Is it a food court? Ghost kitchen? What to know about The City Kitch — West End.
If there’s one thing the global COVID-19 pandemic has revealed about the American routine, it’s that food is at the center of it all. Although eating is the easy part, choosing what to eat can be difficult.
The next time Charlotteans can’t decide what to eat, and the food court at the mall doesn’t sound appetizing, there’s something new on the horizon with The City Kitch – a commercial kitchen that offers both private and shared cooking facilities for local food businesses.
The City Kitch can be described as a ghost kitchen. The building is full of cooking stations used to produce mostly delivery-only food, although you can order takeout. Place your order at the restaurant’s website, then head into the front entrance of the building to pick up your food.
Chenelle Bragg, also known as “Chef Nelly,” is the owner of The Best of Both Souls, a vegan soul food eatery that’s been stationed at The City Kitch since September 2020.
“It’s kind of like a food court, but with a shared common area that everyone can use,” the first-time business owner and long-time personal chef said.
The City Kitch also offers private kitchen suites, where renters can opt to have the kitchen equipment all to themselves – “a really good concept,” Bragg said of the arrangement.
She had been planning to buy a brick-and-mortar establishment for her eatery, but when she found this option, she thought it would be a good way to stick a toe in the water.
“I’m learning what works for me and what doesn’t work,” Bragg said of the opportunity to rent space without the long-term commitment of a building lease.
“And then I have neighbors,” Bragg said, noting other vendors nearby who she said she’s become fond of.
“It’s been good because it’s helping me learn. The people are really great and very helpful – it’s like you’re around a little family.”
One of Braggs’ neighbors, Sam Diminich of Your Farms Your Table, was a winner on the Food Network show “Beat Bobby Flay.” He’s among City Kitch’s catering businesses, food trucks and meal prep spots that also use the space.
The City Kitch currently has two locations, one in West End and another in University, although the University location operates as a commercial kitchen without the option for takeout.
Here’s what you’ll currently find at The City Kitch – West End:
The Best of Both Souls
This spot offers plant-based vegan and vegetarian dishes with a soul-food inspired twist. All meals are made using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients for to-go orders only.
Box Food & Co.
At this restaurant, you’ll find gourmet sandwiches, salads and sides such as Loaded Baked Potato Salad and Picnic Pasta Salad. Weekly specials have included a pressed Chicken, Bacon and Ranch Sandwich and Prosciutto Panzanella.
Crav’n Caribbean
Expect to see Jamaican favorites from Kingston-born owner and chef Carlos Abrahams, including Jerk Chicken, Curry Goat and Oxtail, along with fusion creations like the Jerk Salmon Cheesesteak.
Distinctive Soul Creations
At this takeout spot, you can pick up comfort favorites such as Smothered Pork Chops N’ Rice or Sirloin Steak with sides such as Mac N Cheese, Collard Greens or Sweet Potato Casserole.
From Philly to Charlit
If you’ve ever been to Philadelphia, you know that a true Philly Cheesesteak comes covered in Cheese Whiz. Here, you’ll find that in the Whiz Whipped sandwich, plus options such as a Buffalo Chicken Philly, a Pepperoni Pizza Cheesesteak and even Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls. There’s loaded fries, too.
Honeybear Bake Shop
This online sweet-shop specializes in weekly cookie boxes available for pickup at its location inside The City Kitch. Cookie flavors change weekly, including a new cookie box each week. Customers can order online, select a pickup time and pick up via the City Kitch West End front entrance.
Mad Dash
The American eatery offers gourmet street food, including sandwiches, tacos and fresh-cut fries, all using fresh ingredients. Orders are available to go and for delivery only.
The Mayobird
The Mayobird closed its Dilworth location and re-opened in the City Kitch, along with another pickup window spot at 1218 East Blvd. You can order its Chicken Salad in bulk, as a sandwich or on a salad.
Meals by Mariah
When you’re craving tacos, Meals by Mariah has a variety to hit the spot. It’s known for its birria tacos, with options including shrimp, salmon, chicken and beef.
Sun’s Kitchen
The restaurant’s authentic homestyle Chinese cuisine includes made-from-scratch dishes with authentic flavors. The food is inspired by the street-side restaurants in China, where locals eat. The menu includes dumpling flights, noodle dishes and rice bowls for takeout and delivery only.
The City Kitch
Location: 2200 Thrift Road, Charlotte, NC 28208
To order: Find the restaurants online on The City Kitch website.
Instagram: @citykitch
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on Jan. 25, 2021, and has been updated.
This story was originally published January 25, 2021 at 10:10 AM.
