Chief’s, a modern cocktail parlor opening in NoDa, is built around childhood memories
.jpg "Chief’s Modern Cocktail Parlor is a new cocktail lounge in NoDa Charlotte.")
Chief’s Modern Cocktail Parlor — a bar built around childhood memories and paying homage to family — will open Saturday in Charlotte’s NoDa neighborhood.
The long-awaited cocktail lounge from Built On Hospitality beverage director Bob Peters was created as an ode to the Southern hospitality of his late father, whose grandchildren lovingly called him Chief, and his mother, Marmee.
The bar will offer Peters’ sensational cocktails crafted from locally sourced ingredients and light bites similar to what Chief and Marmee served to friends and family. Mixologist Kayleigh Williams-Brown, with direction from Peters, will lead Chief’s bar program. Williams-Brown has lived in Charlotte since 2007. She has worked for Charlotte restaurants including Bayhaven Restaurant Group, El Thrifty Social Club, and The Royal Tot.
Craft cocktails will include:
Clarified Malted Milk Punch: with Southern Star Bourbon.
Apple Spiced Tea: Winter spices, orange, lemon and malted milk.
Rise & Grind: Espresso martini with espresso-washed Southern Star White Whiskey, sherry and simple syrup.
Tasty Mez-calculations: with Banhez Mezcal, orange, shiso syrup, apple juice and hop foam.
A snacks menu was created by chef Chris Coleman and includes:
- Marinated Olives.
- Churched Up Chex Mix.
- Tinned Oysters Rockefeller.
- Marmee’s Popcorn with “Tickle Your Throat” BBQ seasoning.
A desserts menu created by The Goodyear House’s pastry chef, Becca Rankin, includes:
- Warm cookies.
- Chief’s root beer float.
- Homemade fudge tossed in espresso, cinnamon, and sugar.
Visitors to the newly renovated 120+-year-old millhouse can expect simple elegance with a comfortable feel, like you’re relaxing in a neighbor’s cozy den. Details in the decor will carry a welcoming warmth, from the olive green walls and leather seats to with paintings of flowers and foxes, and a picture of Chief’s childhood home that was hand drawn by Peters’ great uncle, George Trapp.
“My parents taught me everything I know about hospitality,” Peters said in a statement. “Not everyone had the honor of knowing Chief and Marmee while they were with us, but we’ve worked really hard to share their legacy and spirit at Chief’s.”
Chief’s joins a lineup of Built On Hospitality food-and-beverage spots that include The Goodyear House next door, Old Town Kitchen and Cocktails and the recently opened cocktail bar Folia. Uptown restaurant Haymaker closed Dec. 31.
“We think Chief’s will be a welcome and needed addition to NoDa — an elevated yet comfortable space to experience Peters’ delightful cocktails paired with playful small plates, with the charm and history that a restored mill house brings,” Coleman said.
Chief’s Modern Cocktail Parlor
Location: 3024 N. Davidson St., Charlotte, NC 28205
Instagram: @chiefs_noda
This story was originally published January 2, 2025 at 11:00 AM.
