Food and Drink

Well-known local pizza chain now open in former Loretta’s spot in South Charlotte

Empire Pizza is moving into the space at 8500 Pineville-Matthews Road in South Charlotte.
Empire Pizza is moving into the space at 8500 Pineville-Matthews Road in South Charlotte.

Empire Pizza, a local chain well known to residents on the South Carolina side of the border and in Mint Hill, has expanded into South Charlotte and is now open.

The pizzeria is located in the space that most recently held the short-lived Loretta’s Restaurant and previously housed Bailey’s Sports Bar and Fox & Hound.

The dining room at Loretta’s will soon transform into a new location of Empire Pizza.
The dining room at Loretta’s will soon transform into a new location of Empire Pizza. Loretta's

“We are looking forward to this new venture and cannot wait to serve the South Charlotte area. We would like to give a special thanks to our employees for their hard work and dedication and our loyal customer base for their business and support over the last 15 years,” stated an Instagram post announcing the expansion.

The restaurant with locations in Fort Mill, Indian Land, Newport, Mint Hill and Rock Hill may see further expansion over time, as it is now franchising.

Empire Pizza’s offerings include pasta, salads, handhelds, wings and more.
Empire Pizza’s offerings include pasta, salads, handhelds, wings and more. Empire Pizza

[ONLY THE BEST FOR YOU: We asked and you voted. Here is the Readers’ Choice pick for best pizza in Charlotte.]

On the menu, you’ll find pizzas and other Italian favorites, including baked pastas, meatballs, garlic knots and calzones. Sandwiches, salads, burgers and wings are also offered.

Empire Pizza’s offerings include wings and fries.
Empire Pizza’s offerings include wings and fries. Empire Pizza

Empire Pizza

Location: 8500 Pineville-Matthews Rd, Charlotte, NC 28226

Location: 1405 Riverchase Blvd., Rock Hill, SC 29732

Location: Newport, 4811 Old York Rd., Rock Hill, SC 29732

Location: 1504 Carolina Place Dr., Fort Mill, SC 29708

Location: Indian Land, 1218 Rosemont Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29707

Location: 7024 Brighton Park Drive, Mint Hill, NC 28227

Menu

Cuisine: American, pizza

Instagram: @empirepizzagram

This story was originally published October 17, 2023 at 5:30 AM.

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Heidi Finley
The Charlotte Observer
Heidi Finley is a writer and editor for CharlotteFive and the Charlotte Observer. Outside of work, you will most likely find her in the suburbs driving kids around, volunteering and indulging in foodie pursuits. Support my work with a digital subscription
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