Jaccob Slavin and Christopher Prieto Open Durham Steakhouse

Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin partners with James Beard-recognized pitmaster Christopher Prieto.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Barbecue

Gouache-painted illustration of a steak in a cast-iron pan on a butcher block, evoking the artisanal craft of a new Durham steakhouse. — Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin and pitmaster Christopher Prieto are partnering to open a new high-end steakhouse called Prime STQ in Durham. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin is teaming up with award-winning pitmaster Christopher Prieto to open a new steakhouse. The upcoming Durham restaurant, dubbed Prime STQ, marks a new culinary venture for the professional athlete and the renowned restaurateur.

Why it matters

The partnership stems from a mutual respect for Prieto's ministry-based philosophy toward the restaurant industry. Slavin, who first met the pitmaster after a private catering event, aims to bring a high-end dining experience to the Durham community.

Christopher Prieto, who opened Prime Barbecue in Knightdale in 2020, brings expertise earned over 14 years of competitive cooking. His Knightdale location maintains daily operations beginning at 11:00am, though it remains closed on Sundays and Mondays.

The players

Jaccob Slavin

He is a professional defenseman for the Carolina Hurricanes NHL team.

Christopher Prieto

He is a pitmaster and restaurant owner recognized with James Beard and Michelin Bib Gourmand honors.

The details

The collaboration began after Prieto catered an event at the Slavin residence, eventually leading to plans for the new steakhouse. Prime STQ will feature the meticulous cooking techniques Prieto is known for, including the use of aged pecan wood and constant meat monitoring.

Christopher Prieto opened his original Prime Barbecue restaurant in 2020.
Prime STQ is scheduled to open in Durham in spring 2027.

Culture Shift

The entry of high-profile athletes into the restaurant scene reflects a broader trend of professional sports stars diversifying their portfolios into high-end hospitality. This expansion mirrors the growing influence of celebrity-backed dining destinations in established urban markets.

Residents in Durham can anticipate a new high-end dining option by the spring of 2027. The project serves as an expansion of the regional food scene, potentially influencing dining trends and local expectations for steakhouse quality.

The takeaway

This partnership highlights the growing intersection between professional sports, faith-based business models, and high-end culinary arts. Readers interested in the hospitality industry should watch for how such high-profile collaborations impact local fine dining standards.