
What makes this even more special is the local community embrace. While designed to serve the millions of travelers passing through North Carolina’s section of I-95, Johnston County residents have adopted the food hall as their regular lunch spot and evening entertainment destination.
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Aroma de Cuba Excellence: The Cuban food consistently earns rave reviews, with authentic sandwiches that transport you straight to Havana. The attention to traditional preparation methods and fresh ingredients creates flavors that rival any urban Cuban restaurant.
Neapolitan Pizza Perfection: You’ll be amazed to find authentic Italian-style pizza with properly charred crusts and high-quality ingredients at a highway stop. The wood-fired preparation creates results that would impress even New York pizza snobs.
Indian Street Food Adventure: Authentic flavors and spice levels bring subcontinental cuisine to rural North Carolina, offering vegetarian and meat options that satisfy both adventurous eaters and those seeking familiar comfort.
American Classics Elevated: Burgers, hot dogs, and wings get gourmet treatment with quality ingredients and creative preparations that go far beyond typical highway fare.
BBQ & Southern Comfort: Traditional North Carolina barbecue represents local flavors, giving visitors a taste of regional specialties alongside international options.
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Discover MoreCoffee & Dessert Central: The center area features specialty coffee drinks, bubble tea, ice cream, and sweet treats that round out any meal or provide perfect afternoon pick-me-ups.
Longleaf Tavern & Bar Experience
Full-Service Bar: The tavern offers craft cocktails, local North Carolina beers, and wine selections that pair perfectly with food hall dining or stand alone for happy hour.
Karaoke Nights: Regular karaoke events draw locals for entertaining evenings, creating a lively community atmosphere that extends beyond simple dining.
Sports Viewing: Multiple screens make this a destination for watching games while enjoying quality food and drinks, especially popular during college basketball and football seasons.
Local Hangout: The tavern has become a genuine community gathering place where locals meet for lunch, after-work drinks, and weekend entertainment.
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Spacious Design: Unlike cramped food courts, the 15,000-square-foot space provides plenty of seating options, from high-top tables to comfortable booths, ensuring you never feel rushed.
Outdoor Patio: Weather-permitting dining extends to outdoor spaces, perfect for enjoying North Carolina’s mild seasons while watching highway traffic flow by.
Dog Park Addition: The attached dog park makes this a perfect stop for pet owners on long road trips, letting furry passengers stretch their legs while humans enjoy quality meals.
Electric Vehicle Charging: Modern charging stations cater to environmentally conscious travelers, making this a forward-thinking highway stop.
Event Programming: Regular activities like trivia nights, live music, pop-up markets, and classic car shows create reasons for repeat visits beyond just meals.
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Traveler Convenience: Massive parking accommodates RVs, trucks, and cars of all sizes, with easy access from I-95 that doesn’t require navigating unfamiliar local roads.
Local Community Hub: Johnston County residents use this as their regular dining destination, creating a genuine community atmosphere rather than just tourist traffic.
Family-Friendly Environment: Multiple food options mean families with different preferences can all find something appealing without compromise or arguments.
Quick Service Model: Despite elevated food quality, ordering and pickup remain efficient for travelers on tight schedules.
Other Considerations
Pricing Balance: While more expensive than fast food, prices remain reasonable for the quality and variety offered, making this accessible for most travel budgets.
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Keep Exploring →Operating Hours: Open daily from 7am to 9pm, covering breakfast through dinner for both early and late travelers.
Private Meeting Rooms: Two private rooms accommodating up to 15 people serve business travelers or groups needing dedicated space.
Cleanliness Standards: Consistently clean restrooms and dining areas maintain standards that exceed typical highway stops.
Regional Destination: Even without interstate travel plans, this has become worth the drive for Triangle-area residents seeking unique dining experiences.
Old North State Food Hall
📍 67 Jr Rd, Ste 300, Selma, NC 27576
