The End Of An Era: What Happened To Dame's Chicken And Waffles In Cary, NC?

As of December 2025, the culinary landscape of Cary, North Carolina, has seen a significant change: the beloved Dame’s Chicken and Waffles location, which once served up its iconic Southern comfort food at 823 Bass Pro Ln, is now permanently closed. This news marks the end of an era for Triangle foodies who relied on the Cary spot for their fix of crispy fried chicken paired with fluffy, gourmet waffles and the legendary "Shmears."

The closure of the Cary restaurant is a major disappointment for local fans, but the legacy of the Dame’s brand—a true North Carolina institution—lives on. While the Cary doors are shut, the spirit of their award-winning chicken and waffles continues to thrive at their flagship locations in other parts of the state, ensuring that the unique combination of sweet and savory is never too far away.

The Culinary Architects: A Brief Biography of Dame’s Founders

The success of Dame’s Chicken and Waffles is built on the vision of its founders, Damion “Dame” Moore and Randy Wadsworth. Their journey began not in a restaurant, but as a catering business called Blue Mountain Catering in 2010.

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• Damion “Dame” Moore: The namesake and creative force behind the brand. Moore is credited with developing the unique recipes, particularly the signature "Shmears" and the perfect fried chicken preparation, which elevated the classic dish.
• Randy Wadsworth: The business partner who helped transition the successful catering operation into a full-fledged, highly-demanded restaurant concept.
• Inception: The concept started as a weekend-only pop-up from their catering kitchen due to overwhelming demand.
• First Restaurant: Following the success of the catering venture, the duo rebranded and opened their first dedicated Dame’s Chicken and Waffles restaurant, which quickly became a Durham staple.
• Cary Expansion: The Cary location, situated at 823 Bass Pro Ln, opened its doors on Tuesday, November 1, 2016, bringing the famous comfort food to the Western Wake County area.

Why the Cary Location Closed: A Look at the Status

For months, there was ambiguity regarding the status of the Dame's Chicken and Waffles in Cary, with some reports listing it as "temporarily closed." However, recent updates confirm the location at 823 Bass Pro Ln is no longer operational.

While the exact, publicly-stated reason for the Cary location’s permanent closure has not been widely detailed, restaurant industry dynamics often point to several factors, including changing lease agreements, shifts in local market conditions, or a strategic focus on the brand’s core locations in Durham and Greensboro. The closure is a reflection of the challenging environment facing many dining establishments in the competitive Triangle area.

The original Cary spot, which was known for its laid-back atmosphere and top-tier brunch, will be deeply missed by the local community. It served as a landmark for Southern comfort food, drawing in crowds from Raleigh, Apex, Morrisville, and beyond. Its presence at the Bass Pro Lane shopping center was a favorite stop for many looking for a hearty meal.

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The good news for Dame's enthusiasts is that the brand is still active and serving its iconic menu items. This shift consolidates the Dame’s experience back to its roots and established strongholds in North Carolina.

The Legendary Menu: What Made Dame’s a North Carolina Icon?

Dame’s is not just a restaurant; it’s an experience built around the perfect marriage of sweet and savory. Their menu is a masterclass in Southern cuisine, centered on the simple but powerful concept of "Build Your Own Chicken & Waffles."

The Signature Elements of a Dame's Meal:

• The Chicken: Customers choose between crispy, succulent cutlets, wings, or legs. The chicken is praised for its light, spiced coating, ensuring it is tender and juicy inside.
• The Waffle Varieties: The foundation of the dish is a fluffy, pliable, and award-winning waffle. Options go far beyond the classic, including:
  • The Classic (Vanilla Almond)
  • Maple Pecan
  • Sweet Potato Waffle
  • Ask Yo' Mama!!! (a sweet, mild-heat option)
  • Seasonal choices like Gingerbread Waffle
• The "Shmears": This is the true secret weapon and a key entity for topical authority. "Shmears" are Dame's signature flavored butters, designed to melt perfectly over the hot waffle. Options typically include a Cinnamon-Vanilla Shmear, Strawberry-Cream Cheese Shmear, and the more adventurous Roo-Rooster Shmear (a sweet and mildly spicy butter).

Must-Try House Specialties

Beyond the core chicken and waffles pairing, the Dame’s menu features several other classic Southern dishes that have earned the restaurant its loyal following. These items showcase the depth of their comfort food offerings:

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• Mimi's Sassy Shrimp and Grits: A crowd favorite, this dish features jumbo shrimp sautéed with smoked chicken sausage, onions, house spices, and white wine, all served over creamy cheese grits. This dish is also available gluten-free.
• The Mac & Cheese: Often cited in reviews as a perfect side dish, the baked mac and cheese is a staple of their "Daily Sides" menu.
• The Breakfast/Brunch Vibe: Dame’s is highly recommended for its all-day breakfast and brunch options, making it a perfect spot for any meal.

Where to Get Your Dame’s Fix Now (The Remaining NC Locations)

Although the Cary location is permanently closed, the good news is that the Dame’s Chicken and Waffles experience is still available in North Carolina. For those craving the unique combination of a signature waffle, crispy chicken cutlets, and a dollop of Maple Pecan Shmear, a short drive will lead you to one of their other established restaurants.

The remaining North Carolina locations continue to uphold the high standards of the Dame’s brand, serving as culinary destinations for lovers of Southern food. Patrons from the Cary area often make the journey to these sister restaurants to satisfy their cravings for the authentic, award-winning flavor that Damion Moore and Randy Wadsworth created.

If you're looking for the authentic Dame's experience, make sure to visit one of these locations:

• Durham Location: 455 S Driver St, Durham, NC 27703
• Greensboro Location: 2411 West Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27403 (or 301 Martin Luther King Junior Drive, Greensboro, NC 27406 - check current address before visiting)

While the Cary chapter of Dame's Chicken and Waffles has concluded, its impact on the local dining scene is undeniable. The brand remains a powerhouse in Southern comfort food, and its remaining locations ensure that the world-famous chicken and waffles, along with the secret "Shmears," will continue to delight diners across the Carolinas for years to come.