Here’s what’s going in the former Nothing But Noodles spot on Elizabeth Avenue
Greenville, South Carolina-based restaurant Tropical Grille is bringing its beloved Cuban dishes to Charlotte with a new location on Elizabeth Avenue.
Tropical Grille, which offers a fast-casual take on Cuban classics including palomilla and pan con lechon, is expanding to Charlotte because of founder Lazaro Montoto’s love of the Queen City. Tropical Grille’s Charlotte location will be its 10th and will open in late February.
“I’ve really been a huge fan of Charlotte,” Montoto said. “I moved to Greenville from Miami 10 years ago. Commuting back and forth to Charlotte, my wife and I just fell in love with the city.”
Montoto, who was born in Miami and is Cuban, opened Tropical Grille nearly 10 years ago after a suggestion from his wife.
“One day we’re driving around Greenville and she said, ‘I miss Cuban food,” Montoto said. “‘We should open a fast-casual Cuban place.’ I told her, ‘That’s the best idea you’ve ever had.’ We took it from there and ran with it.”
Tropical Grille offers a variety of “tropical” bowls that include rice, protein and a variety of other toppings. (Montoto said the grilled chicken is particularly popular.) Wraps, sandwiches, salads and Cuban sides (such as plantains) are available as well.
Former Nothing But Noodles spot on Elizabeth Avenue
Tropical Grille’s location on Elizabeth Avenue — the former home of Nothing but Noodles — is the result of an unassuming trip Montoto and his wife, who is also Cuban, took to the area.
“We were at the mall in Charlotte, and I wanted to show my wife that part of the city,” Montoto said. “We honestly just saw the lease sign, took a picture and called them the next day.”
Montoto said Tropical Grille has excelled in nurturing a community of regulars in Greenville, and he wants to bring the familial vibe to Charlotte.
“I think we’ve been well-received here from people from all walks of life,” Montoto said. “We don’t have a financial demographic, we don’t have an ethnic demographic. It’s a beautiful group of people who come in every day, and we want to bring that to Charlotte.”
Tropical Grille is hiring for every position, including management, as part of its expansion into Charlotte, Montoto said. He said the company treats its employees like a family and offers insurance and benefits.
Looking to the future, Montoto said Tropical Grille plans to eventually open around 10 locations in the Charlotte area.
Tropical Grille
1605 Elizabeth Ave
Instagram: @tropicalgrille
Facebook: Tropical Grill
Opening late February
