CFRT announces BRAVA, a new rooftop restaurant at 1209 Stages
By Staff Report, posted Oct 6, 2026 on BizFayetteville.com
Dinner, drinks and a night at the theatre are coming together under one roof in January 2027 as Cape Fear Regional Theatre introduces Brava, a new rooftop restaurant and bar opening alongside 1209 Stages, CFRT’s new home.
Brava, a new tapas-style dining experience, will have seating for approximately 60 guests, and offers a way to extend an evening of entertainment at 1209 Stages as well as being a destination all its own. Brava will be open for dinner Thursday through Saturday and brunch on Sunday, both on performance and non-performance days. No theatre ticket is required to dine, and reservations will be accepted. Brava will also be available for private rentals beginning in mid-April 2027, with additional rental information and booking details to be announced.
At the heart of Brava is the communal nature of tapas-style dining: food meant to be shared, conversation meant to linger over and an experience that unfolds across the table. The menu will range from quick bites and starters to small plates, larger shareable dishes and sweets, giving guests the freedom to build their own dining experience. While a few favorites will remain, selections will change seasonally and periodically to make room for fresh ingredients, new flavors and continued creativity.
Behind Brava’s food and beverage program is Brian Graybill, a Fayetteville-area restaurateur with nearly 20 years of restaurant leadership and concept-development experience. Graybill is the owner of Napkins Restaurant in Hope Mills, Pan, and Market Square Pantry both in downtown Fayetteville. A graduate of Jack Britt High School and an Army veteran who served at Fort Bragg, Graybill brings both deep local roots and extensive hospitality experience to the project.
"I'm thrilled to be part of bringing Brava to life. Our roots in Fayetteville and at CFRT are so deep – this is truly a merging of our passions for food, art, and hospitality. Brava is a totally unique concept in Fayetteville; the tapas style, the rooftop, the live music, and option for special events, makes Brava a truly new face in the Fayetteville food scene and a dream come true to be part of creating," shared Graybill in a press release.
Graybill’s approach to Brava centers on creativity, quality, and genuine hospitality. The restaurant’s bar program will complement the menu with craft cocktails, rotating show-inspired features, and premium spirits. A list of domestic and international wines, thoughtful beer and cider selections, and thoughtful non-alcoholic mixed drinks will complement the menu.
The addition of Brava is an important part of CFRT’s larger vision for 1209 Stages: a place where the community can gather for special events, exciting food, live music and personal milestones.
"1209 Stages is all about people, about community, about coming together. Brian has been an incredible partner, bringing that same philosophy of radical hospitality to his service mindset. We can't wait to meet people on the roof to make more memories, share conversation, and mark life's special moments,” shared Artistic Director Mary Kate Burke in a press release.
As Brava prepares to open, employment opportunities will also become available. Job postings and application information will be posted at CFRT.org/about-us/employment. Additional details, including Brava’s opening date, menu, reservations, and rental information, will be announced in the coming months. Visit CFRT.org for updates and follow @bravarooftop on Instagram for a first look at what’s coming!
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