Rocket Pizza’s first Charlotte spot is now open, with more locations on the way
By Heidi Finley and
Alex Cason
Rocket Pizza’s new location at 1213 Morehead St.
Alex Cason Photography
CharlotteFive
A new spot to get pizza is blasting into Charlotte with plans to open four locations and a brewery.
Rocket Pizza’s first location near the edge of Wesley Heights and Third Ward neighborhood is now open, serving up 10-inch and 14-inch New Haven, Connecticut-style pizzas. A countdown clock on its website originally put the opening at April 12, but that construction delays pushed that back.
Co-owner Casey McCormick described the pizza as having a thin, crisp, cracker-like crust that’s like no other in Charlotte.
“Not even remotely close. That’s what’s so exciting about it. Hands down, best pizza ever. No competition,” he told CharlotteFive.
McCormick had talked with a good friend for years about opening up a pizza restaurant in Charlotte, and the last time they had spoken about it, his friend died three days later. In honor of his friend, he sold off his other businesses and decided to start the Rocket brand.
“This is my retirement. I’m having fun,” he said.
The space in the West Morehead Street location includes a 60-foot bar and garage-style doors to open up the space. Outside, there’s patio seating on the side and in front of the building.
Next up will be opening the Plaza Midwood location, and one in SouthPark that McCormick and his co-owner Bart Baker hope will be situated near Publix and the Regal Phillips Place theater. Sometime in 2022, they also plan to open Rocket Brewery on Thrift Road in the FreeMoreWest neighborhood and a Mooresville location.
Casey McCormick, co-owner of Rocket Pizza. Alex Cason Photography CharlotteFive
At the restaurants, look for traditional pizza joint appetizers such as mozzarella sticks and meatballs, along with salads and pastas. Wings are on the menu, too, with your choice of flavors from Buffalo, BBQ, Inferno, Garlic Parmesan or Lemon Pepper.
The Rocket House Special comes with sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions and green olives. And you can upgrade to make that an Inferno with Rocket Sauce and jalapenos.
Other specialty pizzas are the Mexican, with Rocket Taco Sauce, taco meat, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, black olives and Doritos; the BBQ Chicken; and a veggie/vegan option topped with green peppers, onions, mushrooms and black olives.
Pizza prices start at $13 for a 10-inch Cooper’s Extreme with Rocket’s Special Blend House Cheese and top out at $27 for a 14-inch Inferno.
The new Rocket Pizza at 1213 Morehead St., features garage-style doors to open up the space. Alex Cason Photography CharlotteFive
Heidi Finley is a writer and editor for CharlotteFive and the Charlotte Observer. Outside of work, you will most likely find her in the suburbs driving kids around, volunteering and indulging in foodie pursuits.Support my work with a digital subscription
Alex Cason is a photojournalist whose primary focus is to let stories unfold through the visual mediums of photography and videography. Cason’s dynamic interpretations are woven into the fabric of a city that is bustling with growth, challenged daily with racial and socioeconomic equality, and overflowing with art and creativity. Crafting a story with integrity for a variety of demographics in a matter of moments is the broad stroke of his character. His specialties include portraiture work, sports, editorial, architectural, creative, government, street and event coverage.Support my work with a digital subscription
