Local food scene continues to grow, expand

Deep Sea Seafood Market

Larry Meseti has recently opened Deep Sea Seafood Market on the Charlotte/Matthews border. Look for fresh seafood, prepared dishes, sandwiches, soups and salads. The concept is a one-stop shop for all of your seafood and side dish needs. Meseti and staff also prepare fresh appetizers such as calamari, ceviche and mussels marinara.

•  Deep Sea Seafood Market

10020 Monroe Road

704-849-0029

www.deepseamarket.com.

Café Yofflers

Café Yofflers has opened at Ballantyne Corners. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served, as well as 18 flavors of gelato, self-serve frozen yogurt and a variety of cheesecakes. Yofflers also features a coffee bar serving gourmet Illy coffees.

•  Café Yofflers

11318 N. Community House Road

704-543-5123

www.yofflers.com.

Burger 21

The franchisees of Charlotte’s Melting Pot restaurants, Todd Dennis and Brian Neel, have plans to open a Burger 21 concept in Charlotte. A few of the crafted burgers to be served: Black and Bleu with applewood smoked bacon, bleu cheese spread and crumbles on a toasted Brioche bun, the Shroom with Crimini mushrooms, onions and Fontina cheese on a Brioche bun, and the Cinco with guacamole, salsa, jalapenos, Monterey Jack and cilantro cream on a sesame bun. Slider four packs, vegetarian and turkey burgers, salads and gourmet hot dogs are also options. Hand-dipped shakes are also on tap: Key Lime Pie, Strawberry Shortcake and Chocolate Malted Milk Ball to name a few. Burger 21 can be found along the East Coast. Stay tuned for opening details.

•  Burger 21

www.burger21.com.

Qdoba

Holiday shopping at Qdoba is easy: purchase a $25 Q-cash gift card and receive a $5 voucher to put toward an entrée. The vouchers can be redeemed in January and February. Purchasing gift cards online? Qdoba will mail the voucher to you. Visit the website for locations.

•  Qdoba Mexican Grill

1600 E. Woodlawn Road

704-295-9007

7800 E. Rea Road

704-752-3860

www.qdoba.com.

Rudy’s

Rudy’s Italian Restaurant at Piper Glen is now open on Sundays for dinner from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Known for its neighborhood feel and authentic Italian dishes such as pasta Bolognese and tiramisu, Rudy’s also offers live music on Mondays and Wednesdays. Visit Sunday and Monday from 5 p.m. to close take advantage of their “Veally Good Deal:” two dinners and a bottle of wine for $39.99. Wine upgrades are available for an additional $10.

• Rudy’s Italian Restaurant and Bar

6414 Rea Road

704-544-4949

www.rudyscharlotte.com.

Phat Burrito

Phat Burrito has opened its second location, this time in Charlotte’s Elizabeth neighborhood on Hawthorne Lane in the old Snoops Grill spot. Come in for burritos, salads, soft tacos and brews, including new gluten-free beer. Burritos are “phat” and measure close to 7 inches by 3 inches; options include BBQ chicken, BBQ steak with caramelized grilled onions, fish and even tofu. Make sure to check out their desserts: brownies, cupcakes and more depending on the day.

•  Phat Burrito

1537 Camden Road

704-332-7428

415 Hawthorne Lane

704-494-7474

www.phatburrito.com.

Bad Daddy’s

Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar has announced its first franchise. The newest location will be in Greenville, S.C., west of I-85 on Woodruff Road. Voted Charlotte’s Best Burger by Charlotte Magazine, the restaurant features a chef-driven menu featuring local and artisan ingredients. Hanger steak, brisket and chuck cuts of meat go into their signature burgers. Construction begins this month on the 3,500-square-foot space and 600-square-foot patio, with plans to open this summer.

•  www.baddaddysburgerbar.com.