Your ultimate guide to 140+ restaurants that opened in Charlotte in 2022 (or will open soon)
There’s always something fresh happening in Charlotte, with new places to eat, drink and explore every day. In 2022, there has been a boom in these openings, with announcements from local restaurants flying in nearly every week.
Now you can try Vietnamese banh mi, Latin sandwiches, Jamaican jerk chicken, Korean dishes, Indian street food and more global options. There are also new breweries to sip craft beer and new coffee shops to stop in for a drink.
Below you’ll find the Charlotte restaurants, bars, and other small businesses that have opened this year, reopened after a closing or relocation or announced this year that they’re opening.
Note that this is not an exhaustive list — as hard as we try, there’s so much movement in the Queen City that we likely missed a few spots. Please share any restaurant openings with us at charlottefive@charlottefive.com.
220C Banh Mi and Coffee
Location: 10020 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28270
220C Banh Mi is offering Vietnamese banh mi, complete with freshly baked French-style bread, along with savory and sweet pastries. It opened in late May.
The Abyss
Location: Camp North End, 201 Camp Rd, Charlotte, NC 28206
The Abyss, a modern speakeasy, will be led by award-winning Leah & Louise mixologist Justin Hazelton. With 40 seats and a sultry motif, the Abyss will focus on craft cocktails and serve dishes from fellow BayHaven Restaurant Group concept Passage Seafood next door, as well as a modern diner menu, served late night.
Amelie’s
New flagship location: 136 E 36th St, Charlotte, NC 28206
Location: 325 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28282 (opening soon)
Amelie’s moved its flagship bakery and cafe from its original home in Charlotte’s Villa Heights to NoDa. Plans also call for reopening its uptown location.
Arbol
Location: 227 W Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Arbol opened June 1, serving healthy breakfast and lunch options with a Latin flair. Expect croissant sandwiches, breakfast burritos and acai breakfast bowls., along with salads and sandwiches at lunch.
B.A.D.
Location: Camp North End, 201 Camp Rd, Charlotte, NC 28206
B.A.D., a counter-service doughnut shop, will be opened by former Leah & Louise pastry chef and Johnson & Wales University alum Jasmine Macon, who started by hosting doughnut popups. She will serve donuts, fritters and cinnamon rolls, with both staple flavors and rotating seasonal menu items.
Bar à Vins
Location: 3206 N Davidson St Charlotte, NC 28205
Bar à Vins, a wine bar focusing on affordable and approachable sips, opened in early May. It also offers bottled wines for retail and snack foods, including cheeses and charcuterie.
BaoBao
Location: Northcross Shopping Center, 9715 Sam Furr Rd #C, Huntersville, NC 28078
BaoBao opened in late 2022 in Huntersville, bringing authentic Chinese cuisine — including handmade bao — to the Charlotte area.
Bazal Gallery and Nightclub
Location: AvidXchange Music Factory, 950 North Carolina Music Factory Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28206
Bazal, an elevated nightclub and gallery concept by QC Social Lounge owner Noi Vong, opened in June. Expect elegance upstairs, with upscale drinks and art, while DJs crank out the tunes for a party vibe downstairs.
Benny Ferrovia’s
Location: 340 W. Tremont Ave., Charlotte, NC 28203
Benny’s newest location is bringing 28-inch Virginia-style pizzas with slices bigger than your head to South End. You can also try it out at Benny Pennello’s in NoDa.
Biblio
Location: 2001 W Morehead St., Charlotte, NC 28208
Experience a reverse wine pairing of sorts at Biblio. “Instead of our sommelier pairing a bottle of wine to the food you order, our chef will create a unique, one-of-a-kind dish, that will pair perfectly with the bottle you order from our massive wine list,” chef and owner Sam Hart told CharlotteFive.
Bird is the Word
Location: Camp North End, 201 Camp Road, Charlotte, NC 28206
A new counter-service restaurant highlighting chicken dishes will be run by chef Greg Collier. It will feature the Leah & Louise chicken sandwich, a weekly smoked chicken family meal, chicken stew, chicken fat donuts and seasonal Southern sides. Bird is the Word will share a covered heated patio with B.A.D.
Bit by Seoul Food
Location: 721 Governor Morrison Street, Suite 150. Charlotte, NC 28211
Bit takes the flavors you’re familiar with at Seoul Food and presents them in categories such as “Deep Fried,” and “Handhelds.” Think: Fried wings, tofu and mushrooms; bao buns; tacos; kimchi fries and more. And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, that’s covered — there are doughnuts, too.
Bonterra Dining and Wine Room
Location: 6809-A Phillips Pl Ct, Charlotte, NC 28210
Bonterra’s previous location closed and was sold to Supperland owners Jamie Brown and Jeff Tonidandel. Now, Bonterra owner JD Duncan’s plan is to replicate the success of the popular Dean & Deluca that was in Phillips Place years ago, serving three meals a day.
Brazilian Eats & Treats
Location: 16049 Johnston Rd K, Charlotte, NC 28277
Brazilian-born owner Marcia Sanabria opened a bakery over the summer, focusing on authentic, savory and sweet dishes that are popular in Brazil, including pastries, mousses, cakes and more.
Brown Bag Seafood Co.
Location: 100 W Worthington Ave., Charlotte, NC 28203
Fast-casual seafood restaurant Brown Bag Seafood Co. is now open, offering counter service with a menu offering grilled salmon, shrimp or a rotating daily catch, plus chicken, vegetarian and vegan fare.
Bubba’s Barbecue
Location: 4400 Sunset Rd, Charlotte, NC 28216
After a two-year closure due to COVID, Bubba’s Barbecue in North Charlotte reopened in fall 2022. Among the changes customers will find are food packaged to go and self-service drinks, although diners are welcome to stay to eat.
Burial Beer Co.
Location: 1214 and 1216 Thomas Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205
Asheville-based Burial Beer Co. saw a summer opening at its Plaza Midwood taproom and expanded bottle shop — called The House of Relics. Expect a variety of beer styles, plus a food menu with options like sandwiches and charcuterie.
Calle Sol Latin Cafe & Cevicheria
Location: 3100 Apex Dr, Charlotte, NC 28211
The popular Commonwealth neighborhood restaurant near Plaza Midwood that serves Cuban and Peruvian cuisine announced that it is expanding to SouthPark in 2023.
Canopy Cocktails & Garden
Location: 118 E Kingston Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203
Canopy Cocktails & Garden opened in July in South End’s Dilworth Artisan Station, with the name giving a nod to previous building tenant Charlotte Tent & Awning.
Chapter 6
Location: The Line in South End, 2151 Hawkins St, Suite 120., Charlotte, NC 28203
Chapter 6, slated to open at The Line in South End, plans to offer small plates with a global perspective. The concept — the 6th restaurant in Jon and Kim Dressler’s Rare Roots Hospitality group — will focus on the flavors of the world, Jon Dressler said.
Cheat’s Cheesesteak Parlor
Location: 913 Pecan Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Former pop-up Cheat’s Cheesesteak Parlor opened its brick-and-mortar restaurant to great fanfare in July, with long lines and unexpected sell-outs. Hours were recently expanded, and it’s now open seven days a week.
Chez Marie Patisserie
Location: 4732 Sharon Rd Suite M, Charlotte, NC 28210
This French bakery and cafe opened in April, specializing in scratch-made desserts, pastries and sourdough bread. Salads and sandwiches are also available.
Choi’s Korean Kitchen and Soju Bar
Location: 808 E Arrowood Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217
Choi’s Korea & Wing, the family-owned restaurant that closed in October after 26 years, reopened April 19 with a new name — Choi’s Korean Kitchen and Soju Bar — and Minae Choi, the youngest daughter of the previous owners, at the helm. Patrons can expect to see their favorite Korean dishes, along with a few updates.
Condado Tacos
Location: 1515 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28203
This specialty taco spot opened May 12, bringing its dips, tacos and margaritas to South End. It offers a variety of queso, guacamole and salasa choices, as well as the option to build your own tacos.
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Constance
Location: 2200 Thrift Road, Charlotte, NC 28208
Restaurant Constance, named after chef Sam Diminich’s daughter, will be in the former Counter- location — adjacent to Diminich’s Your Farms Your Table space at The City Kitch. Expect seasonal dishes that support local farmers and have a personal touch from Diminich’s background when it opens in early 2023.
Co-Op Frosé and Eatery
Location: 340 W Tremont Ave., Unit 110, Charlotte, NC 28205
Charleston-based Co-Op Frosé and Eatery, which serves frosé and gourmet sandwiches, announced plans to come to town in July 2022. The location is now targeting an April opening.
Counter-
Location: 2001 W Morehead St., Charlotte, NC 28208
Counter- owner and chef Sam Hart hired chef Alex Wnorowski, who has worked at Three-Star Michelin restaurant Noma in Copenhagen, to lead the kitchen at Counter-’s new location.
The Crust Pizza
Location: ParkTowne Village, 1600 E Woodlawn Rd, Ste. 250, Charlotte, NC 28209
Naples, Florida-based The Crust Pizza opened in early December, serving thin-crust, Midwest-style pizza, along with subs and salads. It cuts its pizza in squares, noting, “Pizza in the Midwest has been cut party-style (squares) for as long as anyone can remember. Why fix what isn’t broken?”
Crust Punk Baking
Location: Online via South End Eats at 500 W Summit Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203, and at area businesses
Chef Jeff McElwee, who you know from FūD at Salud and FūD on the MūV, is turning his focus to bagels. His Crust Punk Baking bagels are available at Charlotte-area coffee shops and other outlets, and are also available for online ordering for pickup. Delivery service is on the way.
Culinary Dropout
Location: Vantage South End, 1120 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28203
Culinary Dropout will add to the foodie destination Vantage South End when it opens early next year. Diners will find craft cocktails and classic food such as pretzels with cheese fondue, fried chicken and more.
Cuzzo’s Cuisine II
Location: 9601 N. Tryon St., Suite F, Charlotte, NC 28262
A previous University City location of Cuzzo’s — known for its chicken and waffles, and its lobster mac and cheese — was short lived. But the cousins who run the show here, Andarrio Johnson and Anglee Brown, are back at it with a new spot and the same dishes you’ve come to love.
Dave’s Hot Chicken
Location: 1703 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
East Hollywood-born chain Dave’s Hot Chicken opened in Plaza Midwood in September, bringing hot chicken tenders and sliders, with seven spice levels from “no spice” to “reaper.” Pair it with fries, kale slaw or macaroni and cheese.
Davesté Kitchen By Flock
Location: 155 Lytton Farm Rd, Troutman, NC 28166
Davesté Vineyards in Troutman and Flock Bistro in Mooresville teamed up to launch Davesté Kitchen By Flock, an onsite gourmet food trailer at the winery that offers chef-prepared cuisine designed to pair with the vineyard’s drink selections.
New concept by Davidson Ice House
Location: 416 S Main St, Davidson, NC 28036
Davidson Ice House will close on New Year’s Eve to transform into a new concept. There’s no word on whether a new name for the restaurant will come along with the change by chef and owner Jennifer Brulé, who’s working on the project with Robert Maynard, CEO of Won Life Holdings and co-founder and CEO of Famous Toastery.
Dram & Draught
Location: Vantage South End, South Tryon and Catherine streets
Dram & Draught — which has locations in Raleigh, Greensboro and Durham — features more than 300 whiskeys from around the world, hand-crafted cocktails and mocktails, draft beer and an international wine list.
Drift on Lake Wylie
Location: 315 Lanyard Ln m, Belmont, NC 28012
Drift on Lake Wylie, a contemporary, chef-inspired chophouse at McLean Marina, opened on May 9. The boat-accessible restaurant features multiple patios and an upscale menu that includes dishes like Wagyu beef tartare and lobster tail fettuccine.
Duck Donuts
Location: Rea Farms Shopping Center, 9825 Sandy Rock Place, Charlotte, NC 28277
Location: Brayden Village, 801 Brayden Parkway, Fort Mill, SC
The North Carolina born doughnut chain that’s now based in Pennsylvannia, Duck Donuts, expanded to four Charlotte-area locations with two openings in 2022. The popular made-to-order doughnut shop lets customers choose coatings, toppings and drizzles.
Early Girl Eatery
Location: 1515 S. Tryon St., Suite 104, Charlotte, NC 28203
Asheville-based Early Girl Eatery opened in Charlotte on May 9 in the Dimensional Fund Advisors building. The restaurant offers gluten-free and vegan options and is well-versed at adding tempeh or tofu to its breakfast dishes, which are served all day. Lunch and dinner menus are also available.
Eggs Up Grill
Location: 2609 S New Hope Rd, Gastonia, NC 28056
This breakfast joint that originated in the Carolinas opened in Gastonia in January, serving omelets and other egg dishes, pancakes and waffles, plus breakfast sandwiches and bowls. For lunch, the restaurant serves up burgers, sandwiches, wraps and salads.
El Sazón Latino
Location: 1501 West Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208
El Sazon Latino opened in fall 2022 in Charlotte’s Revolution Park neighborhood, serving traditional foods from a variety of Latin countries, including Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador.
Enat Ethiopian
Location: Optimist Hall, 1115 N Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28206
This Ethiopian restaurant’s second location opened in May at Optimist Hall, with traditional dishes like the stuffed pastry Sambusa, the stir-fried meat and veggies Tibs, and the spongy bread Injera. Vegan and vegetarian options are available.
Ever Andalo
Location: 3116 N. Davidson St., Charlotte, NC 28205
The Italian restaurant replaced Crepe Cellar in Charlotte’s NoDa neighborhood in March, bringing in a new look and a new menu. Look for kale salads, fresh pasta, tiramisu and more.
Fidel’s Kitchen
Location: 500 West Summit Ave Charlotte, NC 28203
Fidel’s Kitchen, a Jamaican restaurant, opened in May. It’s serving up jerk chicken, oxtails, rice and peas, vegetables and fresh juice for takeout.
Figo36
Location: 416 E 36th St., Unit 600, Charlotte, NC 28205
Expect modern versions of Italian classics when dining at Figo36 in the former Orto space, including burrata, fresh pasta and pizza.
Fiore
Location: 14825 Ballantyne Village Way Suite 135, Charlotte, NC 28277
This adult lounge carries a 1920s-style cocktail bar vibe, serving tapas, entrees and craft cocktails. It opened in July.
The Flying Biscuit Cafe
Location: 110 Matthews Station St #1a, Matthews, NC 28105 (opening early 2023)
The Pizza Peel location in Matthews will close Dec. 31, making way for a third Charlotte-area location of The Flying Biscuit Cafe to open. Owner Will Bigham will remain at the helm. “The flip will help offer a better quality of life for our teammates and put more money into their pockets,” he said.
The Garrison: A Cocktail Bar & Restaurant
Location: 314 Main St., Pineville, NC 28134
The Garrison opened in late September in the space previously occupied by Global Restaurant & Bar, next door to its sister eatery Margaux’s. The two-story restaurant features Pineville’s first cocktail bar, along with food such as Cheerwine short ribs, braised lamb shanks and gourmet burgers.
Gilde Brewery
Location: 3530 Dewitt Lane, Charlotte, NC 28217
Gilde’s first brewery outside of Germany opened in Charlotte in February. Inside, you’ll find German beer and food set in an immersive experience made to transport you to Europe.
Godfather’s Pizza
Location: 3020 Prosperity Church Rd F, Charlotte, NC 28269
Godfather’s Pizza, the iconic pizza parlor of 1970s and 80s childhood memories, opened for carryout and delivery in Charlotte in October. And, yes, all your favorites from back in the day have returned to stoke your nostalgia.
The Good Wurst
Location: Vantage South End, 1222 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28203
The Good Wurst’s second location opened in late October, serving the same menu of breakfast sandwiches and bagels, along with its signature street food fare of wursts and dogs, burgers and more.
Habit Burger Grill
Location: 2121 W. Roosevelt Blvd. Monroe, NC 28110
Location: 379 W. Plaza Drive, Mooresville, NC 28117
Habit Burger Grill, a Santa Barbara, California-based chain cooks chargrilled burgers to order, is opening two locations in the Charlotte area. Other popular menu items include grilled tenderloin steak, grilled chicken and sushi-grade Ahi tuna sandwiches, plus salads and milkshakes.
Harry’s Grille & Tavern
Location: 8426 Park Road Suite 9, Charlotte, NC 28210
The restaurant’s newest location opened in March with 4,673-square-foot of space for guests to dine on American gastropub fare, local craft beer and signature cocktails. Brunch is offered on the weekends.
Harold’s Chicken & Ice Bar
Location: 440 McCullough Drive, Ste A-100, Charlotte, NC 28262
The Chicago-based chicken joint is working to open soon, bringing a hookah bar plus weekend brunch options to the fast-casual restaurant’s lineup. Pro tip: The chain is known for its mild sauce.
Hawthorne’s NY Pizza & Bar
Location: 25 Union Street North, Concord, N.C. 28025
Hawthorne’s New York Pizza and Bar, known for its legendary “The Inducer” pizza rumored to induce labor, is opening a location in Concord. Expect the same menu with lighter, brighter decor at the restaurant.
The Hideaway LKN
Location: 20910 Torrence Chapel Rd, D7, Cornelius, NC 28031
The Hideaway LKN, a new full-service bar in Lake Norman, opened in Cornelius in fall 2022. Guests can settle in for a craft cocktail or a beer, watch a game and listen to live music.
Hi-Wire Brewing
Location: 330 W Tremont Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203
Hi-Wire’s Charlotte location features the same funky artwork you’ve come to love at its Asheville home base and other locations. The brewery and taproom opened over the summer.
IndiGrille
Location: 1600 E Woodlawn Rd #150, Charlotte, NC 28209
This fast-casual Indian restaurant offers house-made sauces and customizable options for rice bowls, burritos and kati rolls. IndiGrille opened in May.
Intown Golf Club
Location: Apex SouthPark, 4411 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
Atlanta-based Intown Golf Club will bring a location of its virtual golf experience and private club to Charlotte’s SouthPark neighborhood. The social hub included in the complex will offer a full-service kitchen and bar with menus created by Frederico Castellucci III, president and CEO of Castellucci Hospitality Group, which operates several restaurants in Atlanta.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Location: 9828 Rea Road, Charlotte, NC 28277
Jeni’s Splended announced its newest Charlotte-area shop will be opening Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023 at Blakeney Town Center, just south of Ballantyne. Free scoops are planned to celebrate.
Jimmy Pearls
Location: The Market at 7th Street, 224 E. 7th Street, Charlotte, NC, 28202
Jimmy Pearls returned to its old stomping grounds at The Market at 7th Street in September after a hiatus to focus on its food truck. Virginia natives and chefs Daryl Cooper and Oscar Johnson, who you may remember from CharlotteFive’s series The Skillet: How Black Cuisine Became America’s Supper, serve Tidewater cuisine.
Juniper Grill
Location: 15235 John J Delaney Dr., Suite P., Charlotte, NC 28277
Pennsylvania-based Juniper Grill offers American food with a California feel. The restaurant opened in May, offering an upscale but casual menu that incorporates local produce.
Koibito Poké
Location: 4701 Park Rd Charlotte, NC 28209
The fast-casual restaurant based in Arizona that features build-your-own Hawaiian poké bowls had targeted a July opening but has not yet opened.
KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
Location: 9609 E. Independence Blvd., Suite P, Matthews, NC 28105
Location: 8652 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte, NC 28226
Two locations of KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot are on their way to Charlotte in 2023, both in Matthews and Pineville. Expect multiple soup, meat and veggie options.
LaBARatory
Location: 2315 N. Davidson St., Charlotte, NC 28205
A new brewery and distillery from the team behind Seoul Food Meat Co. is on its way to Optimist Park, Axios Charlotte reported. An early 2023 opening is expected.
La Victoria Cocina Mexicana & Bar
Location: 16801 Caldwell Creek Dr, Huntersville, NC 28078
A second location of La Victoria Cocina Mexicana & Bar has opened in Huntersville. It features the same menu as the Charlotte location, with an emphasis on authentic tacos.
Lee’s Hoagie House
Location: 15025 Lancaster Hwy., Charlotte, NC 28277
Lee’s Hoagie House became the first North Carolina outpost of the Philly staple when it opened in December, serving up hoagies and cheesesteaks.
Legion Brewing West Morehead
Location: 2013 West Morehead St., Charlotte, NC 28208
Legion Brewing’s newest location opened in May at the Salt + Vinegar project. The taproom is attached to a 25,000-square-foot brewery that also boasts a courtyard beer garden.
Leluia Hall
Location: 1829 Cleveland Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203
Leluia Hall will open in 2023 in the former church that was once Bonterra. Diners can expect family-style servings in an upscale casual space with a steak and surf menu at the Tonidandel-Brown Restaurant Group concept.
Leo’s Italian Social
Location: 4720 Piedmont Row. Dr., Charlotte, NC 28210
Leo’s Italian Social opened its first North Carolina restaurant near SouthPark mall in early August. The menu includes pasta, eggplant and chicken Parmesan, and wood-fired pizzas, plus steak and seafood entrees.
Limani
Location: 6902 Phillips Pl Ct, Charlotte, NC 28210
Limani offers Mediterranean-inspired cuisine including oysters, fried calamari, salmon and lamb chops at Phillips Place, where it took over the former Upstream space.
Link & Pin Arboretum
Location: 8128 Providence Rd #1200, Charlotte, NC 28277
Link & Pin’s third location opened in March in the former Mickey & Mooch spot. The gastropub serves brunch, lunch and dinner with a menu that features steaks and gluten-free vegetarian-friendly fare alike.
Little Mama’s
Location: 9825 Sandy Rock Place, Charlotte, NC 28277
A second location of Little Mama’s is on its way to the Rea Farms development, where Sensi Restaurant Charlotte Ristorante Italiano once operated. The pizza and pasta restaurant will feature a mozzarella bar, large outdoor patio and indoor seating for about 200 guests.
Loretta’s
Location: 8500 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte, NC 28226
The French Creole restaurant featuring live music plans to open in the former Fox & Hound sports bar site. The menu will include shrimp and grits, jambalaya, duck poutine and more.
Lula Banh Mi & Bakery
Location: 10400 Centrum Parkway, Suite A, Pineville, NC 28134
Lula Banh Mi & Bakery — which opened in July — makes Vietnamese bread daily for its selection of classic banh mi sandwiches, stacked with fresh toppings. And with a master baker behind the counter, you’re sure to find a treat that will suit you in its bakery case, such as macarons, cupcakes, mini cheesecakes and more.
Lulu’s Maryland Style Chicken & Seafood
Location: 2308 Central Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205
Lulu’s second location opened in March, offering a new place for Charlotteans to dive in to its popular crab cakes, wings and chicken and waffles. The space — about twice the size of the original restaurant — offers garage-style doors for an indoor-outdoor feel.
Mac’s Speed Shop- Concord
Location: 8021 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord, NC 28027
A new Mac’s Speed Shop is open near Concord Mills Mall, offering another spot for barbecue fans to enjoy the restaurant’s Hickory-Smoked Pulled Pork, brisket or St. Louis ribs. The new location of the chain favorite features a focus on live music.
Madison Perk
Location: 5033 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28217
The coffee shop with a family feel opened in March. You’ll find salads, sandwiches and snacks, plus craft beer, seltzers and live music.
Mano Bella Artisan Foods
Location: The Market at 7th Street, 224 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202
The specialty foods business opened in March at The Market at 7th Street, selling fresh pasta and other kitchen staples, including produce.
Mattie’s Diner
Location: 3100 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205
Mattie’s Diner opened in April at a new Plaza Shamrock location, after its original location closed in 2015 to make way for Avid XChange Music Factory. Expect traditional diner fare, plus vegan options.
Menya Noodle Counter
Location: 1941 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204
Menya Noodle Counter plans to open soon, serving handmade noodles and Tokyo Hot Chicken.
Metro Diner To-Go
Location: 3440 St Vardell Lane, Suite G, Charlotte, NC 28217
Metro Diner opened a takeout-only spot in June, offering breakfast, lunch and brunch for delivery, pick-up and catering.
Midnight Diner
Location: 108 E Morehead St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Location: 6538 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28217 (opening in 2023)
Midnight Diner’s railroad car moved a mile down the road in 2022 to make way for South End redevelopment. Now, the comfort food spot plans to open a second location on North Tryon Street where the former Old Hickory Bar-B-Q restaurant was located.
Midwood Smokehouse
Location: Charlotte Douglas International Airport, 5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28208, Concourse B
Midwood Smokehouse, named the second best barbecue in North Carolina by News & Observer readers, is opening a location at CLT. Diners will find to-go options, as well as a sit down dining menu of barbecue favorites.
Milkbread
Location: 1431 Central Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205
Milkbread opened in Davidson and its Charlotte location — where the iconic walk-up Dairy Queen once operated in Plaza Midwood — followed on its heels over the summer.
Mochinut
Location: 10500 Centrum Pkwy, Pineville, NC 28134
Mochinut, a Korean confectionery with a mix of sweet and savory treats and boba teas, will open inside the Super G Mart on its way to Pineville. Its mochi doughnuts are made with rice flour that originated in Hawaii and unites Japanese rice cakes with American-style doughnuts.
Morelia Gourmet Paletas
Location: 16940 Birkdale Commons Parkway, Suite A, Huntersville, NC 28078.
Morelia Gourmet Paletas opened its Huntersville location in early November. It carries all 16 paletas flavors in the Morelia lineup, including fruit and cream-based classics like chocolate, coconut and strawberry and modern twists such as passionfruit-filled, with condensed milk and Greek yogurt with wild berries.
Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill
Location: 816 Brayden Pkwy #102 Fort Mill, SC 29708
Naf Naf opened in late 2022 in Fort Mill’s Brayden development, serving Middle Eastern bowls, falafel and more.
The Neighborhood Café
Location: 100 Huntersville-Concord Road, Huntersville, NC 28078
The Neighborhood Café opened in Huntersville in the newly renovated former Cafe 100 location, serving many of the original cafe’s menu favorites with the familiar faces of many of the same staff members.
Noble Smoke
Location: Optimist Hall, 1115 N. Brevard St., Charlotte, NC 28206
Noble Smoke opened an outpost at Optimist Hall in March, selling its signature hickory-smoked meats, savory sides and hand pies for dessert.
NoDa Company Canteen
Location: Camp North End, 300 Camp Rd, Charlotte, NC 28206
The Canteen moved from pop-up status to a permanent location that opened in September in Camp North End’s Boileryard. It will continue serving beer, wine, sangria and snacks.
The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
Location: The Bowl at Ballantyne, address to be determined
Location: 725 Elm Ave., Mount Holly, NC 28120
A new Ballantyne location of Old Mecklenburg Brewery is on the way, when construction is complete at The Bowl at Ballantyne. Last year, a new location in Mount Holly was approved, as well.
Open Rice
Location: Metropolitan, 1100 Metropolitan Ave, Suite 100, Charlotte, NC
Open Rice’s second location, at the Metropolitan shopping center, joined the original Blakeney spot by opening at the end of December 2022. The modern Asian restaurant serves Hong Kong specialties including char siu and Hong Kong-style spare ribs, along with ramen, stirfry noodles and rice dishes.
OpenTap
Location: 5010 Carmel Ctr Dr, Charlotte, NC 28226
OpenTap is set to open at Carmel Center Drive, bringing a family-friendly space with 64 beers on tap and a shade garden, a tree house mezzanine and a spot for food trucks.
The One Tapas & Bar
Location: 3116 Weddington Rd Suite 600, Matthews, NC 28105
The One has recently opened in Matthews, serving a menu of small plates and sweets, as well as weekend brunch. You’ll find it in the Plantation Market Complex.
PARA
Location: 235 W Tremont Ave #100, Charlotte, NC 28203
This trendy new restaurant with a globally influenced menu comes from the work of Alex Verica in the kitchen as executive chef. It opened in January.
Passage Seafood
Location: 201 Camp Rd, Charlotte, NC 28206
This modern fish camp run by chef Greg and Subrina Collier will focus on seasonal Atlantic seafood, oysters, raw fish, rotating menu of whole fish, composed vegetables and whole fish charcuterie. It will have indoor and outdoor seating.
Peninsula Prime Seafood & Steakhouse
Location: 19918 N Cove Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031
Alton’s Kitchen & Cocktails in Lake Norman’s Jetton Village shopping center closed Jan. 29 to make way for a new concept. Cambridge Hospitality Group purchased the restaurant with plans to make renovations, and it has reopened as Peninsula Prime Seafood & Steakhouse.
Petit Philippe
Location: 1930 Camden Rd Suite 135, Charlotte, NC 28203
What was once Twenty Degrees Chocolate shut down with the retirement of chocolatier Casey Hickey, but the wine shop she co-owns with Mark Meissner has moved into the space. A third Petit Philippe location on Park Road is slated to open soon, as well.
Pět Piv
Location: 990 Market St, Fort Mill, SC 29708
Fort Mill’s Fish Market owner, Selena Kelemen, is breaking ground on a beer garden in the grassy area adjacent to the restaurant. Pět Piv is expected to open in summer 2023, serving pizza and other bar food.
Phat Burrito
Location: LoSo Village, Clanton Rd., Charlotte, NC, 28217
Once-beloved Phat Burrito was originally expected to make a return to Charlotte in spring 2022, but that didn’t happen on time. A spokeswoman for Beacon Partners cited construction delays and recently estimated a summer 2023 opening for the restaurant with a Southwestern spin.
Pie in the Sky Pizza
Location: 250 S Main St., Mooresville, NC 28115
Pie in the Sky Pizza is returning to downtown Mooresville with plans for a bigger dining area, double the pizza ovens and expanded bar options. The pizzeria’s owners had originally planned a January opening but ran into delays that will push that date back.
Pizza Baby
Location: 2135 Thrift Rd, Charlotte, NC 28208
The New York-style pizza parlor on its way to Thrift Road is the newest project for chef Trey Wilson of Customshop and Flour Shop, Axios Charlotte reported.
Que Fresa Taqueria + Bar
Location: 1500-A W. Morehead St., Charlotte, NC 28208
Que Fresa Taqueria + Bar, a taqueria with soft-serve margaritas, house-made Puffy Chips and at least 14 varieties of tacos, opened in Charlotte’s Wesley Heights neighborhood in early October. The restaurant took over the former Picante location.
Que Onda Tacos + Tequila
Location: 1518 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Que Onda’s fifth location opened in Plaza Midwood in the former Coaltrane’s Char Grill location. The restaurant from the same owners as Que Fresa is a full-service Mexican restaurant, with offerings including tacos and tortas, enchiladas, burritos and even Boozy Mexican Brunch.
Rally
Location: Old Pineville Road and Southside Drive
A Rally pickleball complex that includes a full-service restaurant with a global street food-inspired menu and two bars is on its way to Lower South End. The entertainment venue is expected to open in spring 2023.
Resident Culture Brewing Co.
Location: 332 W Bland St Suite C, Charlotte, NC 28203
Resident Culture Brewing Co. opened a full-service coffee shop inside its South End location in June. The shop serves specialty coffee drinks and baked goods from El Toro Bruto’s Hector González-Mora.
Room Service
Location: Camp North End, 300 Camp Rd, Charlotte, NC 28206
The co-owner of Black Moth Bars at Camp North End is opening a new concept called Room Service, featuring specialty cocktail drinks, beer and wine, along with daytime sandwiches and a rotating menu of shared plates in the evening. It’s expected to open in the Keswick District in spring 2023. Stay Inn will be an upscale specialty market next door, selling items found on the menu or in the lounge at Room Service.
Rosemont Market and Wine Bar
Location: Elizabeth on Seventh, 1942 E 7th St #101-H, Charlotte, NC 28204
Rosemont Market and Wine Bar is expected to open at the new Elizabeth on Seventh development, offering market items along with breakfast, lunch, coffee, wine and beer. A full-service dinner menu is on tap, as well.
Ruby Sunshine
Location: 101 W. John St., Matthews, NC 28105
The Charlotte area’s second Ruby Sunshine plans to open in summer 2023, bringing its familiar menu of brunch favorites with a New Orleans flair.
Location: 933 Louise Avenue, Suite 350, Charlotte, NC 28204
This two-story, rum-focused cocktail bar in Belmont that opened in January features an indoor bar, ground-level patio, a rooftop deck and a private event space. Membership in its Admiral Vernon’s Rum Club offers you access to a rare and vintage rum selection.
Salted Melon
Location: 100 W. Worthington Ave., Suite 107 Charlotte, NC 28203
The market and restaurant from the owners of Reid’s Fine Foods is health-focused and features fast-casual dining. It opened in July with a bone broth bar, complete with toppings such as ginger juice and chili oil.
The Salty Donut
Location: 1515 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28203
The Miami-based doughnut shop plans to open in early January on the bottom floor of the Dimensional Funds tower in South End, serving craft doughnuts and coffee. Both the design and doughnut flavors at The Salty Donut will have a local influence, CEO and co-founder Andy Rodriguez said.
Saku Yakitori & Sushi Bar
Location: 123 East 5th St Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28202
Saku opened in July, bringing skewered meats and veggies called yakitori, along with small plates and sushi to Uptown Charlotte. Craft cocktails compliment the Asian menu, with drinks including East Meets West (tequila, lemon juice, tamarind and passion fruit) and Lemongrass Ginger (bourbon, lemon juice, ginger and honey).
SARU
Location: Camp North End, 1801 N. Graham St., Charlotte, NC 28206
Raydal Hospitality Group — the parent company of Sabor Latin Street Grill, Three Amigos and La Caseta — is now operating SARU at Camp North End. It took over the Nagahama-style Tonkatsu ramen shop in June.
Schreiber’s on Rye
Location: Optimist Hall, 1115 N. Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28206
Schreiber’s on Rye is slated to open in the first half of 2023 at Optimist Hall, taking the place of Xiao Bao. The New York-style deli will serve classic sandwiches, hot dogs and more.
Seemingly Overzealous
Location: Camp North End, 701 Keswick Ave #102, Charlotte, NC 28206
This dairy-free (but not vegan) ice cream shop plans to open in Camp North End. Look for flavors such as blood orange, banana pecan maple and more.
Seoul Food Meat Co. Mill District
Location: 421 E 26th St, Charlotte, NC 28205
Seoul Food Meat Co. Mill District opened in December, offering fare including bulgogi and beef rib bao bun sliders, along with boneless wings. Seoul Food’s newest location also offers karaoke rooms, just like the OG spot.
Singas Famous Pizza
Location: 4732 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28205
North Carolina’s first location of The New York-based pizzeria opened in Morrisville a few years ago. Now, a location will be opening in Charlotte, bringing hot, fresh pizza with dough made daily.
Sixty Vines
Location: Vantage South End, 1415 Vantage Park Drive, Charlotte, NC 28203
Wine-focused restaurant Sixty Vines will bring a 60-tap system to its Vantage South End restaurant, featuring high ceilings and plans to showcase local art. No time frame has been given for its opening.
Slutty Vegan
Location: Charlotte
The details are largely up in the air, but the popular pop-up option that started out as an Atlanta food truck plans to open a new location every month in 2022. “Charlotte has always supported us since day one and every single time that we come, there is a line down the block,” owner Pinky Cole told CharlotteFive in June.
Cole told the Washington Post that she searches for areas that are food insecure, lacking in vegan options and generally not attractive to developers.
Soul Gastrolounge
Location: To be determined
The well-loved small plates restaurant Soul Gastrolounge, which closed amid rising rents in Plaza Midwood, has plans to find a new location in spring 2023. In the meantime, it’s still cranking out a variety of skewers and its pork belly tacos while operating as a food truck.
STK Steakhouse
Location: 201 S. College St., Charlotte, NC 28202
A location of the STK Steakhouse chain is on its way to Charlotte, taking the place of the former Carolina Ale House location Uptown. It touts its “vibe dining,” with a focus on steaks and seafood.
Stone Fired Social
Location: 106 North Main Street Suite B, Belmont, NC
Belmont’s Stone Fired Social opened in October in the space of the former Johnny B’s Pizza Pad, just next to sister restaurant The String Bean. It serves pizza, homemade pastas and more and offers arcade games, a full bar and a gelato counter.
Super Abari Game Bar
Location: 1015 Seigle Ave Charlotte, NC 28205
Super Abari Game Bar opened its new Charlotte location on May 16. While the previous location closed due to redevelopment, the new spot offers more arcade games and pinball machines, more seating and a separate bar area.
Sycamore Brewing
Location: 2151 Hawkins St., Charlotte, NC, 28203
Sycamore shut down its 2161 Hawkins St. location for a sleek new spot that anchors The Line, a new 16-story office building, and gives the brewery more room to expand. Look for the brewery to reopen there in early 2023.
Sycamore Brewing at CLT
Location: Charlotte Douglas International Airport, 5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28208, Concourse E
Sycamore Brewing’s second location opened at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, where travelers will be able to sip Sycamore beers on tap and in cans, along with wine — and nosh on a food menu that spans from breakfast to late night, with appetizers, pizza, handhelds and salads.
Tap & Vine
Location: 7828-E Rea Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277
The wine bar and restaurant that got its start in the Charlotte area in Indian Trail took over the former Civetta Italian Kitchen + Bar space in March. Its menu includes shareable appetizers and heartier entrees such as Denver Cut Steak and Bourbon Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon.
The Teal Turnip
Location: 1640 Oakhurst Commons Dr, Suite 105, Charlotte, NC 28205
The Tayste Catering team is taking over a new space to work out of with plans to open for dinner service at first and lunch later on. The small plates restaurant is set to open in spring 2023 in the Oakhurst neighborhood of Charlotte.
TEN58 Sports Bar and Lounge
Location: 430 W 4th St., Charlotte, NC 28202
Former Carolina Panthers fan favorite Thomas Davis, Sr. opened TEN58 in November, creating a game day venue with food, drinks and music.
Ten Seconds Yunnan Rice Noodle
Location: 3429 Toringdon Way, Charlotte, NC 28277
Ten Seconds Yunnan Rice Noodle — a Chinese noodle restaurant also known as Shi Miao Dao — is open in the Toringdon Market shopping center next door to Tsuki Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar.
TOUS Les JOURS
Location: 4625 Piedmont Row Drive, Suite 105
This French-Asian bakery with locations worldwide is known for its breads, pastries and signature Cloud Cake. It opened in May.
Tremont
Location: 2000 South Blvd. #530, Charlotte, NC 28203
What’s old is new again. This restaurant co-owned by Big Ben’s Neel Gandhi took over the space from BOCADO — which was the space Big Ben had previously operated in. As Tremont, it serves burgers and other American food.
TRIO
Location: 1513 S Mint St., Charlotte, NC 28203
A Charlotte location of the multi-level nightclub popular in Charleston is set to open in 2023. Expect live music and performances, along with DJs and other events. Bring your fashion A-game.
Uptown Yolk
Location: Vantage South End, 1220 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 20203
The Yolk has lived a few lives. It was born in Rock Hill, moved into 7th Street Market as Uptown Yolk and now is on its way to South End to join the food options at The Vantage South End. Head there for brunch of chicken and waffles, and you’ll also find a new coffee program and a full bar. It was set to open in 2022, but project delays set that back.
Urban Sweets
Location: 222 West Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203
A retail space is now open for Urban Sweets, which previously sold ice cream, cookies and cakes, along with other baked goods, via private events, pop-up shops and farmers markets.
VANA LKN
Location: 20823 N Main St, Cornelius, NC 28031
VANA’s expansion to the Lake Norman area with VANA LKN was expected to open in 2022 but is now set for early 2023. Look for rustic cuisine with a slightly different menu than the original location at the new Cornelius spot.
Vera’s Kitchen
Location: 203 N. Broome St., Waxhaw, NC 28173
This down-home breakfast and lunch cafe serves up American and Mexican favorites in the former Broome Street Burgers space in Waxhaw. It opened in October.
Vinyl
Location: 1440 S Tryon St Suite 105, Charlotte, NC 28203
The South End neighborhood bar opened in April, offering shareables such as Hatch Queso Fries and Falafel Bites. Craft cocktails matched to musical themes include the You Only Get One Shot, with Pepperbox Doughnuts coffee-infused Fernet-Branca, and the Big Poppa, with Tito’s vodka, spiced orange cordial, lime and salted coffee-infused Amaro.
Waterbean Coffee Pineville
Location: 333 Main St, Pineville, NC 28134
Waterbean Coffee opened a new location in early November where Unwind Tea & Coffee House had operated. (Waterbean was also named runner up in the 2022 CharlotteFive Readers’ Choice best coffee shop contest.)
Waterman Fish Bar
Location: 9615 Bailey Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031
The Waterman Fish Bar’s second location opened April 7, bringing the same menu to a new space filled with nautical vibes and a three-season patio.
Whataburger
Location: 5301 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28217
A Charlotte location of the wildly popular Texas-based chain Whataburger isn’t a sure thing. However, plans filed with the city showed a “Whataburger Conversion of Former Bank” for the South Boulevard spot and mentioned utilizing the drive-thru where a previous Sun Trust Bank location stood. It’s a waiting game to see if those plans materialize.
Wheelz Pizza
Address: 901 S. Kings Dr. Suite 150, Charlotte, NC 28204
Wheelz Pizza opened in the Kings Shopping Center in September, replacing the Pizza Hut that was there before. The popular Wilmington pizzeria offering carryout and delivery service offers Neapolitan-Brooklyn style gourmet pizza.
Yuliya’s Ice Cream
Location: Metropolitan, 1111 Metropolitan Ave. #190, Charlotte, NC 28204
Yuliya’s Ice Ceam is planning an early 2023 opening at the Metropolitan shopping center. It will serve made-from-scratch ice cream, crafted with locally sourced ingredients.
Yunta
Location: 2201 South Blvd, Suite 130, Charlotte, NC 28203
Yunta opened in March as the first restaurant in Charlotte offering a Nikkei menu, fusing Peruvian and Japanese influences.
This story was originally published December 21, 2022 at 6:00 AM.
