Hotly anticipated Culinary Dropout restaurant opens in Charlotte

Culinary Dropout, the restaurant with the most creative name ever, will make its East Coast splash on Oct. 11, when it opens its new Charlotte location at Vantage South End.

Under the direction of James Beard-nominated chef Sam Fox, the highly anticipated Fox Restaurant Concepts spot serves “classic comfort food done right.”

On the food menu:

• Soft pretzels with provolone fondue
• Fried chicken drizzled in honey
• Slow-roasted pork ribs covered with smoked bacon and jalapeño barbecue sauce.

Creative cocktails will include:

• Campfire Vibes (with 100 proof bonded bourbon, chai jacked apple cider, Spanish vanilla, and roasted five spice)
• Retro Tropical Classic (with Havana club-aged rum, corazón blanco, Venetian Aperitivo, pineapple sour, toasted cinnamon).

The restaurant features rock star-themed decor and has an indoor stage for live performances. A 360-degree bar is set up for prime football watching. Its pet-friendly outdoor patio has yard games. Two private event spaces will be on site.

It will be open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.

“Culinary Dropout is just a fun place to be. It’s for families, date night or after-work food and drinks,” Fox told The Charlotte Observer last year.

Phoenix, Arizona-based Fox Restaurant Concepts also owns Flower Child, which has a location in South End. Sam Fox was behind the creation of North Italia as well. In 2019, The Cheesecake Factory acquired Fox Restaurant Concepts and the remaining interest in North Italia.

“The neighborhood has become a hotspot for young people, families and professionals, making it a prime location for Culinary Dropout,” Fox said in a statement emailed to CharlotteFive. “Whether you’re enjoying a family dinner, grabbing a drink after work, hanging out before a Panthers game or just out for a fun night with friends, this restaurant is a special place that is all things to all people.”

Culinary Dropout

Location: 1120 S Tryon St #100, Charlotte, NC 28203

Menu

Cuisine: American

Instagram: @culinarydropout

This story was originally published September 27, 2023 at 8:41 AM.

Melissa Oyler

The Charlotte Observer

Melissa Oyler is the editor of CharlotteFive. When she’s not writing or editing, you’ll find her running, practicing hot yoga, weightlifting or snuggling with her rescue dogs, X and Charlie. Find her on Instagram or X: @melissaoyler. Support my work with a digital subscription