10/22/2026
WINSTON'S GRILLE CELEBRATES 40 YEARS AS A RALEIGH DINING TRADITION
Generations of loyal guests and dedicated employees are at the heart of the restaurants enduring success.
RALEIGH, N.C. (Oct. 21, 2026)
For four decades, Winstonâs Grille has been more than just a place to enjoy a meal. Founded in 1986 by Wil OâNeal and Charles Winston, Jr, the neighborhood restaurant has evolved alongside the city it calls home. Through expansions and renovations, the original Winstonâs has transformed into Winstonâs Grille, the elegantly casual, comfortable and trusted local dining destination it is today.
âWhen we opened Winstonâs, we knew we wanted it to feel like a second home, both for our employees and guests,â says co-founder Wil OâNeal. Four decades later, that philosophy remains at the heart of the restaurant.
While much has changed over the past 40 years, the restaurantâs commitment to its employees has remained constant. Many team members have been with Winstonâs Grille for decades, an extraordinary accomplishment in the hospitality industry and a testament to the culture its founders have cultivated.
That commitment was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. When the restaurant temporarily closed in March 2020 to protect its team and guests, the owners made the decision to continue paying their nearly 100 employees and providing benefits throughout the three-month closure, despite the significant financial challenges.
âOne of the first things we discussed when closing was how to continue to pay our employees and provide benefits. We knew we needed to take care of our Winstonâs Grille family, some of whom have been with us for over 30 years,â recalls co-founder Charles Winston, Jr.
OâNeal credits the restaurantâs remarkable longevity to the people who have helped build its reputation over the years. âWe wouldnât be here if it wasnât for our great employees, many of whom have been here for decades.â
The restaurantâs dedication to its people has also earned statewide recognition. Over the past decade, Winstonâs Grille has received three North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association Stars of the Industry awards, recognizing longtime employee Philip Gomes as Restaurant Employee of the Year in 2019, Roger Carter as Restaurant Manager of the Year in 2020, and founders OâNeal and Winston as Restaurateurs of the Year in 2021.
Equally important to the restaurantâs longevity are the loyal guests who have become an extension of the Winstonâs Grille family. For generations of Raleigh diners, Winstonâs has been a gathering place for family celebrations and everyday meals shared with friends. âMany guests who first dined at Winstonâs when it opened now return with their children and grandchildren,â says General Manager Roger Carter, a 37-year employee. âWe are honored that they have made us part of their familiesâ milestones.â
As Winstonâs Grille celebrates its 40th anniversary, it is also entering a new chapter. Following four decades of partnership, OâNeal recently purchased Winstonâs ownership interest, becoming the restaurantâs sole owner. His son, Bryant, has also stepped into a management role, helping carry the familyâs commitment to hospitality into the future.
About Winstonâs Grille
Established in 1986, Winstonâs Grille is a locally owned Raleigh restaurant serving lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, and dinner on Saturday. The restaurant offers indoor and patio dining, as well as curbside takeout. For more information, visit winstonsgrille.com.
