Concord brewery kitchen will close at the end of this month. Here’s why.
Chef Michael Bowling has made the difficult decision to put his health first, leading to the closure of his Concord brewery kitchen Hot Box Next Level Kitchen.
Hot Box will close its outpost at Southern Strain Brewing on Sept. 30.
Bowling cited health issues combined with rising costs and waning sales as reasons behind the closure. “It breaks my heart to see this project end, but if I am going to stay alive to see my grandbabies grow up, I must step back. We truly enjoyed our time there in Concord and were constantly humbled by the great folks of the city who embraced us from the jump,” he said in a statement.
In 2020, Bowling spoke to CharlotteFive’s Ebony Morman about his struggles with kidney disease. In 2021, the local chef community came together to raise money to help Bowling after his planned transplant surgery, 14 years after his diagnosis with the disease.
In the last couple of weeks of being open, Bowling plans to serve some fan favorites at Hot Box Next Level Kitchen. Expect to see the famous Fried Catfish Sandwich, Tijuana Mac Bowl and a few brunch surprises.
HBX Burgers will stay open
The South End spinoff ghost kitchen, HBX Burgers, will remain open. Bowling has also accepted a job with Carolina Farm Trust, as the general manager of the new distribution center.
“Though we will be closing the doors in Concord, we are still here for Charlotte with our ghost kitchen in Southend, HBX Burgers. We are adding new menu items and are excited to keep the Hot Box brand alive. I needed a break from the kitchen, and everything worked out so I could work full-time for the farm trust and keep my crew working in Charlotte,” Bowling said.
In addition to being a founding member of Soul Food Sessions, Bowling and his fried chicken recipe were featured in CharlotteFive’s The Skillet in 2021.
Hot Box Next Level Kitchen
Location: 165 Brumley Ave NE Suite 3001, Concord, NC 28025 (closing Sept. 30)
Cuisine: American
Instagram: @hotboxnc
