Retail and Development

Check out these new Charlotte businesses that have opened or plan to in 2022

Minae Choi, the youngest daughter of Jong and Yong Choi, reopened Choi’s Korea & Wing as Choi’s Korean Kitchen and Soju Bar this year.
Minae Choi, the youngest daughter of Jong and Yong Choi, reopened Choi’s Korea & Wing as Choi’s Korean Kitchen and Soju Bar this year.

There’s always something fresh happening in Charlotte, with new places to eat, drink and explore every day. In 2022, there has been a boom in these openings, with announcements from local businesses flying in nearly every week.

Now you can try Vietnamese banh mi, Latin sandwiches, Jamaican jerk chicken, Korean dishes, Indian street food and more global options. There are also new breweries to sip craft beer and new coffee shops to stop in for a drink.

Below you’ll find the Charlotte restaurants, bars, and other small businesses that have opened this year, reopened after a closing or relocation or announced this year that they’re opening.

Note that this is not an exhaustive list — as hard as we try, there’s so much movement in the Queen City that we likely missed a few spots. Please share any business openings with us at charlottefive@charlottefive.com.

220C Banh Mi and Coffee

Location: 10020 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28270

220C Banh Mi is offering Vietnamese banh mi, complete with freshly baked French-style bread, along with savory and sweet pastries. It opened in late May.

Amelie’s

New flagship location: 136 E 36th St, Charlotte, NC 28206

Location: 325 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28282 (opening soon)

Amelie’s moved its flagship bakery and cafe from its original home in Charlotte’s Villa Heights to NoDa. Plans also call for reopening its uptown location.

Arbol

Location: 227 W Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Arbol opened June 1, serving healthy breakfast and lunch options with a Latin flair. Expect croissant sandwiches, breakfast burritos and acai breakfast bowls., along with salads and sandwiches at lunch.

lBar à Vins

Location: 3206 N Davidson St Charlotte, NC 28205

Bar à Vins, a wine bar focusing on affordable and approachable sips, opened in early May. It also offer bottled wines for retail and snack foods, including cheeses and charcuterie.

BaoBao

Location: Northcross Shopping Center, 9715 Sam Furr Rd #C, Huntersville, NC 28078

BaoBao opened in late 2022 in Huntersville, bringing authentic Chinese cuisine — including handmade bao — to the Charlotte area.

Bazal Gallery and Nightclub

Location: AvidXchange Music Factory, 950 North Carolina Music Factory Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28206

Bazal, an elevated nightclub and gallery concept by QC Social Lounge owner Noi Vong, opened in June. Expect elegance upstairs, with upscale drinks and art, while DJs crank out the tunes for a party vibe downstairs.

The main gallery area at Bazal takes inspiration from the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, according to club owner, Noi Vong.
The main gallery area at Bazal takes inspiration from the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, according to club owner, Noi Vong. Alex Cason CharlotteFive

Benny Ferrovia’s

Location: 340 W. Tremont Ave., Charlotte, NC 28203

Benny’s newest location is bringing 28-inch Virginia-style pizzas with slices bigger than your head to South End. You can also try it out at Benny Pennello’s in NoDa.

Biblio

Location: 2001 W Morehead St., Charlotte, NC 28208

Experience a reverse wine pairing of sorts at Biblio. “Instead of our sommelier pairing a bottle of wine to the food you order, our chef will create a unique, one-of-a-kind dish, that will pair perfectly with the bottle you order from our massive wine list,” chef and owner Sam Hart told CharlotteFive.

Bit by Seoul Food

Location: 721 Governor Morrison Street, Suite 150. Charlotte, NC 28211

Bit takes the flavors you’re familiar with at Seoul Food and presents them in categories such as “Deep Fried,” and “Handhelds.” Think: Fried wings, tofu and mushrooms; bao buns; tacos; kimchi fries and more. And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, that’s covered — there are doughnuts, too.

Bonterra Dining and Wine Room

Location: 6809-A Phillips Pl Ct, Charlotte, NC 28210

Bonterra’s previous location closed and was sold to Supperland owners Jamie Brown and Jeff Tonidandel. Now, Bonterra owner JD Duncan’s plan is to replicate the success of the popular Dean & Deluca that was in Phillips Place years ago, serving three meals a day.

Brazilian Eats & Treats

Location: 16049 Johnston Rd K, Charlotte, NC 28277

Brazilian-born owner Marcia Sanabria opened a bakery over the summer, focusing on authentic, savory and sweet dishes that are popular in Brazil, including pastries, mousses, cakes and more.

Brown Bag Seafood Co.

Location: 100 W Worthington Ave., Charlotte, NC 28203

Fast-casual seafood restaurant Brown Bag Seafood Co. is now open, offering counter service with a menu offering grilled salmon, shrimp or a rotating daily catch, plus chicken, vegetarian and vegan fare.

Bubba’s Barbecue

Location: 4400 Sunset Rd, Charlotte, NC 28216

After a two-year closure due to COVID, Bubba’s Barbecue in North Charlotte reopened in fall 2022. Among the changes customers will find are food packaged to go and self-service drinks, although diners are welcome to stay to eat.

Burial Beer Co.

Location: 1214 and 1216 Thomas Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205

Asheville-based Burial Beer Co. saw a summer opening at its Plaza Midwood taproom and expanded bottle shop — called The House of Relics. Expect a variety of beer styles, plus a food menu with options like sandwiches and charcuterie.

Calle Sol Latin Cafe & Cevicheria

Location: 3100 Apex Dr, Charlotte, NC 28211

The popular Commonwealth neighborhood restaurant near Plaza Midwood that serves Cuban and Peruvian cuisine announced that it is expanding to SouthPark in 2023.

Canopy Cocktails & Garden

Location: 118 E Kingston Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203

Canopy Cocktails & Garden opened in July in South End’s Dilworth Artisan Station, with the name giving a nod to previous building tenant Charlotte Tent & Awning.

Cheat’s Cheesesteak Parlor

Location: 913 Pecan Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205

Former pop-up Cheat’s Cheesesteak Parlor opened its brick-and-mortar restaurant to great fanfare in July, with long lines and unexpected sell-outs. Hours were recently expanded, and it’s now open days a week.

Chez Marie Patisserie

Location: 4732 Sharon Rd Suite M, Charlotte, NC 28210

This French bakery and cafe opened in April, specializing in scratch-made desserts, pastries and sourdough bread. Salads and sandwiches are also available.

Choi’s Korean Kitchen and Soju Bar

Location: 808 E Arrowood Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217

Choi’s Korea & Wing, the family-owned restaurant that closed in October after 26 years, reopened April 19 with a new name — Choi’s Korean Kitchen and Soju Bar — and Minae Choi, the youngest daughter of the previous owners, at the helm. Patrons can expect to see their favorite Korean dishes, along with a few updates.

Condado Tacos

Location: 1515 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28203

This specialty taco spot opened May 12, bringing its dips, tacos and margaritas to South End. It offers a variety of queso, guacamole and salasa choices, as well as the option to build your own tacos.

Charlotte is home to the state’s first Condado Tacos — a build-your-own and specialty tacos chain.
Charlotte is home to the state’s first Condado Tacos — a build-your-own and specialty tacos chain. Condado Tacos

Co-Op Frosé and Eatery

Location: 340 W Tremont Ave., Unit 110, Charlotte, NC 28205

Charleston-based Co-Op Frosé and Eatery, which serves frosé and gourmet sandwiches, announced plans to come to town in July 2022. The location is now targeting an April opening.

Counter-

Location: 2001 W Morehead St., Charlotte, NC 28208

Counter- owner and chef Sam Hart hired chef Alex Wnorowski, who has worked at Three-Star Michelin restaurant Noma in Copenhagen, to lead the kitchen at Counter-’s new location.

Culinary Dropout

Location: Vantage South End, 1120 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28203

Culinary Dropout will add to the foodie destination Vantage South End when it opens early next year. Diners will find craft cocktails and classic food such as pretzels with cheese fondue, fried chicken and more.

Cuzzo’s Cuisine II

Location: 9601 N. Tryon St., Suite F, Charlotte, NC 28262

A previous University City location of Cuzzo’s — known for its chicken and waffles, and its lobster mac and cheese — was short lived. But the cousins who run the show here, Andarrio Johnson and Anglee Brown, are back at it with a new spot and the same dishes you’ve come to love.

Davesté Kitchen By Flock

Location: 155 Lytton Farm Rd, Troutman, NC 28166

Davesté Vineyards in Troutman and Flock Bistro in Mooresville teamed up to launch Davesté Kitchen By Flock, an onsite gourmet food trailer at the winery that offers chef-prepared cuisine designed to pair with the vineyard’s drink selections.

Drift on Lake Wylie

Location: 315 Lanyard Ln m, Belmont, NC 28012

Drift on Lake Wylie, a contemporary, chef-inspired chophouse at McLean Marina, opened on May 9. The boat-accessible restaurant features multiple patios and an upscale menu that includes dishes like Wagyu beef tartare and lobster tail fettuccine.

Early Girl Eatery

Location: 1515 S. Tryon St., Suite 104, Charlotte, NC 28203

Asheville-based Early Girl Eatery opened in Charlotte on May 9 in the Dimensional Fund Advisors building. The restaurant offers gluten-free and vegan options and is well-versed at adding tempeh or tofu to its breakfast dishes, which are served all day.. Lunch and dinner are also available.

Eggs Up Grill

Location: 2609 S New Hope Rd, Gastonia, NC 28056

This breakfast joint that originated in the Carolinas opened in Gastonia in January, serving omelets and other egg dishes, pancakes and waffles, plus breakfast sandwiches and bowls.. For lunch, the restaurant serves up burgers, sandwiches, wraps and salads.

El Sazón Latino

Location: 1501 West Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208

El Sazon Latino opened in fall 2022 in Charlotte’s Revolution Park neighborhood, serving traditional foods from a variety of Latin countries, including Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador.

Enat Ethiopian

Location: Optimist Hall, 1115 N Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28206

This Ethiopian restaurant’s second location opened in May at Optimist Hall, with traditional dishes like the stuffed pastry Sambusa, the stir-fried meat and veggies Tibs, and the spongy bread Injera. Vegan and vegetarian options are available.

Ever Andalo

Location: 3116 N. Davidson St., Charlotte, NC 28205

The Italian restaurant replaced Crepe Cellar in Charlotte’s NoDa neighborhood in March, bringing in a new look and a new menu. Look for kale salads, fresh pasta, tiramisu and more.

Ever Andalo’s Sunny Cavatelli.
Ever Andalo’s Sunny Cavatelli. Courtesy of Ever Andalo


Fidel’s Kitchen

Location: 500 West Summit Ave Charlotte, NC 28203

Fidel’s Kitchen, a Jamaican restaurant, opened in May. It’s serving up jerk chicken, oxtails, rice and peas, vegetables and fresh juice for takeout.

Figo36

Location: 416 E 36th St., Unit 600, Charlotte, NC 28205

Expect modern versions of Italian classics when dining at Figo36 in the former Orto space, including burrata, fresh pasta and pizza.

Fiore

Location: 14825 Ballantyne Village Way Suite 135, Charlotte, NC 28277

This adult lounge carries a 1920s-style cocktail bar vibe, serving tapas, entrees and craft cocktails. It opened in July.

The Garrison: A Cocktail Bar & Restaurant

Location: 314 Main St., Pineville, NC 28134

The Garrison opened in late September in the space previously occupied by Global Restaurant & Bar, next door to its sister eatery Margaux’s. The two-story restaurant features Pineville’s first cocktail bar, along with food such as Cheerwine short ribs, braised lamb shanks and gourmet burgers.

Gilde Brewery

Location: 3530 Dewitt Lane, Charlotte, NC 28217

Gilde’s first brewery outside of Germany opened in Charlotte in February. Inside, you’ll find German beer and food set in an immersive experience made to transport you to Europe.

Stop by Gilde Brewery to try the pretzel and beer cheese.
Stop by Gilde Brewery to try the pretzel and beer cheese. Ebony Morman CharlotteFive

Godfather’s Pizza

Location: 3020 Prosperity Church Rd F, Charlotte, NC 28269

Godfather’s Pizza, the iconic pizza parlor of 1970s and 80s childhood memories, opened for carryout and delivery in Charlotte in October. And, yes, all your favorites from back in the day have returned to stoke your nostalgia.

Harry’s Grille & Tavern

Location: 8426 Park Road Suite 9, Charlotte, NC 28210

The restaurant’s newest location opened in March with 4,673-square-foot of space for guests to dine on American gastropub fare, local craft beer and signature cocktails. Brunch is offered on the weekends.

Harry’s Grille and Tavern offers a variety of American gastropub options, such as Salmon Tacos, Shrimp & Grits, a Shrimp Wedge salad and Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail.
Harry’s Grille and Tavern offers a variety of American gastropub options, such as Salmon Tacos, Shrimp & Grits, a Shrimp Wedge salad and Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail. Kenty Chung

Harold’s Chicken & Ice Bar

Location: 440 McCullough Drive, Ste A-100, Charlotte, NC 28262

The Chicago-based chicken joint is working to open soon, bringing a hookah bar plus weekend brunch options to the fast-casual restaurant’s lineup. Pro tip: The chain is known for its mild sauce.

Hawthorne’s NY Pizza & Bar

Location: 25 Union Street North, Concord, N.C. 28025

Hawthorne’s New York Pizza and Bar, known for its legendary “The Inducer” pizza rumored to induce labor, is opening a location in Concord. Expect the same menu with lighter, brighter decor at the restaurant.

The Hideaway LKN

Location: 20910 Torrence Chapel Rd, D7, Cornelius, NC 28031

The Hideaway LKN, a new full-service bar in Lake Norman, opened in Cornelius in fall 2022. Guests can settle in for a craft cocktail or a beer, watch a game and listen to live music.

Hi-Wire Brewing

Location: 330 W Tremont Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203

Hi-Wire’s Charlotte location features the same funky artwork you’ve come to love at its Asheville home base and other locations. The brewery and taproom opened over the summer.

IndiGrille

Location: 1600 E Woodlawn Rd #150, Charlotte, NC 28209

This fast-casual Indian restaurant offers house-made sauces and customizable options for rice bowls, burritos and kati rolls. IndiGrille opened in May.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

Location: 9828 Rea Road, Charlotte, NC 28277

Jeni’s Splended announced its newest Charlotte-area shop will be opening Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023 at Blakeney Town Center, just south of Ballantyne. Free scoops are planned to celebrate.

Jimmy Pearls

Location: The Market at 7th Street, 224 E. 7th Street, Charlotte, NC, 28202

Jimmy Pearls returned to its old stomping grounds at The Market at 7th Street in September after a hiatus to focus on its food truck. Virginia natives and chefs Daryl Cooper and Oscar Johnson, who you may remember from CharlotteFive’s series The Skillet: How Black Cuisine Became America’s Supper, serve Tidewater cuisine.

Juniper Grill

Location: 15235 John J Delaney Dr., Suite P., Charlotte, NC 28277

Pennsylvania-based Juniper Grill offers American food with a California feel. The restaurant opened in May, offering an upscale but casual menu that incorporates local produce.

Koibito Poké

Location: 4701 Park Rd Charlotte, NC 28209

The fast-casual restaurant based in Arizona that features build-your-own Hawaiian poké bowls had targeted a July opening but has not yet opened.

Koibito Poké, a fast-casual restaurant that features build-your-own Hawaiian poké bowls, will open in Charlotte in July 2022.
Koibito Poké, a fast-casual restaurant that features build-your-own Hawaiian poké bowls, will open in Charlotte in July 2022. Koibito Poké

KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot

Location: 9609 E. Independence Blvd., Suite P, Matthews, NC 28105

Location: 8652 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte, NC 28226

Two locations of KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot are on their way to Charlotte in 2023, both in Matthews and Pineville. Expect multiple soup, meat and veggie options.

LaBARatory

Location: 2315 N. Davidson St., Charlotte, NC 28205

A new brewery and distillery from the team behind Seoul Food Meat Co. is on its way to Optimist Park, Axios Charlotte reported. An early 2023 opening is expected.

La Victoria Cocina Mexicana & Bar

Location: 16801 Caldwell Creek Dr, Huntersville, NC 28078

A second location of La Victoria Cocina Mexicana & Bar has opened in Huntersville. It features the same menu as the Charlotte location, with an emphasis on authentic tacos.

Lee’s Hoagie House

Location: 15025 Lancaster Hwy., Charlotte, NC 28277

Lee’s Hoagie House became the first North Carolina outpost of the Philly staple when it opened in December, serving up hoagies and cheesesteaks.

Legion Brewing West Morehead

Location: 2013 West Morehead St., Charlotte, NC 28208

Legion Brewing’s newest location opened in May at the Salt + Vinegar project. The taproom is attached to a 25,000-square-foot brewery that also boasts a courtyard beer garden.

Leo’s Italian Social

Location: 4720 Piedmont Row. Dr., Charlotte, NC 28210

Leo’s Italian Social opened its first North Carolina restaurant near SouthPark mall in early August.. The menu includes pasta, eggplant and chicken Parmesan, and wood-fired pizzas, plus steak and seafood entrees.

Limani

Location: 6902 Phillips Pl Ct, Charlotte, NC 28210

Limani offers Mediterranean-inspired cuisine including oysters, fried calamari, salmon and lamb chops at Phillips Place, where it took over the former Upstream space.

Link & Pin Arboretum

Location: 8128 Providence Rd #1200, Charlotte, NC 28277

Link & Pin’s third location opened in March in the former Mickey & Mooch spot. The gastropub serves brunch, lunch and dinner with a menu that features steaks and gluten-free vegetarian-friendly fare alike.

Little Mama’s

Location: 9825 Sandy Rock Place, Charlotte, NC 28277

A second location of Little Mama’s is on its way to the Rea Farms development, where Sensi Restaurant Charlotte Ristorante Italiano once operated. The pizza and pasta restaurant will feature a mozzarella bar, large outdoor patio and indoor seating for about 200 guests.

Loretta’s

Location: 8500 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte, NC 28226

The French Creole restaurant featuring live music plans to open in the former Fox & Hound sports bar site. The menu will include shrimp and grits, jambalaya, duck poutine and more.

Lula Banh Mi & Bakery

Location: 10400 Centrum Parkway, Suite A, Pineville, NC 28134

Lula Banh Mi & Bakery — which opened in July — makes Vietnamese bread daily for its selection of classic banh mi sandwiches, stacked with fresh toppings. And with a master baker behind the counter, you’re sure to find a treat that will suit you in its bakery case, such as macarons, cupcakes, mini cheesecakes and more.

Lulu’s Maryland Style Chicken & Seafood

Location: 2308 Central Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205

Lulu’s second location opened in March, offering a new place for Charlotteans to dive in to its popular crab cakes, wings and chicken and waffles. The space — about twice the size of the original restaurant — offers garage-style doors for an indoor-outdoor feel.

Lulu’s crab cake and shrimp combo with yams, seafood mac and rice.
Lulu’s crab cake and shrimp combo with yams, seafood mac and rice. Alex Cason CharlotteFive

Mac’s Speed Shop- Concord

Location: 8021 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord, NC 28027

A new Mac’s Speed Shop is open near Concord Mills Mall, offering another spot for barbecue fans to enjoy the restaurant’s Hickory-Smoked Pulled Pork, brisket or St. Louis ribs. The new location of the chain favorite features a focus on live music.

Madison Perk

Location: 5033 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28217

The coffee shop with a family feel opened in March. You’ll find salads, sandwiches and snacks, plus craft beer, seltzers and live music.

Mano Bella Artisan Foods

Location: The Market at 7th Street, 224 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202

The specialty foods business opened in March at The Market at 7th Street, selling fresh pasta and other kitchen staples, including produce.

Menya Noodle Counter

Location: 1941 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204

Menya Noodle Counter plans to open soon, serving handmade noodles and Tokyo Hot Chicken.

Metro Diner To-Go

Location: 3440 St Vardell Lane, Suite G, Charlotte, NC 28217

Metro Diner opened a takeout-only spot in June, offering breakfast, lunch and brunch for delivery, pick-up and catering.

Milkbread

Location: 1431 Central Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205

Milkbread opened in Davidson and its Charlotte location — where the iconic walk-up Dairy Queen once operated in Plaza Midwood — followed on its heels over the summer.

Mochinut

Location: 10500 Centrum Pkwy, Pineville, NC 28134

Mochinut, a Korean confectionery with a mix of sweet and savory treats and boba teas, will open inside the Super G Mart on its way to Pineville. Its mochi doughnuts are made with rice flour that originated in Hawaii and unites Japanese rice cakes with American-style doughnuts.

Morelia Gourmet Paletas

Location: 16940 Birkdale Commons Parkway, Suite A, Huntersville, NC 28078.

Morelia Gourmet Paletas opened its Huntersville location in early November. It carries all 16 paletas flavors in the Morelia lineup, including fruit and cream-based classics like chocolate, coconut and strawberry and modern twists such as passionfruit-filled with condensed milk and Greek yogurt with wild berries.

Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill

Location: 816 Brayden Pkwy #102 Fort Mill, SC 29708

Naf Naf opened in late 2022 in Fort Mill’s Brayden development, serving Middle Eastern bowls, falafel and more.

The Neighborhood Café

Location: 100 Huntersville-Concord Road, Huntersville, NC 28078

The Neighborhood Café opened in Huntersville in the former Cafe 100 location, serving many of the original cafe’s menu favorites with the familiar faces of many of the same staff members. The space went through renovations, however.

Noble Smoke

Location: Optimist Hall, 1115 N. Brevard St., Charlotte, NC 28206

Noble Smoke opened an outpost at Optimist Hall in March, selling its signature hickory-smoked meats, savory sides and hand pies for dessert.

NoDa Company Canteen

Location: Camp North End, 300 Camp Rd, Charlotte, NC 28206

The Canteen moved from pop-up status to a permanent location that opened in September in Camp North End’s Boileryard. It will continue serving beer, wine, sangria and snacks.

OpenTap

Location: 5010 Carmel Ctr Dr, Charlotte, NC 28226

OpenTap is set to open at Carmel Center Drive, bringing a family-friendly space with 64 beers on tap and a shade garden, a tree house mezzanine and a spot for food trucks.

The One Tapas & Bar

Location: 3116 Weddington Rd Suite 600, Matthews, NC 28105

The One has recently opened in Matthews, serving a menu of small plates and sweets, as well as weekend brunch. You’ll find it in the Plantation Market Complex.

PARA

Location: 235 W Tremont Ave #100, Charlotte, NC 28203

This trendy new restaurant with a globally influenced menu comes from the work of Alex Verica in the kitchen as executive chef. It opened in January.

PARA’S “TUNA” Crudo, with watermelon, jalapeno, oranges and radishes.
PARA’S “TUNA” Crudo, with watermelon, jalapeno, oranges and radishes. Alex Cason Photography CharlotteFive

Peninsula Prime Seafood & Steakhouse

Location: 19918 N Cove Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031

Alton’s Kitchen & Cocktails in Lake Norman’s Jetton Village shopping center closed Jan. 29 to make way for a new concept. Cambridge Hospitality Group purchased the restaurant with plans to make renovations, and it has reopened as Peninsula Prime Seafood & Steakhouse.

Petit Philippe

Location: 1930 Camden Rd Suite 135, Charlotte, NC 28203

What was once Twenty Degrees Chocolate shut down with the retirement of chocolatier Casey Hickey, but the wine shop she co-owns with Mark Meissner has moved into the space. A third Petit Philippe location on Park Road is slated to open soon, as well.

Pět Piv

Location: 990 Market St, Fort Mill, SC 29708

Fort Mill’s Fish Market owner, Selena Kelemen, is breaking ground on a beer garden in the grassy area adjacent to the restaurant. Pět Piv is expected to open in summer 2023, serving pizza and other bar food.

Phat Burrito

Location: LoSo Village, Clanton Rd., Charlotte, NC, 28217

Once-beloved Phat Burrito was originally expected to make a return to Charlotte in spring 2022, but that didn’t happen on time. A spokeswoman for Beacon Partners cited construction delays and recently estimated a summer 2023 opening for the restaurant with a Southwestern spin.

Pie in the Sky Pizza

Location: 250 S Main St., Mooresville, NC 28115

Pie in the Sky Pizza is returning to downtown Mooresville with plans for a bigger dining area, double the pizza ovens and expanded bar options. The pizzeria’s owners had originally planned a January opening but ran into delays that will push that date back.

Que Fresa Taqueria + Bar

Location: 1500-A W. Morehead St., Charlotte, NC 28208

Que Fresa Taqueria + Bar, a taqueria with soft-serve margaritas, house-made Puffy Chips and at least 14 varieties of tacos, opened in Charlotte’s Wesley Heights neighborhood in early October. The restaurant took over the former Picante location.

Que Onda Tacos + Tequila

Location: 1518 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205

Que Onda’s fifth location opened in Plaza Midwood in the former Coaltrane’s Char Grill location. The restaurant from the same owners as Que Fresa is a full-service Mexican restaurant, with offerings including tacos and tortas, enchiladas, burritos and even Boozy Mexican Brunch.

Resident Culture Brewing Co.

Location: 332 W Bland St Suite C, Charlotte, NC 28203

Resident Culture Brewing Co. opened a full-service coffee shop inside its South End location in June. The shop serves specialty coffee drinks and baked goods from El Toro Bruto’s Hector González-Mora.

Ruby Sunshine

Location: 101 W. John St., Matthews, NC 28105

The Charlotte area’s second Ruby Sunshine plans to open in summer 2023, bringing its familiar menu of brunch favorites with a New Orleans flair.

The Royal Tot

Location: 933 Louise Avenue, Suite 350, Charlotte, NC 28204

This two-story, rum-focused cocktail bar in Belmont that opened in January features an indoor bar, ground-level patio, a rooftop deck and a private event space. Membership in its Admiral Vernon’s Rum Club offers you access to a rare and vintage rum selection.

Salted Melon

Location: 100 W. Worthington Ave., Suite 107 Charlotte, NC 28203

The market and restaurant from the owners of Reid’s Fine Foods is health-focused and features fast-casual dining. It opened in July with what may be Charlotte’s only bone broth bar, complete with toppings such as ginger juice and chili oil.

The Salty Donut

Location: 1515 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28203

The Miami-based doughnut shop plans to open in early January on the bottom floor of the Dimensional Funds tower in South End, serving craft doughnuts and coffee. Both the design and doughnut flavors at The Salty Donut will have a local influence, CEO and co-founder Andy Rodriguez said.

Saku Yakitori & Sushi Bar

Location: 123 East 5th St Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28202

Saku opened in July, bringing skewered meats and veggies called yakitori, along with small plates and sushi to Uptown Charlotte. Craft cocktails compliment the Asian menu, with drinks including East Meets West (tequila, lemon juice, tamarind and passion fruit) and Lemongrass Ginger (bourbon, lemon juice, ginger and honey).

SARU

Location: Camp North End, 1801 N. Graham St., Charlotte, NC 28206

Raydal Hospitality Group — the parent company of Sabor Latin Street Grill, Three Amigos and La Caseta — is now operating SARU at Camp North End. It took over the Nagahama-style Tonkatsu ramen shop in June.

Seemingly Overzealous

Location: Camp North End, 701 Keswick Ave #102, Charlotte, NC 28206

This dairy-free (but not vegan) ice cream shop plans to open in Camp North End. Look for flavors such as blood orange, banana pecan maple and more.

Seoul Food Meat Co. Mill District

Location: 421 E 26th St, Charlotte, NC 28205

Seoul Food Meat Co. Mill District opened in December, offering fare including bulgogi and beef rib bao bun sliders, along with boneless wings. Soul Food’s newest location also offers karaoke rooms, just like the OG spot.

Singas Famous Pizza

Location: 4732 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28205

North Carolina’s first location of The New York-based pizzeria opened in Morrisville a few years ago. Now, a location will be opening in Charlotte, bringing hot, fresh pizza with dough made daily.

Slutty Vegan

Location: Charlotte

The details are largely up in the air, but the popular pop-up option that started out as an Atlanta food truck plans to open a new location every month in 2022. “Charlotte has always supported us since day one and every single time that we come, there is a line down the block,” owner Pinky Cole told CharlotteFive in June.

Cole told the Washington Post that she searches for areas that are food insecure, lacking in vegan options and generally not attractive to developers.

Stone Fired Social

Location: 106 North Main Street Suite B, Belmont, NC

Belmont’s Stone Fired Social opened in October in the space of the former Johnny B’s Pizza Pad, just next to sister restaurant The String Bean. It serves pizza, homemade pastas and more and offers arcade games, a full bar and a gelato counter.

Super Abari Game Bar

Location: 1015 Seigle Ave Charlotte, NC 28205

Super Abari Game Bar opened its new Charlotte location on May 16. While the previous location closed due to redevelopment, the new spot offers more arcade games and pinball machines, more seating and a separate bar area.

Super Abari Game Bar has 35 pinball machines, 55 arcade games, 12 beer taps and more at the new Belmont Charlotte location.
Super Abari Game Bar has 35 pinball machines, 55 arcade games, 12 beer taps and more at the new Belmont Charlotte location. Alex Cason CharlotteFive

Sycamore Brewing

Location: 2151 Hawkins St., Charlotte, NC, 28203

Sycamore shut down its 2161 Hawkins St. location for a sleek new spot that anchors The Line, a new 16-story office building, and gives the brewery more room to expand. Look for the brewery to reopen there in early 2023.

Sycamore Brewing at CLT

Location: Charlotte Douglas International Airport, 5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28208, Concourse E

Sycamore Brewing’s second location opened at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, where travelers will be able to sip Sycamore beers on tap and in cans, along with wine — and nosh on a food menu that spans from breakfast to late night, with appetizers, pizza, handhelds and salads.

Tap & Vine

Location: 7828-E Rea Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277

The wine bar and restaurant that got its start in the Charlotte area in Indian Trail took over the former Civetta Italian Kitchen + Bar space in March. Its menu includes shareable appetizers and heartier entrees such as Denver Cut Steak and Bourbon Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon.

The Teal Turnip

Location: 1640 Oakhurst Commons Dr, Suite 105, Charlotte, NC 28205

The Tayste Catering team is taking over a new space to work out of with plans to open for dinner service at first and lunch later on. The small plates restaurant is set to open in spring 2023 in the Oakhurst neighborhood of Charlotte.

TEN58 Sports Bar and Lounge

Location: 430 W 4th St., Charlotte, NC 28202

Former Carolina Panthers fan favorite Thomas Davis, Sr. opened TEN58 in November, creating a game day venue with food, drinks and music.

Ten Seconds Yunnan Rice Noodle

Location: 3429 Toringdon Way, Charlotte, NC 28277

Ten Seconds Yunnan Rice Noodle — a Chinese noodle restaurant also known as Shi Miao Dao — is open in the Toringdon Market shopping center next door to Tsuki Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar.

TOUS Les JOURS

Location: 4625 Piedmont Row Drive, Suite 105

This French-Asian bakery with locations worldwide is known for its breads, pastries and signature Cloud Cake. It opened in May.

Tremont

Location: 2000 South Blvd. #530, Charlotte, NC 28203

What’s old is new again. This restaurant co-owned by Big Ben’s Neel Gandhi took over the space from BOCADO — which was the space Big Ben had previously operated in. As Tremont, it serves burgers and other American food.

Urban Sweets

Location: 222 West Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203

A retail space is now open for Urban Sweets, which previously sold ice cream, cookies and cakes, along with other baked goods, via private events, pop-up shops and farmers markets.

Vera’s Kitchen

Location: 203 N. Broome St., Waxhaw, NC 28173

This down-home breakfast and lunch cafe serves up American and Mexican favorites in the former Broome Street Burgers space in Waxhaw. It opened in October.

Vinyl

Location: 1440 S Tryon St Suite 105, Charlotte, NC 28203

The South End neighborhood bar opened in April, offering shareables such as Hatch Queso Fries and Falafel Bites. Craft cocktails matched to musical themes include the You Only Get One Shot, with Pepperbox Doughnuts coffee-infused Fernet-Branca, and the Big Poppa, with Tito’s vodka, spiced orange cordial, lime and salted coffee-infused Amaro.

Waterbean Coffee Pineville

Location: 333 Main St, Pineville, NC 28134

Waterbean Coffee opened a new location in early November where Unwind Tea & Coffee House had operated. (Waterbean was also named runner up in the 2022 CharlotteFive Readers’ Choice best coffee shop contest.)

Waterman Fish Bar

Location: 9615 Bailey Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031

The Waterman Fish Bar’s second location opened April 7, bringing the same menu to a new space filled with nautical vibes and a three-season patio.

Whataburger

Location: 5301 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28217

A Charlotte location of the wildly popular Texas-based chain Whataburger isn’t a sure thing. However, plans filed with the city showed a “Whataburger Conversion of Former Bank” for the South Boulevard spot and mentioned utilizing the drive-thru where a previous Sun Trust Bank location stood. It’s a waiting game to see if those plans materialize.

Wheelz Pizza

Address: 901 S. Kings Dr. Suite 150, Charlotte, NC 28204

Wheelz Pizza opened in the Kings Shopping Center in September, replacing the Pizza Hut that was there before. The popular Wilmington pizzeria offering carryout and delivery service offers Neapolitan-Brooklyn style gourmet pizza.

Yuliya’s Ice Cream

Location: Metropolitan, 1111 Metropolitan Ave. #190, Charlotte, NC 28204

Yuliya’s Ice Ceam is planning an early 2023 opening at the Metropolitan shopping center. It will serve made-from-scratch ice cream, crafted with locally sourced ingredients.

Yunta

Location: 2201 South Blvd, Suite 130, Charlotte, NC 28203

Yunta opened in March as the first restaurant in Charlotte offering a Nikkei menu, fusing Peruvian and Japanese influences.

Yunta’s chicharron is a small plate with crispy pork belly, diced sweet potato and chalaquita on top.
Yunta’s chicharron is a small plate with crispy pork belly, diced sweet potato and chalaquita on top. Alex Cason CharlotteFive

This story was originally published June 6, 2022 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Check out these new Charlotte businesses that have opened or plan to in 2022."

Heidi Finley
The Charlotte Observer
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
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