The name "bu•ku" itself, is derived from a French-Asian twist (with a hint of Southern twang) on the internationally acknowledged phrase, "Merci, beaucoup" meaning, "Thank you, very much."

The concept, however, is borderless. Inspired by the pushcarts of street vendors from the four corners of the globe, bu•ku harvests an array of unique and distinct flavors and presents them authentically, in a virtual kaleidoscope of plates. In his pursuit to communicate Global Street Food as a new culinary genre, William works within a regional tradition, cooking fare that is seemingly simple, yet honed over generations. He seeks to seize the immediate beauty of indigenous foods as they first cross over the cart and exchange hands into the urban setting.

Housed in the cornerstone venue of the beautiful, new Progress Energy Two Building, bu•ku will pride itself on creating a multitude of experiences to its broad spectrum of audiences. By its very nature, the concept of Global Street Food lends itself as a quick, fresh, affordable downtown lunch option. And beginning at 3pm, the bar and lounge will offer a true Happy Hour setting to the hub of Raleigh commerce, with an aggressively-priced bar menu and a Chef-inspired approach to handcrafted beer, wine and cocktails. Live entertainment and specialty-themed weeknights will greet the downtown worker, client and associate as they continue on in their day of networking and socializing. Seamlessly, the dining room and private rooms will welcome the casual dinner guest and special event with a menu that is meant to be tasted and shared, as well as savored, complete with a formidable entree section, entitled, "In off the Street."

Open until midnight during the week and 2am on the weekend, bu•ku will immediately seek to include itself and enhance the Beer and Cocktail Connoisseur Wilmington Street Circuit that includes The Busy Bee, Raleigh Times, The Foundation, Landmark, Sitti, Gravy and City Market. A dynamic, urban approach to late night food and entertainment will invite guests to take in an act over dessert and a nightcap; or healthy, fresh street-food fare in a casual upscale setting, as local and touring DJs, artists and bands welcome night-owls to bob their heads, sing along or dance to progressive and traditional sounds and beats. In the near future, we look to test the waters with the area's first dim-sum style brunch, inspired street carts that cater to the discerning pedestrian diner, and delivery and catering that rivals that of much bigger cities. We will be constantly growing and developing the bu•ku concept by listening closely to our guests' feedback.

As professionals, we take with us a life-long tradition of dedication to a truly outstanding dining experience, featuring refined and friendly service.

We will continue to exceed our guests' expectations through the collective efforts of our talented and devoted people. Raleigh and the Triangle itself serve as a thriving example of a mixture of cultures and traditions, coming together to create a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. Conscious of our community, resources and planet, bu•ku will create a sustainable and regionally-acclaimed restaurant with equal local and global appeal.

Merci, bu•ku.