The Building
The Peak City Grill & Bar is owned by local Apex residents Steve & Julie Adams.
There is much more to the grill than the current building. It has a rich history which began with its construction in 1905. One of the bricks in the wall is stamped with the date “May 8, 1905”. The bricks at that time were made on site. The building has served as a hardware store, a general store, and a feed and mill store. Mules used to be sold in what is now the parking lot. It was built and owned by the Seymour family, still local to Apex, until purchased by the Adams’ in 2004.
The current look is the work of a restoration over one year in the making. The original tin ceiling is still in place, with beautiful wall treatments and faux finishes by local artist Michelle Ishihara. The wood around the perimeter of the patio which serves as a bar counter is one of the original floor joists from the building–a true 2×12 heart pine plank, which is planed to show off the natural grain and color of the wood. All of the wood trim wainscotting and the bar were built on site by local craftsmen, as were all of the tables.
The church pews which provide the seating for the large booths are from a 100 year old church in Warrenton, North Carolina. They were sanded down from years of accumulated paint and varnish, then covered with a “paprika” stain and polyurethane.
There is a display kitchen where customers can observe the kitchen staff actively preparing the dining selections. There are two private dining areas–one a smaller room on the first floor for up to 16, and the other on the mezzanine level, seating 40 or more. Hardwood floors and 16 feet high ceilings complete the overall effect. Highlighted with 40 feet long bar with a granite bar top, it is truly a magnificent building!
The building consists of 9500 square feet. 5400 square feet is occupied by the restaurant. The upstairs are fully furnished, full service executive office suites. Please contact Steve Adams at 919-303-8850 for further information.
The Town of Apex awarded the building the Blue Ribbon, First Place award for Best Commercial Renovation in 2005.
Chef Franz Propst
Executive Chef Franz Propst was raised in an artistic atmosphere, exposing him to both art and food at a young age. Franz began cooking at the age of seven, entering cooking competitions at the local library and assisting his mother catering weddings and social events. He went on to earn his B.A. in Hospitality Management at East Carolina University.
Chef Propst worked at various hotels and restaurants in Greenville, NC, and Hilton Head, SC, honing his skills before accepting a position at Staccato’s Café’ & Grill in Greenville, starting as a line cook and quickly working his way up to Sous Chef. After moving to Raleigh, Chef Propst joined Foster’s in Cameron Village. At Fosters, Chef Propst was able to demonstrate his philosophy about food:” Use the best products, the proper techniques and keep it simple.” Chef Propst carried out the same philosophy at the Peak City Grill in Apex, adding its name to the list of the top restaurants in the Triangle.
Chef Propst moved on from Peak City for several years opening The Ocean Grill with owner Steve Adams, who also opened Peak City Grill & Bar nearly 7 years ago. Chef Propst spend several years since working in other fine restaurants in the Triangle before coming full circle and returning to Peak City.
Peak City Grill and Bar
126 N. Salem Street
Apex, NC 27502
