A familiar Dilworth restaurant will close soon. Here’s what we know.
Things have been intense for the past two years, and so has the news cycle that has come with it. It can be nearly impossible to keep track of all of the changes that have swept into Charlotte with COVID-19.
Our city’s restaurants and retailers have been through a lot. Some have closed permanently, others are hanging on with the help of crowdsourced fundraising, and even some new businesses have managed to stay on track by opening their doors for the first time.
Bonterra Restaurant & Wine Room, which has served Charlotte’s Dilworth neighborhood since 1997, is closing Dec. 23. Owner John “JD” Duncan posted a message on the restaurant’s website and Instagram, noting he was selling the building to Jamie Brown and Jeff Tonidandel, who renovated a church to become Supperland in Plaza Midwood. Axios Charlotte was first to report the news.
Duncan added: “Please stop by to say hello before we leave. We’re not completely done, the new Bonterra will be in Phillips Place, South Park. Look for an April ’22 opening.”
Here are some other Charlotte favorites that have closed their doors permanently since mid-March 2020, when the pandemic arrived in our community:
B. Good
If B.GOOD was your to-go spot for a healthy bite, you’ll need to switch up the routine — it’s closing all four Charlotte-area locations, Charlotte Ledger has reported.
The Boston-based company set up shop in Ballantyne, uptown and Birkdale Village, but all four locations are closing. The Charlotte-market locations have been removed from the website, as well as locations in Raleigh and Fayetteville.
B.GOOD’s chief marketing manager, Hadrien Delande, told the Charlotte Ledger that the company “made the difficult decision to permanently close all four B.GOOD locations in the Charlotte market due to challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Bill Spoons BBQ
5524 South Blvd.
The iconic Charlotte restaurant known for its vinegar-based Eastern North Carolina barbecue planned to close effective Sept. 16. Over the years, lines that once wrapped around the building had diminished, Steve Spoon Jr., the grandson of founders Bill and Marie Spoon, said in a Facebook post. Under Phase 2.5 of COVID-19 regulations, the restaurant was open for curbside pickup only.
Bonterra Restaurant & Wine Room
Location: 1829 Cleveland Ave., Charlotte, NC 28203
Neighborhood: Dilworth
After 22 years in business, Bonterra is closing to reinvent itself. “My family and I have made the difficult decision to sell the property to Jamie Brown and Jeff Tonidandel, the group behind another renovated church, Supperland in Plaza Midwood. We’ve had several offers over the last few years because of the amazing growth in the area, but we waited until just the right group came along,” owner John “JD” Duncan wrote on the restaurant’s website. It planned to close Dec. 23, and later reopen as Bonterra Coffee and Wine Bar in SouthPark in April.
Buffalo Exchange
1521 Central Ave.
The Charlotte location closed, citing COVID-19, but the nationwide chain is encouraging customers to direct their business to Buffalo Exchange Sell By Mail.
Cafe Fior Restaurant & Bar
14825 Ballantyne Village Way
The coffee shop, restaurant and wine bar serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in Ballantyne Village closed in December with a simple Facebook post that said: “Cafe Fior has closed.” The business opened in summer 2019.
California Pizza Kitchen
4400 Sharon Road
The chain known for its hand-tossed pizzas with seasonal ingredients is permanently closed at SouthPark. The company said online: “Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and related lease challenges with our landlords, we regret to inform you that we have closed this restaurant.” The Playa Vista, Calif.-based chain, with about 200 locations nationwide, declared bankruptcy July 30.
Carpe Diem
1535 Elizabeth Ave.
The restaurant’s owners said they would have renewed their lease if not for COVID-19. Instead, they’ve shifted some customer favorites to their other business, Earl’s Grocery, for takeout only.
The Cellar at Corkbuzz
4905 Ashley Park Lane
The Cellar at Corkbuzz, based in New York City, has closed its SouthPark location because of the pandemic. “It is impossible to open a restaurant built on the community, bringing people together, events and our core business model when it is not safe to have wine events or classes or even dine in the way we previously were able to. The financial devastation of this crisis makes re-opening impossible for many small businesses including ours,” the company said on the website. The wine bar opened five years ago in a 3,500-square-foot space in Sharon Square. The two other locations in New York remain open.
Chris’ Deli
3619 E. Independence Blvd.
Chris’ Deli closed in April after decades at its location on East Independence Boulevard. A May Facebook post cited an ongoing dispute with the deli’s landlord and promised the restaurant would reopen in a new location.
Coliseum V
2801 E. Independence Blvd.
The action bar that opened in September 2019 closed just after Halloween, and it hosted a yard sale on Nov. 14. It posted photos of items for sale on its Facebook page, including virtual reality equipment, PCs, furniture and more. “Being closed down for so long, trying to keep everyone and everything afloat, it was just too long,” owner Phil McHugh told Charlotte Agenda, who posted his phone number on its Facebook post for anyone who wants to know details about the sale.
Cuzzo’s Cuisine
9601 N. Tryon St., Ste. F
Chef Andarrio Johnson partnered with former BurgerIM franchise owners Jay and Shiniqua Lee in Univeristy to create the first franchised location for Cuzzo’s, but it didn’t make it long during COVID-19. The original Cuzzo’s location at 3418 Tuckaseegee Road remains open, as does it food truck.
Dover Saddlery
5125 Nations Ford Road
The equestrian apparel and tack shop said June 2 that it is permanently closed at Yorkmont Shopping Center but not because of the pandemic. “We regret to inform you that we are closing the Charlotte store due to increased security concerns with this specific location,” the company said on Facebook. The store opened in Charlotte in 2013. However, Dover Saddlery said it is looking for a new location. Dover Saddlery, founded in 1975 in Massachusetts, started as a mail-order catalog. Other stores are in Raleigh and in Aiken, S.C.
Earl’s Grocery
1609 Elizabeth Ave.
Earl’s Grocery announced a July 24 closure, citing challenges in making a profit. “We kept pushing and working through it all,” co-owner Bonnie Warford said in a news release. “But there is not a lot of room for small indie markets in the grocery industry.”
Elizabeth Billiards
1400 Central Ave.
Elizabeth Billards announced its closure on Nov. 1 via Facebook, noting that the owners would look for a new spot. In March, the Central Square shopping center that served as its home was sold to developers.
Epicentre
210 E. Trade St.
With uptown business slowing to a halt, several restaurants in the Epicentre lineup have closed. Unprentious Palate and Charlotte Ledger have reported that Jason’s Deli, Firehouse Subs and Moe’s Southwest Grill are permanently closed, and the website and phone for Vida Cantina aren’t operating.
Gigi’s Cupcakes
4732 Sharon Road M
Owner Dana Walton said in early February that COVID-19 killed Gigi’s Cupcakes, citing a lack of business. “The pandemic has killed us,” she told CharlotteFive. She didn’t have a firm closing date set but estimated the shop would be closed by the end of the month. “It’s impossible to pay the bills when people aren’t leaving their houses to buy cupcakes,” she said, noting that if the business would have made it until spring, it would have seen its 10th anniversary. “It sucks for the people who have lost loved ones — all the way around, it’s just a sad situation.”
Update: Gigi’s was able to avoid closing in February, and Walton told CharlotteFive on March 1 that a rush of customer support has given the cupcake shop a lifeline.
Fitzgerald’s
201 E. 5th St.
The “American tavern with an Irish twist,” Fitzgerald’s announced in July on social media that after eight years in the city, it is permanently closing.
Hibiscus
1600 E. Woodlawn Road, #150
The Thai fusion restaurant served curries and noodle dishes, along with Laotian street food like nam khao. A note on the door reads, “Hibiscus will hold our last day of service on Sunday, May 2nd. We greatly appreciate each and every guest that have been a part of our journey these past five years.”
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Illos Noche
8426 Park Road
Ilios Noche, an upscale Mediterranean restaurant, closed its Quail Corners location, citing the COVID-19 pandemic. The restaurant group said it would focus on keeping its other restaurants open: Ilios Noche Rea Village, Ilios Crafted Greek, Big View Diner and Emerald Lake Golf & Social Club.
Island Thyme
8129 Ardrey Kell Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277
Calypso grill and pub Island Thyme recently annouced its closure at The Fountains on Ardrey Kell Road. “As everyone is aware, this year has been extremely trying for the restaurant industry. Shutdowns, staff shortages, dramatic increases in the cost of goods, the uncertainty going forward, and also, my own health,” read a statement on Island Thyme’s website. “So, I have decided to shut down Island Thyme. I would love to see us reopen at some point, but I honestly don’t see that happening anytime soon.”
JJ’s Red Hots — Uptown location
400 S. Tryon St.
The popular uptown location of the Charlotte hot dog spot, JJ’s Red Hots, closed because of the novel coronavirus. Co-founder Jonathan Luther confirmed in late July that the 3-year-old business will not reopen. It’s one of three locations. The flagship restaurant on East Boulevard in Dilworth is open. The Ballantyne location is temporarily closed.
La Belle Helene and Parliament Coffee
300 S. Tryon St.
The French restaurant and its adjoining coffee shop, Parliament Coffee, closed after shutting down their social media. But La Belle Helene, widely known for its Instagrammable bathroom, is making a comeback after being purchased by the 5th Street Group, which owns 5Church.
Lemon Love
400 E. Stonewall St., #400B
Owner Tracy Martin announced via Instagram that the nail spa that opened in uptown in 2019 wouldn’t re-open after the pandemic.
Libretto’s Pizzeria
1600 E. Woodlawn Road
Libretto’s Pizzeria has announced the closing of its Parktowne Village location. “Libretto’s at Parktowne Village was a hell of a story. We laughed, we cried. We were introduced to so many incredible people along the way, friendships that will survive for a long time to come,” the restaurant stated in a Facebook post. “It’s time to close this book and look forward to our next story.”
The restaurant will close at the end of business on Tuesday, June 8 — after one last hurrah. “Tuesday night we will throw one more party, with live music and lots of reminiscing. Stop in and say good-bye if you have the time. We’d love to see you,” the restaurant posted.
The restaurant’s remaining location is in Ballantyne, at 15205 John J. Delaney Drive.
Luciano’s
1910 South Blvd.
In mid-June, Luciano’s announced via Instagram that after 7 years open, it would be closing its South Boulevard location permanently. However, Norsan Restaurant Group has a new restaurant announcement coming soon, the restaurant added.
Manor Theatre
609 Providence Road
Movie theaters nationwide — especially art house theaters — were in trouble in Charlotte even before COVID-19 hit. Regal Manor Twin won’t get a chance to reopen. Regal and the real estate the shopping center owner did not provide a reason for the closure of the 73-year-old theater.
The Mayobird
1531 East Boulevard
The Mayobird, known for its chicken salad with a twist, closed its about 2,400-square-foot Dilworth restaurant at 1531 East Boulevard.
However, owner Deedee Hagner reopened it as two new concepts.
The Mayobird Market Pick-Up Window reopened March 2 at 1218 East Boulevard serving prepackaged, bulk items.
The Mayobird at City Kitch on Thrift Road offers a menu of sandwiches and sides for delivery and pickup.
Mr. K’s Soft Ice Cream
2107 South Blvd.
The iconic and beloved Charlotte restaurant and ice cream shop Mr. K’s Soft Ice Cream in South End has officially closed.
A local institution for over half a century, Mr. K’s was known for its hamburgers and soft-serve ice cream. Mr. K’s Soft Ice Cream owner George Dizes told the Charlotte Observer last month that the 1,400-square-foot South Boulevard restaurant business had been listed for sale. Dizes told CharlotteFive on March 5 that he finally sold the business, and thinks the new owner will turn it into a pizzeria. Dizes did not identify the buyer. He said closing day felt bittersweet and full of memories. “Moving forward, what will remain (are) the good memories. I want to thank all our customers and all our friends, relatives and everyone who supported us” over the past half century, Dizes said. “It’s been a pleasure, it’s been an honor and we’re going to miss you as much as you’re going to miss us.”
Nova’s Bakery
1511 Central Ave.
The Plaza Midwood staple for European-style bread planned to shut its doors near the end of 2020. “We are closing on December 13th our business after 26 years, it has been very difficult to maintain what we do since many of our customers has been out of business temporarily or permanently,” co-owner Sladjana Novakovic emailed CharlotteFive.
Nutrishop
15205 John J Delaney Drive
Nutrishop in Ballantyne closed July 31 after 10 years citing the COVID-19 pandemic and state shutdowns. The store sold vitamin supplements, and sports nutrition and weight loss products. “We hope that we have been more than ‘just another nutrition store’ to you,” the company said on Facebook. “With our business largely dependent on health and fitness enthusiasts, who aren’t able to attend the gym, it has had a crushing impact on Nutrishop.”
Oakhurst Grill
4111 Monroe Road
Oakhurst Grill closed at the end of business on May 29. “We are so grateful for the Oakhurst community for supporting us. Our customers are like family,” Angelo Polonyfis, John’s father, told CharlotteFive. “I just want to thank our customers and our employees; we are so grateful.”
Oasis Day Spa
2036 E. 7th St.
Oasis Day Spa’s founder and CEO, Roberta Rice Johnson, has passed away, the Elizabeth neighborhood spa announced via its website. Johnson opened the spa in 1998 and was in charge of it for 23 years. COVID-19 was also a factor in the spa’s decision to permanently close.
Pier1
Multiple locations
National chain had filed for bankruptcy in February, just before the coronavirus shut down in-person shopping for much of the country. In May, the home goods store announced it would close all U.S. stores. Charlotte-area stores have reopened to clear out merchandise.
The Pink Hanger
2935 Providence Road
After 13 years, the women’s clothing boutique said June 21 on social media it was closing its doors. “We are grateful for the support we received from you during the pandemic ... We encourage you to please continue to support small businesses as they are the heart and soul of our great city.”
Price’s Chicken Coop
Price’s Chicken Coop, the iconic cash-only, walk-up Southern fried chicken joint in South End, closed its doors in June 2021. “It is with heavy hearts that The Chicken Coop has decided to close our doors after 59 years of business due to the Labor shortage, rising food costs, food quality and another coin shortage,” the Facebook post read. “We thank everybody for their support and business over the years!”
Pure Pizza
224 E. 7th St.
1911 Central Ave. location remains open
Juli Ghazi, owner of Pure Pizza, said the “farm-to-fork” all scratch-made pizzeria will not reopen at 7th Street Public Market. The restaurant opened there in 2012. Pure Pizza closed its dining room at the market last March during stay-at-home mandates. It briefly re-opened during what was usually one of the busiest times of year from Thanksgiving to Christmas. However, Ghazi said she lost money by being open.
The Central Avenue location, which opened six years ago, has indoor and outdoor seating.
Queen City Q
225 E. 6th St.
The COVID-19 shutdown pushed customers away from uptown. That drop in business, extended by protests in support of the Black community and the loss of Charlotte hosting the Republican National Convention, drove the owners’ decision to close.
Rita’s
1308-A The Plaza
The Plaza Midwood location of the Italian ice shop closed at the end of its season after owners were unable to come to a new agreement with the landlord. Its Arbors location will reopen in the spring.
Sammy’s Deli
1113 Pecan Ave.
Sammy’s Deli, a Charlotte favorite serving no-frills breakfast and lunch in Plaza Midwood since 1997, closed Dec. 1 after its location was sold for redevelopment. Its breakfast crew is now working at Dish, serving largely the same menu.
Sonny’s BBQ
440 Tyvola Road, Charlotte and 328 West Plaza Drive, Mooresville
The Sonny’s franchise on Tyvola Road in Charlotte closed April 30. The restaurant had served the St. Louis-style barbecue slow-smoked in house pork, brisket, chicken and ribs at the location for 40 years
On Aug. 16, Sonny’s franchise in Mooresville closed after 19 years.
Sonny’s, based in Florida, has two other locations near Charlotte on Lyles Lane in Concord near Concord Mills and Cherry Road in Rock Hill.
The Strudel Shop
510 E. 15th St.
The Strudel Shop permanently closed its Area 15 location in March. The shop, owned by Kevin Kelly, opened in December 2019, just a couple of months before the pandemic.
According to social media posts, the shop tried to renegotiate its lease but “unfortunately, it didn’t work out.”
The Summit Room
1531 East Blvd.
The small, intimate space wouldn’t work with COVID-19 social distancing protocols, the restaurant said in announcing its closure.
Thirsty Nomad
4402 Stuart Andrew Blvd. A
The brewer didn’t blame COVID-19 for its closure, instead noting that its location wasn’t ideal and its management team had lacked experience.
Tizzerts
4205 Stuart Andrew Blvd., Suite E
Tizzerts owner Tiz Benson said the pandemic was too much for the bakeshop that opened in 1995 and is known for its buttercream frosting, and custom decorations on cakes and cupcakes. “These times of COVID-19 are tough ones for so many,” Benson said. “Like many others, we simply can’t compete with its grasp on our local economy ... our Tizzerts’ ovens are turned off.”
Tread Happy
128 Park Ave.
The boutique fitness studio announced its Charlotte and Charlottesville locations would permanently close due to COVID-19 and “difficulty in finding common ground” with its landlord, according to an post from the studio’s Instagram account.
Ultra Running Company
110 West Blvd.
Ultra Running Company announced the permanent closure of its South End location, citing the health and wellness of staff and customers. “Change happens, and it’s hitting close to home for our team this time,” read a statement on the running store’s Instagram page. On August 7, owner Nathan Leehman wrote a letter to customers, citing COVID-19 as a “tipping point” for the location’s closure.
Upstream
6902 Phillips Place Court
The upscale seafood restaurant had closed when the coronavirus shut down dining rooms and announced months later that it wouldn’t reopen.
Uptown Yolk
7th Street Public Market
One of the latest permanent restaurant closings in Charlotte is Uptown Yolk at 7th Street Public Market. However, owners Greg and Subrina Collier said they are “keeping their options open” for the future of Uptown Yolk.
The restaurant moved to the market in 2019 after closing the original Rock Hill location. The duo also own Leah & Louise, which opened a new spot in Camp North End in March, CharlotteFive reported.
Jimmy Pearls had occupied Uptown Yolk’s space temporarily until closing in February.
Vapiano Charlotte
201 S. Tryon St.
The popular Italian restaurant closed during the COVID-19 shutdown in March and never reopened. In its place, the owners have opened The Bella Ciao, a similar concept with many of the same staff members.
Wet Willie’s
900 North Carolina Music Factory Blvd., # C1
Wet Willie’s, a spot famous for its frozen cocktails, best enjoyed before or after a concert at the Charlotte Metro Credit Union, won’t reopen after its COVID closing.
The Wooden Vine Wine Bar & Bistro
231 N. Tryon St.
The uptown wine bar has permanently closed, citing the loss of uptown business over the past few months as COVID-19 has kept offices and other attractions closed. “We treated service every evening as if we were throwing a dinner party with friends. We want to thank everyone for the constant support throughout the years. We loved having you as our guests,” the management said via Instagram.
Yama Izakaya
1324 Central Ave.
The casual Japanese restaurant’s Central Avenue location is closing when its lease comes to an end on Dec. 15, but relocation plans are in the works, a post on its Facebook page said. “We would like to thank you for your friendship, support and patronage for the last 6 years. It has been a pleasure to be a part of this neighborhood.”
Yoga One
2230 Park Road and 1318 Central Ave., D2
The yoga studio had been holding online classes since COVID-19 shut down gyms, but the owner abruptly announced both locations would close and livestream classes would stop. Its Central Avenue lease was up due to planned redevelopment.
Zack’s Hamburgers
4009 South Blvd.
George Demopoulos and his wife, Elaine, have worked tirelessly to run Charlotte’s Zack’s Hamburgers, which has been open for over 46 years. After battling through COVID-19’s affects on the restaurant industry, they are closing the doors permanently July 1.
This story was originally published February 10, 2021 at 6:00 AM with the headline "A familiar Dilworth restaurant will close soon. Here’s what we know.."
