Western-themed Carolina Prime Steakhouse closes after nearly 17 years in Charlotte
Another Charlotte restaurant quietly shut its doors this past weekend. After feeding hungry diners on East Woodlawn Road for nearly 17 years, Carolina Prime Steakhouse served its final steak, prime rib, salmon and baby back ribs on Mother’s Day.
“It has been our absolute pleasure to serve the Charlotte community,” owners George and Mary Liapis posted to the restaurant’s Facebook page. “We truly cannot express enough gratitude to our wonderful patrons and staff, who have kept us going all these years.”
Many Charlotteans will miss the food. Carolina Prime Steakhouse offered breakfast, lunch and dinner — and a four-course meal during Charlotte Restaurant Week. “I’m going to seriously cry! Y’all know this is my favorite lunch spot to eat at. You all have always been so nice and the Food is Top Notch! I love the ‘She Crab Soup’,” Dawn E. Atkinson posted.
“Noooooo … please tell me this isn’t happening. My favorite place to get a steak, always such a wonderful staff, and wonderful food,” commented Barbara Herczeg.
“So sorry to see you close. It was our family tradition to eat breakfast there on Sat. mornings. My husband and I ate many delicious filet steaks there on Sat. nights and always topped it off with the brownie ala mode! Best wishes for your future adventures,” added Kay Sharpe Roberts.
More than just food
Like so many in the restaurant industry, the Liapis family has been part of Charlotte’s culinary community for decades. Carolina Prime Steakhouse opened in September 2005, and the family owned other area restaurants throughout the years. For a number of years, they also owned Tryon House, located just across the street from Carolina Prime Steakhouse.
In addition to great food, Carolina Prime Steakhouse offered community — and a place to create memories. The restaurant coined itself as a family restaurant, which was made evident in final tributes from customers.
“Didn’t know whether to post happy tears for you guys being able to finally rest or sad tears for the end of a great run! The Blackwelder family cannot express the many happy memories we have made with you guys over the years,” Marcia Blackwelder wrote. “Our grandchildren grew up there. Everlee used to hide under the tables from George but grew to love his hugs. Mary’s kind spirit and wonderful decorating skills were always a hit at the holidays.”
Others let the Liapis family know just how much the restaurant meant to them. “Thank you for all the good times and food you gave my ailing mom Bonnie in her final years. She loved your place so much. Always had to sit at that front booth so she could see the banana trees,” commented Craig Shelton.
Like so many other closed restaurants, Carolina Prime Steakhouse leaves behind a legacy of great food, community and special memories for Charlotteans. An interview request to the Liapis family was not immediately returned.
Editor’s note: This story is developing and may be updated.
This story was originally published May 9, 2022 at 11:52 AM.
