Red velvet waffles and lobster mac and cheese: There’s a new location for Cuzzo’s
“World’s famous lobster mac and cheese” is the slogan that Chef Andarrio Johnson of Cuzzo’s Cuisine proudly sports on his food truck, which has been running for the last 5 years. Today, the Johnson and Wales Charleston grad officially opened what he deems the first of many franchise locations to come.
Cuzzo’s University, located at 9601 N. Tryon St., Suite F, is now in the space that was occupied by BurgerIM University, which closed in January. Instead of taking over the lease fully, Johnson partnered with former BurgerIM franchise owners Jay and Shiniqua Lee to create the first franchised location for Cuzzo’s.
“They [BurgerIM] were looking to partner up with another restaurant to take over the space,” Johnson told CharlotteFive. “It just so happened they decided to pick Cuzzo’s, which begins the start of my franchise.”
For Johnson, the goal has always been to franchise his business. The South Carolina Lowcountry native relocated to Charlotte in 2011, after completing his culinary degree in Charleston. He and his cousin Anglee Brown launched the business in 2014, calling it Cuzzo’s to signify their close bond.
It started with the food truck in June 2014, setting up at local events and festivals throughout North and South Carolina. After much success, he decided to open his first brick-and-mortar location in Charlotte in November 2016. The original Cuzzo’s (3418 Tuckaseegee Road) has continued to gain popularity each year, largely in part due to Johnson’s popular lobster mac and cheese recipe.
The new location will feature the same Cuzzo’s favorites that fans have come to know and love, including red velvet waffles, fried shrimp, strawberry banana pudding and, of course, lobster mac.
Additionally, customers can expect a full-service dining experience with the options to order drinks from the bar, something not offered at the original location.
Most of the decor is the same with the exception of a new mural of the business’s logo.
“I’m excited to bring Cuzzo’s to the University area. I haven’t seen any other restaurants like mine in this neighborhood,” Johnson said.
Johnson plans to host special events and have live music on certain days in the months to come.
Cuzzo’s University
9601 N. Tryon St., Ste. F
Instagram: cuzzoscuisineuniversity
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-midnight.
