Dumplings, seafood and curry now on board at Monarch Market, Charlotte’s newest food hall
New food stalls are opening at Monarch Market at One Independence Center in uptown Charlotte — and another announced plans to start service in early 2024.
You can now stop by Brooklyn Dumpling Shop for hand-made savory and sweet dumplings with non-traditional flavors such as cheesesteak, pizza, apple cinnamon and dark chocolate. And Dock Local now offers fresh seafood rolls, sandwiches and tacos.
Charlotte’s newest location of Curry Gate is open, too.
In early 2024, Chicago-based FARE will bring grain and vegetable bowls, protein bowls, and breakfast options to Monarch Market, as well. Its menu will include vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free selections. A chicken tender-focused stall called Just Chicken is opening Saturday, Jan. 27.
Other choices available for hungry diners at Monarch Market include kebabs, Korean-style street food and Laotian sticky rice, along with burgers, sushi and modern Mexican food.
The 18,000-square-foot food hall near Blumenthal Performing Arts Center has room for 12 food stalls in total, as well three bars where diners can grab a drink to go along with their meals. Two spots remain open for new additions.
“As you can see with these regionally-based, chef-driven brands, Monarch Market is set to be a culinary experience filled with diverse food and culture,” said Akhtar Nawab, the chef, co-chief executive officer and founding partner of Hospitality HQ. “We look forward to expanding upon our vision for Monarch Market to be an incubator for culinary talent with more like-minded culinary concepts as we move closer to opening.”
Food delivery is available for those who work on the floors above at One Independence Center, and the food and beverage partners at the market offer catering, as well.
Another perk on the way: Monarch Market will soon launch online ordering technology that allows guests to order from multiple food stalls on one tab for pickup or delivery. In the next few weeks, you’ll be able to pick up to-go orders from hot- and cold-food storage lockers near the entrance.
Tenants include:
Aster Cocktail Room
Aster Cocktail Room offers classic cocktails with fresh ingredients — plus modern drink recipes — on the second floor above Monarch Market’s main dining area and will boast an outdoor terrace. The space features murals by local artist Rosalia Torres-Weiner. Look for a menu that includes the Three Martini Lunch, a flight of martinis made with vodka and gin, and the Blue Suede Cobbler with sherry, amaro, blueberry compote, citrus and mint. Aster seats 45 guests in its indoor bar and on the outdoor patio overlooking Tryon Street.
Barley and Burger
Barley and Burger, which is based in Rocky Mount, serves gourmet burgers made from a mix of Black Angus, short rib and chuck. The food stall also serves up wings, nachos, loaded fries and craft beer.
“With mouthwatering smash burgers made with quality ingredients and served in a welcoming atmosphere, we aim to satisfy guests’ cravings with an unforgettable burger experience,” Barley and Burger owner Travis Ellis said in a statement.
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Brooklyn Dumpling Shop
Brooklyn Dumpling Shop offers traditional dumplings and specialty varieties, including Philly Cheesesteak and Chicken Parmesan dumplings. The Monarch Market stall is the restaurant’s ninth U.S. location.
Curry Gate
Curry Gate, which was previously announced as Curry Junction, is the third location of the popular local restaurant. The Indian and Nepalese concept serves traditional-style curry dishes along with tandoori-style meals and fresh naan.
“We plan to bring our craveable Indian dishes to the heart of Uptown alongside a diverse lineup of like-minded culinary operators,” Curry Gate owner Chuda Dhimal said before the opening.
Dock Local
Dock Local presents fresh seafood in rolls, sandwiches, tacos, salads and creative side dishes. The Monarch Market stall is the brand’s sixth U.S. location.
FARE
FARE, which has three locations in Chicago, is entering the Charlotte market with seasonal, health-focused food. It will offer grain and vegetable bowls, protein bowls, and breakfast options at Monarch Market, with an emphasis on vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free selections.
“This marks more than just a new location for us; it’s a testament to our unwavering commitment to making healthy, delicious, and sustainable food an integral part of communities. Charlotte, get ready to savor the goodness — we can’t wait to welcome you to the FARE family!,” founder Britni deLeon said.
Focaccina
Focaccina sells more than a dozen sandwiches on freshly crafted focaccia bread, plus Italian desserts. The concept is a collaboration between seasoned chefs Albano Barjami and Manuel Scenna.
Just Chicken
Just Chicken will feature chicken tenders and fries, along with sandwiches and a signature sauce for dipping. You can expect fresh chicken that’s never been frozen, and no microwaves involved.
Kebab2Go
Locally owned Kabab2Go serves up Mediterranean deli specialties, including a variety of Lebanese mezze and grilled kabab. Its existing South Boulevard location includes sandwiches and salads.
“Kabab2Go is a tradition that started 70 years ago, offering authentic Lebanese cuisine using the best ingredients. We are thrilled to join the Monarch Market community and bring these Mediterranean flavors to Uptown,” owner Tony Soufi said in a statement.
Lanai Terrace Bar
Expanding the market’s outdoor options, Lanai Terrace Bar’s is able to seat up to 70 guests, who can relax on a coastal-inspired and covered 1,800-square-foot patio space along Tryon Street. Available drinks include a Chichitini with pineapple-washed vodka, Bittermen’s Tepache spiced pineapple liqueur and acidified coconut water and a Pineau Colada with cognac, Pineau des Charantes, pineapple and lemon, cream of coconut and nutmeg.
Monarch Bar
Monarch Bar takes center stage in the main dining hall, offering signature cocktails along with local craft beer and wines by the glass and bottle.
Pha Khaou Lao Cuisine
Pha Khaou Lao Cuisine, a new concept from the owners of Japanese restaurant Sosu, mixes things up at its Monarch Market location. Its food stall offers Laotian cuisine with a menu highlighting sticky rice, lettuce wraps and milk tea.
“We look forward to our continued expansion in the Charlotte area. The innovative space and prime location of Monarch Market make for an ideal place for us to debut a new concept that pays homage to my heritage,” owner Rocky Jokbengboon said.
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Rolled AF
Rolled AF is another new concept, forged in partnership with the owners of well-known food trucks Nacho Average Truck and 22 Street Kitchen. The food stall features a modern Mexican menu using fresh ingredients rolled in tortillas.
“We’ve been looking for the right space to combine our skills and passion for Mexican cuisine, and look forward to joining the other unique F&B offerings at the culinary collective,” Rolled AF co-owner Ashley Outlaw said.
Seoul Good
Seoul Good, a new concept from the team behind uptown Japanese staple Fujiyama, offers Korean-style street food, including Kup-bap, a Korean rice dish and Korean corn dogs.
“Seoul Good will offer a convenient, trendy and distinctly Korean culinary experience that caters to the rapidly growing and changing palates of Charlotte. We’re excited to bring forth our new concept and dishes as we present our latest endeavor,” owner Da Nam said.
Sushi Art
Sushi Art occupies Monarch Market’s full-service restaurant space, with seating for 45 guests. The menu includes made-to-order rolls, customizable poke bowls and artful sushi.
Editor’s note: This article was first published Aug. 28, 2023, and has been updated.
Monarch Market
Location: 101 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202
Instagram: @monarchmarketcharlotte
This story was originally published August 28, 2023 at 10:52 AM.
