Retail and Development

Bird Pizzeria is open in Charlotte. Here’s how you can grab a pie.

Charlotte pizza scouts, get ready for a new slice in town. Pizza pop-up Bird Pizzeria has opened a brick-and-mortar restaurant, and as with every other aspect of their process, the owners did it their own way.

Like they were announcing their new hot new clothing line (which makes sense, since they used to sell clothing), Bird Pizzeria’s owners dropped the news on Sunday in a newsletter exclusive to a group of fans that the long-awaited Optimist Park spot would open up shop this week. It’s situated a block away from hotspot Optimist Hall.

You can grab an “East Coast-style” pizza this week Wednesday through Friday, 4-8 p.m. Hours starting next week are 4-8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and 4-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. However, as co-owners Kerrel and Nkem Thompson note in the newsletter, the complete hourly schedule will be released soon — along with the restaurant’s phone number.

Kerrel Thompson prepares 14-inch pizzas at Bird Pizzeria in Charlotte.
Kerrel Thompson prepares 14-inch pizzas at Bird Pizzeria in Charlotte. Alex Cason Photography CharlotteFive

The restaurant offers window pick-up service and outdoor patio seating. There’s no indoor seating, but that’s “ideal for COVID times,” Nkem said.

For this week’s opening, diners can choose to order ahead or walk up. Food options include three different pies and a kale Caesar salad, but as Nkem notes, several salads and “suggested pies” are soon to follow.

A pepperoni pizza from Bird Pizzeria.
A pepperoni pizza from Bird Pizzeria. Alex Cason CharlotteFive

But don’t call it a “grand opening.” Bird is keeping it low key for now.

“Since we’re a small team, we’re starting small and then expanding as we get the hang of balancing many orders,” Nkem said about the opening.

“’Grand opening’ doesn’t feel quite suitable,” she added, but a party or some celebration of sorts may occur later on.

Kerrel and Nkem Thompson, owners of Bird Pizzeria in Charlotte’s Optimist Park neighborhood.
Kerrel and Nkem Thompson, owners of Bird Pizzeria in Charlotte’s Optimist Park neighborhood. Alex Cason Photography CharlotteFive

Bird Pizzeria

Location: 510 E. 15th St., Charlotte, North Carolina, 28206

Neighborhood: Optimist Park

Instagram: @birdpizzeria

This story was originally published December 27, 2021 at 6:00 AM.

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Kris Kornbluth
The Charlotte Observer
Kris Kornbluth is a freelancer for CharlotteFive and otherwise specializes in audience engagement. Kris earned a B.A. in communication from the College of Charleston. In their free time, Kris enjoys bike riding and exploring the local craft beer scene.
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