The doors are closed: These are the Charlotte restaurants we’ve permanently lost in 2025
Change is inevitable, and with all the growth in the food and drink scene that comes along in Charlotte, there are plenty of painful losses in the form of restaurant closures, too.
Some places close permanently because of rising rent costs or not enough traffic to sustain the business. But retirements, major life events and sometimes a little wanderlust play a part, too.
Whatever the reason, here are the Charlotte restaurants we’ve lost in 2025 — or will be losing soon:
3rd & Fernwood
Location: Metropolitan, 1100 Metropolitan Ave #170, Charlotte, NC 28204
3rd & Fernwood, a Southern restaurant that included a speakeasy at the Metropolitan shopping center, closed quietly after less than two years in business. The venture from four-time James Beard Award chef Gregory Collier and his wife, Subrina, faced an eviction notice from Metropolitan over unpaid rent, according to Charlotte Business Journal reporting. Collier told CharlotteFive that high rent, staffing issues, cost-conscious customers and other challenges were to blame for the restaurant’s woes.
704 Korean BBQ
Location: 8320 Pineville-Matthews Rd Ste 607, Charlotte, NC
704 Korean BBQ closed at the end of October, but the space didn’t stay empty for long. Soon, Masija, a Korean bar calling itself Charlotte’s first sojubang took over, offering soju and light bites.
800° Woodfired Kitchen - uptown
Location: The Alley at Latta Arcade, 320 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
800° Woodfired Kitchen, which opened at The Alley at Latta Arcade in May 2024, permanently closed at the beginning of July, restaurateur Steven Jensen told CharlotteFive. He said the evening sales he was promised in writing never materialized, and several other businesses slated to open at The Alley have not done so, further compounding the issue. “It’s super sensitive. I poured my heart in that place and put all my money in that place. You know, 800 is a good brand. The food’s good,” he added.
Alongside Brewing and Indigo Tea & Coffee Co.
Location: 412 W Palmer St, Charlotte, NC 28203
Alongside Brewing closed without notice July 1. Ass Clown Brewing owner Matt Glidden, who also owned Alongside, confirmed the closure to CharlotteFive but gave no further comment. Indigo Tea, which shared the space, said via Instagram: “We were already working on something big, and we can’t wait to create an even better experience for you.” A few months later, Indigo reopened in the former Queen City Grounds space.
Bar-B-Q King
Location: 2900 Wilkinson Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28208
Bar-B-Q King set a Nov. 1 closing date after more than 60 years of serving drive-in burgers, fried chicken and sandwiches. The property had been for sale for a few years, and it caught the eye of First National Bank, which is considering placing a bank branch there.
The Bella Ciao
Location: 201 S. Tryon St., Suite 101, Charlotte, NC 28202
The Bella Ciao, which formerly operated as Vapiano, closed its doors in uptown Charlotte at the end of July. A note posted on the door said, “Unfortunately, our journey has come to an end now, as economic conditions in Uptown have left us no choice but to close down permanently.
Beyond Amazing Donuts
Location: 1730 Abbey Place, Suite 4, Charlotte NC 28209
Three years after announcing its opening, Beyond Amazing Donuts owner Jasmine Macon announced the April 26 closure of her popular brick-and-mortar doughnut shop. “This isn’t a goodbye,” she said via Instagram, adding, “And I’m excited to continue this journey, even if it looks a little different.”
Now, you can find B.A.D. at the North End Market on Wednesday and the Uptown Farmer’s Market on Saturday.
Big Ben Restaurant + Pub
Location: 1535 Elizabeth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204
Big Ben Restaurant and Pub said goodbye in November to Charlotte’s Elizabeth neighborhood — the third location the haven for soccer fans has occupied. “We are incredibly grateful for your support, your loyalty, & every memory made within these walls,” the restaurant shared via Instagram. “This isn’t goodbye … just a new chapter.”
Billy Sunday & The Spindle Bar
Location: Optimist Hall, 1115 N. Brevard St., Charlotte, NC 28206
The award-winning, Chicago-based cocktail bar Billy Sunday, which blended vintage spirits with a culinary approach to flavor, closed in April at Optimist Hall. At the same time, 18-seat cocktail bar The Spindle Bar, which served drinks that you could carry throughout the entire food hall (due to its unique liquor license), also closed. Unpretentious Palate reported that the bars’ leases unexpectedly ended.
Binki Café
Location: 9211 N Tryon St #5, Charlotte, NC 28262
Bubble tea and Asian fusion cafe Binki Cafe shut down without warning in University City in mid-December. A reason wasn’t given, but the family-owned business posted that their Winston-Salem shop would remain open “until further notice.”
Blaze Pizza
Location: 1750 Camden Rd, Charlotte, NC 28203
Blaze Pizza’s South End location closed this fall, leaving its only Charlotte-area pizza shops in University City, Concord and Gastonia. The fast-casual pizza chain offers personal-size pies with customizable toppings.
The Bottle Tree/Kaya Gastrolounge
Location: 102 Davis St, Belmont, NC 28012
The Bottle Tree, an upscale restaurant with a patio that won the top spot in CharlotteFive’s Readers Choice: Best Patio contest, closed Feb. 16. In March, its owners opened a new restaurant, Kaya Gastrolounge, but that didn’t last long. It, too, closed in August.
Brown Bag Seafood
Location: 100 W Worthington Ave Charlotte, NC 28203
Location: Birkdale Village, 16915 Birkdale Commons Pkwy., Huntersville, NC 28078
Brown Bag Seafood closed both its South End location and its Birkdale Village location, Charlotte Business Journal reported, although Its uptown Charlotte location remains open. The small chain offers customizeable seafood meals of salads, sandwiches and bowls.
Bryant Seafood Market
Location: 3509 David Cox Rd B, Charlotte, NC 28269
Bryant Seafood Market, a family-owned Southern seafood spot that served up fried fish and hush puppies, closed its doors permanently in late February or early March.
Bulgogi Box
Location: 1750 Camden Rd Ste G, Charlotte, NC 28203
Bulgogi Box closed in June, thanking its customers for an “unforgettable journey.” The restaurant’s Facebook post said a new restaurant, Zen Asian Bowl, would take its place later in the summer.
Bulla Gastrobar
Location: 4310 Sharon Rd w01, Charlotte, NC 28211
Bulla Gastrobar closed Monday, Dec. 1, with a truck pulling up to empty the restaurant of equipment and furniture. The sign was taken down, and no one was on site safe for the landlord, who was there to shut things down and lock the doors.
Bulldog Taproom + Social House
Location: 3228 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205
Bulldog Taproom + Social House quietly closed its NoDa space in late summer or early fall. In its place will be a new restaurant, Kulture CLT, Charlotte Business Journal and What Now Charlotte reported, citing a permit filed with the City of Charlotte. Bulldog’s South End space remains open.
The Casual Pint of Rivergate
Location: 14126 Rivergate Pkwy suite c-1-500, Charlotte, NC 28273
The Casual Pint of Rivergate plans to close Saturday, Dec. 27, owner Bruce Allen shared in a Dec. 22 Facebook post. He cited rising costs and tight margins while inviting customers to come for one last drink at the gastropub open since 2017.
Center Theatre Pi
Location: 100 Main St, Fort Mill, SC 29715
Center Theatre Pi in Fort Mill announced it was permanently closing in mid-January just a few days after a temporary closure because of a blown electrical panel. ”A heartfelt thank you to all in the Fort Mill community who welcomed us and supported our small venture. We have decided to permanently close effective immediately. We are grateful for our time here and will miss serving our wonderful guests,” Center Theatre Pi owners said via social media.
Just a few months later, Charlotte Business Journal reported that Phat Burrito planned an expansion into the space.
Chefry’s Blue Smoke
Location: 134 Mooresville Commons Way, Mooresville NC 28117
Chefry’s Blue Smoked closed in Lake Norman, posting a note on the door that read: “We would like to thank all of our customers whom we will miss dearly and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.” The Mooresville barbecue had been featured on “America’s Best Restaurants.”
Cuzzo’s Cuisine
Location: Charlotte Premium Outlets, 5428 New Fashion Way, Charlotte, NC 28278
Cuzzo’s Cuisine’s food stall at Charlotte Premium Outlets closed Feb. 23, the restaurant shared via Instagram. The restaurant’s lease has run out at that location and it will not renew it, but its North Tryon location will remain open.
Derita Dairy Bar & Grill
Location: 2737 W Sugar Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC 28262
Derita Dairy Bar, well known for its tasty burgers and loaded fries, closed up shop this spring after a change in ownership.
Duckworth’s
Location: 14015 Conlan Cir, Charlotte, NC 28277
After 12 years in business, Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse in Ballantyne permanently closed in mid-January, along with its sister concept, Link & Pin’s flagship location in South End. The restaurants’ other locations remain open.
The Eagle Food & Beer Hall
Location: 2120 South Blvd #1, Charlotte, NC
The Eagle Food & Beer Hall bid farewell to Charlotte in mid-September, but didn’t give a reason for closing. “This community has been our heart, and we are so grateful for every meal shared, every laugh across the table, and every friendship formed within these walls,” the restaurant posted via Instagram. Soon after, Charlotte Business Journal reported that New York restaurant Flora would take over the space.
Essex Bar & Bistro
Location: 101 S Tryon St, Ste 14, Charlotte, NC 28280
Uptown’s Essex Bar & Bistro is set to close in the coming weeks, a staff member confirmed to Axios Charlotte. The restaurant serves lunch offerings including flatbreads, sandwiches, tacos and bistro plates, while dinner options such as Asian style skirt steak, butter chicken and lamb kefta show off global influences. Early next year, Coquette will be moving and taking its place.
Famous Daves
Location: 917 Cabelas Dr #102, Fort Mill, SC 29708
The Carolinas’ only location of Famous Daves Bar-B-Que — right at the entrance to Carowinsds — closed at the end of service Sunday, Sept. 28. Owner Bart Kinzel sold the building, but the Moe’s Southwest Grill next door will remain. A fireworks store will replace Famous Daves, Kinzel told CharlottFive.
Forte Legato
Location: 742 N Anderson Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29730
Forte Legato, a Rock Hill coffee shop, announced via Instagram that it would close Saturday, Sept. 6. “This place has been about more than just coffee. It’s been a home. A refuge. A rhythm,” the message said. “To everyone who’s been part of this journey — thank you. Truly. From our family to yours.”
The Good Wurst Company
Location: 3001 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
The Good Wurst Company, which had grown to three locations at one point, now has closed them all. The original Plaza Midwood location closed some time in early February, although a sign posted on the door promised a re-opening soon. Original owner Lincoln Clark opened Clark’s Snack Bar in the space on March 31 with a similar menu.
JJ’s Red Hots
Location: 1514 East Blvd Charlotte, NC 28203
JJ’s Red Hots, a beloved hot dog joint that caught national fame with an appearance on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” closed permanently on Sunday, March 16. “We just couldn’t shred enough cheddar to keep it going,” the restaurant team posted via Instagram.
Kappo En
Location: 1941 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204
Kappo En, an eight-seat omakase restaurant inside Menya Daruma, set a closing date of Saturday, Aug. 2. The departure of a key chef, the daunting task of gathering imported seasonal ingredients and operating costs rising led owner Ted Nakato and sushi chef Yasuhiro Tabita to call it quits.
Krustaceans Seafood
Location: 2908 Oak Lake Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208
Former Carolina Panthers player Marcus Lucas’ Krustaceans Seafood closed after nearly five years in business, the team announced Jan. 26. The Lowcountry seafood restaurant opened in Southwest Charlotte with boiled and fried seafood platters of crab, shrimp, lobster and more.
K&W Cafeteria
Location: Multiple
All K&W Cafeteria locations were shut down Monday, Dec. 1. The company released a statement via social media, saying: “After serving our communities for over 88 years, K&W Cafeterias will be closing all doors effective immediately. “K&W has always been more than a restaurant — it has been a gathering place, a home for Sunday traditions, and a warm table for millions of families across generations. We are deeply grateful for every guest who walked through our doors, shared a meal with us, and made us part of their lives,” the message continued.”
Lebowski’s Neighborhood Grill
Location: 1524 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
Lebowski’s Neighborhood Grill, which opened in 2009 as an homage to the movie “The Great Lebowski,” announced its closure without notice on March 31. Ladybird Taco will be moving into the space next, the restaurant’s Instagram post said.
Link & Pin
Location: 155 New Bern St, Charlotte, NC 28203
Link & Pin’s flagship South End location closed in mid-January, along with the Ballantyne location of another Rob Duckworth-owned restaurant, Duckworth’s. Both concepts have other locations that remain open.
Londa’s To-Go
Location: 1540 West Blvd Suite 102, Charlotte, NC 28208
Londa’s To-Go is shutting down its West Charlott takeout operation. The soul food restaurant that originally operated on Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road will close Saturday, Dec. 20, as it transitions “to a new opportunity for Londa’s in January 2026,” according to a message shared to its Facebook page.
Marina’s Tapas
Location: Optimist Hall, 1115 N Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28206
Marina’s Tapas, inspired by the Spanish great-grandmother of Michelin-recommended Customshop’s chef and co-owner Andres Kaifer, closed at Optimist Hall on Nov. 15. Kaifer in turn assisted on the menu and opening of a new concept in that space soon afterward, Comal Taco Co.
Mazi
Location: 1300 South Blvd. Suite 101-F, Charlotte, NC 28203
Mazi, a new Mediterranean restaurant that opened in Charlotte’s South End mid-March, closed its doors July 30. “It is with disappointment that we share yesterday was Mazi’s last day serving you. Thank you to everyone who supported us and experienced Mazi — coming together to share Mediterranean tastes and traditions.,” a post on the restaurant’s Instagram said.
Mattie’s Diner
Location: 3100 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205
Mattie’s Diner, a staple spot for blueberry pancakes and other breakfast creations, is closing Aug. 10 and putting the restaurant up for sale. “It’s been a great run and we are looking for someone who wants to carry on the tradition of Mattie’s or you can create your own concept In this awesome 1948 original New Jersey diner,” an Instagram post said.
McCormick & Schmick’s
Location: 200 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
McCormick & Schmick’s uptown Charlotte location closed without notice in late May, marking the national steakhouse chain’s exit from the area. Its SouthPark location closed in early 2024.
Mi Cabana
Location: 200 Eastway Dr, Charlotte, NC 28213
Mi Cabana lost its alcohol permits in late July after persistent violence at the bar and its owner admitting to illegally selling alcohol after 2 a.m. Charlotte-Mecklenburg police were called to the bar for a homicide, three robberies, three aggravated assaults, five assaults and two weapon law violations were recorded there in that stretch, authorities said.
Michael Waltrip Taproom
Location: 7731 Gateway Ln NW, Concord, NC 28027
Location: 128 Argus Ln D, Mooresville, NC 28117
The Concord location of Michael Waltrip Taproom closed on December 1, and on Dec. 19, the brewery posted that the Mooresville location had been sold. “While the decision to close and sell a restaurant is never easy, the Michael Waltrip Taproom is immensely proud of what was accomplished at this location — the memories made, the friendships built, and the moments shared,” the brewery named for after the NASCAR driver shared. The Mooresville taproom was listed as permanently closed on Google on Dec. 19. The MWB company is owned by Waltrip, Bryan Sperber and Glynn Gross, according to the Charlotte Business Journal.
Middle James Brewing - Rock Hill
Location: The Power House, 378 Technology Center Way #1120, Rock Hill, SC 29730
Middle James Brewing’s Rock Hill location — the anchor at Knowledge Park development The Power House — closed in early September.
“We know Rock Hill deserved more than this, and it’s never easy to say goodbye,” a message on the brewery’s Instagram page said. “Please know how much we’ve cherished pouring beers, sharing stories and being part of your lives here.”
Later in the year, The Pour Market opened in the same space.
Noche Bruta
Location: Inside HEX Coffee, Kitchen and Natural Wines at Camp North End, 201 Camp Road, Charlotte, NC 28206
Noche Bruta closed up shop on Jan. 18 at Hex, which then expanded its existing food service into the evening hours. Chef Hector Gonzalez-Mora plans to stay in the industry after traveling and taking time to “look around to see if it is here, or if it’s somewhere else in the country.”
NoDa Market & Deli
Location: 1721 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28206
NoDa Market & Deli announced it plans to close up shop on May 31, saying via Instagram: “If you’ve ever loved our Philly or wings (or just wanna say hey), come through one last time before we shut the doors. We’d love to see you!”
“When we opened back in 2019, we had no idea what was ahead, but the love, support, and community we’ve felt over the years has meant everything,” the message from husband and wife owners Yohannes Gebramichael and Million Adhanom said in the post.
Old Town Public House
Location: 21314 Catawba Ave., Cornelius NC 28031
Old Town Public House, a popular nightlife venue in downtown Cornelius, plans to close in January 2026. Its building is demolished for a new, five-story development project.
Pacheco’s
Location: 168 Consumer Square Drive, Mooresville, NC 28117
Pacheco’s, a Lake Norman family restaurant that featured its matriarch’s homemade recipes from southern Mexico, has closed without notice after about a year in business. Owner Youbie Holder told CharlotteFive that he sold the restaurant and that it would remain a Mexican restaurant. La Michoacana Taqueria y Tortilleria is set to open there next.
The Pauline Tea-Bar Apothecary
Location: 1017 Beatties Ford Rd Charlotte, NC 28216
Location: 2326 Arty Ave, Charlotte, NC 28208
The Pauline Tea Bar & Apothecary is closing its second location about a year after its opening. Due to rising rent costs, the tea lounge’s Beatties Ford spot’s last day in business was Feb. 28.
The People’s Market
Location: Tranquil Court, 2810 Selwyn Ave, Charlotte, NC 28209
Location: 1609 Elizabeth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204
The People’s Market, a popular spot for dining in or picking up food on the go, opened a second location in June in Myers Park. A third location of the all-day restaurant with wraps, salads, pizza and more was expected to be on the way in LoSo. However, all locations closed in November.
The Pizza Peel + Tap Room
Location: 4422 Colwick Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
The remaining location of The Pizza Peel + Tap Room closed Sunday, Nov. 16. “We have made empowering community connections, watched kids grow (hired some of these same kids) and made lasting relationships that will live on,” the restaurant shared via Instagram.. “I want to personally thank everyone that has had a “Feel for the Peel” for their support over the years.”
Poppy Hand-Crafted Popcorn
Location: 16942 Birkdale Commons Pkwy Kiosk 3, Huntersville, NC 28078
According to Charlotte Business Journal, Poppy Hand-Crafted Popcorn closed Jan. 30 at Birkdale Village. The Asheville-based popcorn shop’s products will reportedly still be available for purchase at another boutique in the shopping center, Poppies.
The Punch Room
Location: The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte, 201 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202
The Punch Room closed in early March, with beverage director Kel Minton posting the news via Instagram story, Unpretentious Palate reported. The cocktail lounge had also undergone a long-term closure that started in 2020 and lasted until 2023.
Queen City Craft & Gourmet
Location: Promenade on Providence,5349 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy STE 100, Charlotte, NC 28277
Queen City Craft & Gourmet, which has served South Charlotte for more than six years, closed permanently on Feb. 23. “It has been an incredible ride, and we are so grateful to all of our customers and employees for helping us make lasting memories here,” the restaurant posted via Instagram.
Queen City Grounds and Nightflyer Roastworks
Location: 644 N. Church St., Charlotte NC 28202
Location: 1213 W. Morehead St., Charlotte NC 28208
Location: Nightflyer Roastworks, 644 N Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Queen City Grounds and its roastery, Nightflyer Roastworks, closed May 23 after eight years in business, saying via Instagram that it was “with an incredibly heavy heart.
“I’d like to personally thank all of our loyal patrons and employees over the years. We’ve built some amazing relationships and shared more special memories to count,” the post signed by co-owner Matt Mahoney continued.
Red Clay Ciderworks
Location: 245 Clanton Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217
Red Clay Ciderworks is closing its LoSo Charlotte cidery on Aug. 10. Its owners shared the news via Instagram, saying: “Our building was sold and our lease is up at the end of August. Unfortunately, it will not be financially possible for us to stay in our current location and maintain the entire space.”
Resident Culture-South End
Location: 332 W Bland St. Suite C, Charlotte, NC 28203
Resident Culture Brewing’s South End location closed Aug. 4, with an Instagram post saying: We’re endlessly thankful to everyone who showed up, supported us, danced, dined, and raised a glass with us. You made this place more than a location — you made it a memory.” The popular brewery’s Plaza Midwood and Market at 7th Street locations will remain open.
Rosati’s Pizza
Location: 9925 Rea Rd STE 100, Waxhaw, NC 28173
Rosati’s Pizza, the go-to spot to pick up a Chicago-style deep dish pie in the Charlotte area, closed April 1. There are other Rosati’s locations in the Triangle area of North Carolina, but otherwise, the specialty pizza is rarely found throughout the state.
Rusty Bucket
Location: Terraces at SouthPark,4810 Ashley Park Ln, Charlotte, NC 28210
Rusty Bucket, a restaurant with locations in Ohio, Indiana and Michigan, closed its SouthPark area location at the end of April. The tavern was known as a spot for grabbing a drink and watching football over bar bites.
Sake Express
Location: 675 Park St., Belmont NC 28012
Sake Express closed Jan. 24, Charlotte Business Journal reported. But the hibachi and bento box restaurant is searching for a new location in Belmont, and its Gastonia location will remain open, as well.
Smithfield’s Chicken N’ Bar-B-Q
Location: 5121 Trojan Dr. Charlotte, NC 28278
Smithfield’s Chicken N’ Bar-B-Q, which has served North Carolina for more than 40 years, permanently closed its Charlotte location on Trojan Drive in early March. However, there is a chance for the restaurant to bounce back, with a company representative telling CharlotteFive: “We look forward to returning to this area as soon as possible.”
Veggeez Plant Based Eatery
Location: 1325 N. Broome St., Waxhaw, NC, 28173
Veggeez Plant Based Eatery, which opened in April 2024, is saying farewell to the fans of its vegan cuisine on July 18. “We have poured our hearts and souls into this place, as well as a bunch of money, to keep it afloat. Unfortunately, the time has come to say goodbye,” a Facebook post on the restaurant’s page said. Later, a new restaurant called Sip & Cinder announced plans to take over the location.
The Waterman Fish Bar- Lake Norman
Location: 9615 Bailey Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031
The Waterman Fish Bar has said goodbye to its Lake Norman location after three years. The Southern seafood restaurant, which expanded to Cornelius in 2022, permanently closed Feb. 2. Its Charlotte spot will remain open, however, and a new location opened at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Later on, Charlotte Business Journal reported that a new venture from Duckworth’s owner Rob Duckworth — called Chili Willi’s — would open in the space.
Wolfman Pizza
Location: 106 S Sharon Amity Rd b, Charlotte, NC 28211
Wolfman Pizza’s last day at Cotswold Village was Jan. 21, although fans can still taste the Charlotte staple’s pizza pies, pastas, paninis and more at its Quail Corners location on Park Road. Operations director Mike Marshall told CharlotteFive that the restaurant’s lease wasn’t renewed by the property management company, Stream Realty Partners. Now, a new location of Greco Fresh Grille is moving in.
Yiding Hot Pot
Location: 10610 Centrum Pkwy, Pineville, NC 28134
Yiding Hot Pot quietly closed in the fall after two years of serving hot pot in Pineville’s Centrum shopping center with robot wait staff at the ready. Soon afterward, a similar concept announced plans to open in the space: The OG Asian Eatery + KTV.
Information was contributed by Heidi Finley, Chyna Blackmon, Kayleigh Ruller, Tanasia Kenney and other CharlotteFive staff.
This story was originally published January 21, 2025 at 12:39 PM.