Juniper Grill is open in Ballantyne — just in time for patio season.
A new American restaurant with California vibes opened in Ballantyne on May 17 — just in time for peak patio season. Juniper Grill’s first Charlotte location will have modern bar technology, innovative design and a menu that includes local produce and breweries.
Restaurateur Pat McDonnell started the Juniper Grill brand in Pittsburgh in 2010. Today, there are three locations in Pennsylvania, and Charlotte will be the brand’s first expansion out of the state.
Juniper Grill’s vice president of concept and business development David Cudnik is working hands-on with the Charlotte brand, which plans to open in March.
“We have some electric and trendy food items, but they’re all very approachable,” Cudnik told CharlotteFive. “You can understand our food, which I think is really important.”
WHAT TO EXPECT: You can enjoy an array of made-from-scratch food and handcrafted cocktails served in a welcoming and hospitable atmosphere.
MENU: The menu is best described as American, upscale casual with a Southwest twist (and a Southern California influence). You’ll find menu items such as Angus burgers, entree salads, street and fish tacos, barbecue and more. Upscale casual items include high quality steak, shrimp filet, jumbo lump crab cakes, salmon and a fish of the day.
A peek at some of the menu items:
The Grilled Fish Tacos include two Cajun-style tacos with lettuce, mango salsa, spicy sauce and sour cream. The dish is served with drunken black beans and brown rice.
The Angus Cheddar Burger comes with cheddar, lettuce, tomato, red onions, ketchup, pickles and mayo.
The Chipotle Skirt Steak is marinated in lime juice for 24 hours and drizzled with a chipotle sauce. It’s served with Yukon Gold mashed potatoes.
HANDCRAFTED COCKTAILS: Guests can enjoy drinks like the Mango Habanero Whiskey Sour, novel martinis and margaritas made from freshly-squeezed house sours and a comprehensive whiskey, bourbon and scotch list.
INNOVATIVE DESIGN: The Charlotte location’s design is set up so every corner has a different personality. For those who prefer an alternative to sitting in the main dining room, expansive bar seating is available. The bar seats 25 people and flows directly to an outdoor patio area to create energy and a sense of elegance.
“The pandemic has been so challenging for all of us, and restaurant experiences have changed and evolved,” Cudnik said. “I want to be that place where guests and employees walk in and it just feels good to be there.”
A SENSE OF COMMUNITY: Juniper Grill is passionate about prioritizing community involvement, and Cudnik plans to collaborate with schools and other community groups on fundraisers.
“We’re just not another restaurant company where we open our doors and that’s it,” he said.
“We want to be a part of the community. I don’t want to be this restaurant company from Pittsburgh. I want to be a restaurant from Charlotte with Pittsburgh roots. I want to fully embrace the Charlotte community and that’s our goal — to become a member of the community and really create an impact with our employees, as well.”
Juniper Grill
Location: 15235 John J Delaney Dr., Suite P., Charlotte, NC 28277
Neighborhood: Ballantyne
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Instagram: @junipergrill
This story was originally published January 25, 2022 at 6:15 AM.
