Walter Royal, Longtime Chef at Raleigh’s Angus Barn, Dies at 67 | Eater Carolinas

"An iconic Raleigh institution with a storied history and remarkable continuity lost its longtime executive chef just days after his 67th birthday. He led the kitchen from 1997 and was only one of three chefs in the restaurant’s history—and the only person ever granted the title of executive chef—remaining active there as recently as this past Sunday. During his tenure he earned national recognition, including a James Beard Award semifinalist nomination for Outstanding Hospitality and a memorable 2006 Iron Chef America victory over Cat Cora. Colleagues and local leaders praised his “spirit, kindness, and desire to mentor others,” lauded his role as a barrier‑breaking African American chef, and offered an outpouring of remembrances; as of publication no cause of death has been announced." - Matt Lardie