Nana's returns to Durham

• Howell, an eight-time semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation's Best Chef Southeast, opened Nana's in 1992. Its menu combined Southern cuisine with French and Italian, a tradition Kelly plans to maintain.

Why it matters: Nana's was among the original restaurants that helped place Durham’s now-celebrated culinary scene on the map. Its reopening is a sign of hope for an industry hit hard by recent closures.

• Last week, Kelly closed one of his restaurants — Saint James Seafood — after his landlord decided to redevelop the building.
• Raleigh's Garland, SoCa and Midtown Grille, and Durham's Dos Perros all closed within the past three months.

Details: Nate Garyantes — previously the chef at Mateo — is partnering with Kelly on Nana's reopening and will serve as chef de cuisine.

• The goal is to open by next spring and operate five days a week.
• The restaurant will also offer a wine program and a classic cocktail list.