Ashley Christensen closing Poole'side Pies in favor of a new concept

Why it matters: Christensen is one of Raleigh's most acclaimed chefs. She is the only North Carolina chef to win the James Beard Award for Outstanding Chef, considered its highest honor for chefs.

• She opened Poole'side Pies in 2019.

What she's saying: "This was not an easy decision but it's one we've made carefully and in response to our community's ever-evolving needs," Christensen wrote in a statement.

• "Poole'side Pies might be leaving, but *we're* not going anywhere," she added. "We're excited to get to work on a new restaurant to fill this unique space and will share it with you in the months to come."

What's next: A spokesperson for her restaurant group, AC Restaurants, said the company was not ready to share what the new concept for the Poole'side space will be.

Zoom out: The Triangle has seen several high-profile restaurants shutter recently, including Warehouse District staple Humble Pie, which closed earlier this fall, and the announced closure of Durham pizza joint Pompieri Pizza.