The ultimate list of 200+ new restaurants, bars and cafes opening in Charlotte in 2025
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Charlotte's food scene expands with 135+ new restaurants opening in 2025.
- Major growth includes local favorites, national chains and international cuisines.
- New openings span neighborhoods, reflecting diverse tastes and investment trends.
Every year, Charlotte’s bustling food scene gets bigger and bigger. Luckily for local foodies hungry to dig into all of the dining spots the city has to offer, 2025 is no exception.
From classic spots making a comeback to creative new concepts, there is a long list of new bars, restaurants and cafes opening across the area this year.
Here is a look at all of the new food and drink spots that have opened or announced they’re opening in 2025 around Charlotte:
Ace No. 3
Location: 8520 Pit Stop Ct NW #10, Concord, NC 28027
Location: 1001 Belmont Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Location: 829 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207
Location: 101 S. Tryon St., Charlotte NC 28280
Ace No. 3 has brought its burgers, fries and shakes to uptown. The newest location is the casual counter-style burger joint’s fourth around the city, nestled between Eddie V’s and Tupelo Honey.
Al-Basha Halal Grill
Location: 1730 Abbey Place, Charlotte NC
Al-Basha Halal Grill has opened in the space that most recently held Beyond Amazing Donuts in Montford Park. The restaurant that shut down after a fire two years ago has brought back the same Mediterranean menu.
Amina
Location: 225 East 6th Street , Charlotte, NC 28202
Amina plans to open this winter in uptown Charlotte, offering upscale fine dining and craft cocktails. Its Instagram promises a “chic atmosphere” to match.
A New Dawg in Town
Location: Mobile, parked at Zippy’s Ice, 5101 Graham St., Charlotte NC
Gourmet hot dog cart A New Dawg in Town opened in May, bringing a variety of flavors that bring in owner Marlaina Blackett’s Caribbean background. Along with jerk chicken and oxtail hot dogs, a vegan version will be available, too.
Antagonist
Location: The Campbell, 2025 Cleveland Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203
A new cocktail/coffee concept is coming to the Dilworth area: Antagonist. As reported by Charlotte Business Journal, the team behind Protagonist Beer is opening the new spot to serve coffee by day in The Campbell apartment tower with drinks and light bites at night.
Aura HiFi
Location: 200 Pavilion Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28262
Aura HiFi opened north of University City in the fall, offering dancing, DJ performances and seasonal cocktails. VIP table reservations are available.
B-Side Group’s unnamed pasta bar
Location: 222 E Bland St, Charlotte, NC 28203B-Side Group, which operates VINYL and is opening The Story of Mi Cariño in January, has a “modern pasta bar” in the works. The 1,600-square-foot space where Futo Buta operated is slated to see new life in spring 2026.
Babaloo Coffee Club
Location: The Shops at Winnifred, 1425 Winnifred St., #117, Charlotte NC, 28203
Babaloo Coffee Club’s Jan. 18 grand opening brought a new coffee option to South End from the owners behind El Puro and Muraya, Axios Charlotte reported. Sandwiches and pastries are available, too.
Bar One Lounge
Location: The Stuward, 222 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202
The uptown location of Bar One opened March 1, bringing along options for lunch and dinner from 800° Woodfired Kitchen — plus nightlife. Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce Live Burlesque Show will entertain evening guests Thursday-Saturday. However, the bar closed over the summer amid a lease dispute.
Bartaco
Location: Multiple
According to Axios Charlotte, Bartaco is opening another location in the Charlotte area. After expanding to Birkdale Village, the restaurant will reportedly be coming to Plaza Midwood’s Commonwealth development.
Bayt Almocha
Location: Centro NoDa, 715 E 36th St, Charlotte, NC 28205
Another Yemeni cafe is joining Charlotte’s coffee shop lineup. Bayt Almocha — which has locations in Kentucky and Michigan — is coming to the Centro NoDa development, with handcrafted coffee, pastries, savory sandwiches and more.
Beignets & Brew
Location: 360 Fort Mill Pkwy, Fort Mill, SC 29715
Beignets & Brew opened a 2,058 square feet at a mixed-use development in Fort Mill, offering made-to-order beignets paired with locally roasted coffee and espresso drinks. The fast-growing chain with 14 locations is poised to double that number with new stores planned throughout the South — including one in Raleigh.
Bella Fusion
Location: 205 S Kings Dr suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28204
Bella Fusion opened in late September where Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe had operated in Cherry. The new restaurant serves American-style breakfast and Thai-Latin fusion dishes for lunch and dinner.
B&K Tea Cafe
Location: 14231 Market Square Dr, Unit C1, Huntersville, NC 28078
Location: 115 Commons Drive, Ste F, Mooresville, NC. 28117
Location: 17 Union St N, Concord, NC 28025
Location: 103 West Ave, Kannapolis, NC. 28081
Location: 21714 Catawba Ave A4, Cornelius, NC 28031
B&K Tea Cafe expanded with a fourth location in Huntersville. The locally owned bubble tea chain, offering milk tea, fruit tea and other specialty boba drinks, had a soft opening in its new Lake Norman space Jan. 4. Its flagship location, in Cornelius, opened before the end of the year.
Biscuit Belly
Location: 1949 E 7th St., Charlotte, NC 28204
Location: 2147 W. Highway 160 Suite 101 Fort Mill, SC 29708
After expanding to the Elizabeth neighborhood and Fort Mill, plans are underway for Biscuit Belly to open more restaurants around Charlotte. The Kentucky-based breakfast and brunch chain is expected to make its mark in Ballantyne, Concord, Huntersville, Park Road and Plaza Midwood.
Blinders
Location: 225 W Tremont Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203
Blinders, a lounge bringing together the feel of a Las Vegas-style sportsbook, the energy of a sports bar and the design aesthetic of a cocktail lounge, opened March 20 in South End. Look for multiple bars and an outdoor patio in the former manufacturing facility space.
Bourbon Steak Charlotte
Location: Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte: 201 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Bourbon Steak, a small restaurant chain with elite chef Michael Mina at the helm, is opening in the former Punch Room space at the Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte, next year. Expect high-end steaks and seafood, seasonal produce and a wine list with a global point of view.
Brunches
Location: Oakhurst Commons, 4000 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28205
Brunches, a brunch restaurant with five North Carolina locations, is opening in Charlotte, Charlotte Business Journal reported. The menu includes breakfast favorites and lunch options including bowls, burgers and tacos — plus a cocktail menu.
Burtons Grill & Bar
Location: Birkdale Place, 8908 Lindholm Drive, Huntersville, NC 28078
Burtons Grill & Bar opened April 22 at its newest restaurant location in Lake Norman. The Birkdale spot where Burtons is moving into was previously stated to house another Napa location, but that fell through, Charlotte Business Journal reported.
Casa Azteca Mexican Grill
Location: 140 Regency Center Drive, Mooresville NC 28117
The family behind Azteca and Don Pedro has opened a new restaurant with a slightly more upscale point of view in Lake Norman. Casa Azteca Mexican Grill is a 280-seat restaurant with a charcoal grill for its chicken and steaks, cheese wheels and a light-up dinner menu.
Chief’s Modern Cocktail Parlor
Location: 3024 N. Davidson St., Charlotte, NC 28205
Mixologist Bob Peters opened Chief’s Modern Cocktail Parlor nestled next to The Goodyear House in NoDa. The new spot, which was planned a tribute to his late father, has elevated cocktails, beer, small bites and more. But before the end of the year, Peters left the Built On Hospitality restaurant group to join Soul Gastrolounge’s new cocktail venture, Stylus Sound Lounge. Now, it’s available to rent out for private events.
Chilly Willi’s Tex Mex Grill
Location: 9615 Bailey Road, Cornelius NC, 28031
Duckworth’s owner Rob Duckworth plans to breathe new life into the long-closed West Virginia restaurant Chili Willi’s, Charlotte Business Journal reported. The Tex Mex spot will move into the former The Waterman location in Lake Norman, CBJ said.
Chuyita’s Fresh Mexican Food & Bar
Location: 1727 Sardis Road North, Charlotte, NC 28270
Another restaurant is in the works for the team behind Taqueria Chuyita in Monroe. A specific opening date for the new Chuyita’s Fresh Mexican Food & Bar has not yet been announced.
Clark’s Snack Bar
Location: 3001 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
In the wake of The Good Wurst Company’s closure, original owner Lincoln Clark opened a new restaurant in the space. Clark’s Snack Bar will serve breakfast items and comfort food sandwiches, plus house-made soups in the winter, the publication reported.
Classy Scoops
Location: University City Boulevard Parking Deck, 7205 N. Tryon St., Charlotte NC 28213
Classy Scoops, a Concord ice cream shop, opened a second location in October at the University City Boulevard Parking Deck, a city of Charlotte lease shows. The sweet treat business offers rolled ice cream creations, boba tea and scoops with favors such as Exhausted Parent, Super Human and This S$@! Just Got Serious.
Coco Mexican Restaurant
Location: 8145 Ardrey Kell Road, Suite 103, Charlotte, NC
Location: 3216 South Blvd #102, Charlotte, NC 28209
Coco Mexican Restaurant, known for its “fresh, flavorful Mexican favorites,” opened its second location in Charlotte. An Instagram post said,: “We’ve felt the love in Mint Hill, and now we’re bringing that same Coco flavor and energy to South Charlotte!”
Before the end of the year, a Coco Express opened in South End, as well.
Coffee Republic
Location: 500 W Trade St Suite #100, Charlotte, NC 28202
Location: 14825 Ballantyne Village Way, Charlotte, NC 28277
Another Coffee Republic location opened in Charlotte in early February. The coffee shop — which also has several locations in Lake Norman — is nestled in uptown near Truist Field and Bank of America Stadium with “modern aesthetics and a warm, inviting vibe.”
Comal Taco Co.
Location: Optimist Hall, 1115 N Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28206
Comal Taco Co., a new venture from restaurant industry veteran Shang Skipper, brought Southwest-inspired, fast-casual tacos and Arizona cheese crisps to Optimist Hall in early December. Comal is named after the traditional Mexican griddle used to cook tortillas and offers fresh tortillas and chips from locally owned De La Vega Tortillas.
Concord Trading Post
Location: 37 Union St S # A1, Concord, NC
Concord Trading Post, a new sandwich shop from the co-owner of Local Bottle Shop, has opened in downtown Concord. It offers breakfast items, sandwiches, NY bagels, snacks and more, with most items under $10.
Copain Bakery & Brasserie
Location: Bowl at Ballantyne, 14020 Stream Way Suite 118, Charlotte, NC 28277
Location: 207 Griffith St., Davidson, NC 28036
Copain Bakery and Provisions, a Noble Food & Pursuits restaurant, will open Copain Bakery & Brasserie in late 2025 at the Bowl at Ballantyne. The brand’s third location will feature traditional French fare, including pastries, breads and quiche, along with seasonal salads and Copain loaf sandwiches for lunch. Coq au vin, dry-aged steaks and NC farm-raised oysters — plus a wine list and full bar — will be served at dinner in the 3,100 square-foot space. A fourth location is on the way in Davidson at Sadler Square, paired with a Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen location, Charlotte Business Journal reported.
Cork & Cap
Location: Camp North End, 1801 N Graham St., Suite 110, Charlotte, NC 28206
New beer and wine shop Cork & Cap opened at Camp North End on Jan. 30. It boasts a 16-foot tasting bar, tables and a lounge area plus a private tasting room for events.
Crazy Legs Sports Cafe
Location: 9325 JW Clay Blvd #222, Charlotte, NC 28262
Crazy Legs Sports Cafe is opening in the University City area, bringing air fried chicken wings, sliders and loaded fries to sports fans who want to catch a game on a big screen. It planned to be operating by fall, but that timeline got pushed back to winter.
The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar
Location: 816 Brayden Pkwy, Fort Mill, SC 29708
Fort Mill is getting a taste of The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar. The Myrtle Beach-based chain, which has multiple locations across the country, opened the newest dessert shop in the area on Feb. 3.
Crispy Cones
Location: 8736 Outlet Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28278
Crispy Cones is branching out of Wilmington to add a Charlotte location on Jan. 9. Look for classic chocolate and vanilla cones, plus cereal milk ice cream and other specialty flavors.
Curry Gate
Location: 1240 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd, Matthews, NC 28105
The newest location of the popular local Indian and Nepalese food chain, Curry Gate, opened in Matthews on Feb. 26. The restaurant is known for its flavorful cuisine that you can customize with a 1-10 level spice scale.
Desi District
Location: 8524 Pit Stop Ct NW, Concord, NC 28027
Desi District’s newest location opened July 3 near Concord Mills mall, offering a vast menu of Indian cuisine and fusion favorites. The restaurant won’t carry grocery items as the Pineville location does, but it will offer a full bar and outside seating to enjoy your meal in the shade.
Dilworth Neighborhood Grille
Location:940 Market St #110, Fort Mill, SC 29708
Dilworth Neighborhood Grille expanded with a second location in Fort Mill’s Baxter Village in late summer. The menu of craft burgers, tacos, sandwiches and pizza remains the same, and TVs are hung for watching sports throughout the space.
Distro Beer Hub
Location: 2412 Distribution St., Charlotte NC 28203
Distro Beer Hub, a food hall for beer that’s bringing together brews from Heist, Divine Barrel, DSSOLVR and Incendiary Brewing, has opened in South End. Look for craft cocktails, food and wine when it’s open for business, too.
Dive Bar
Location: 14 Church St. S, Concord, NC 28025
The sixth Dive Bar location in North Carolina opened over the summer, bringing a new community gathering space to Concord. Dive Bar locations are stocked with arcade game and other entertainment options, and it’s right near Benny DeCorsa’s for grabbing a slice of pizza before you go.
Dogwood: A Southern Table
Location: The Westin Charlotte, 601 S College St, Charlotte, NC 28202
After moving out of its SouthPark space in 2023, Dogwood: A Southern Table reopened Jan. 22 at The Westin Charlotte. The restaurant brings “contemporary Carolina cuisine” to the heart of the city with Southern classics, seasonal produce and creative cocktails.
Dolce & Amaro Artisan Bakery
Location: 101 W Worthington Ave #150, Charlotte, NC 28203
Dolce & Amaro Artisan Bakery, which is based in Greensboro, opened a Charlotte location in April in the former Pepperbox Doughnuts space. The Italian-inspired bakery offers a variety of sweet treats, pre-order cakes and coffee beverages to pair with them.
Dom’s Dive Bar
Location: 3609 South Blvd Suite C, Charlotte, NC 28209
Dom’s Dive Bar opened in late March in Lower South End. As the name suggests, you can expect a dive bar atmosphere with pool tables, darts and TVs, plus food and drink specials.
DŌZO Japanese American Kitchen
Location: 1419 East Blvd a, Charlotte, NC 28203
Popular restaurant Dozo Japanese American Kitchen packedup its City Kitch space in late September and moved into the location that formerly held popular vegan restaurant Fern, Flavors from the Garden. That dining stalwart closed last April.
EggHolic
Location: 605 N Polk St G, Pineville, NC 28134
EggHolic opened Sept. 17 in Pineville, marking the Illinois-based chain’s first location in North Carolina. The restaurant specializes in made-to-order egg dishes commonly served at Indian street carts called “lahris” such as such as egg lapeti — a burrito-like omelette filled with shredded boiled eggs and cheese.
Eggs Up Grill
Location: Multiple
South Carolina’s Eggs Up Grill is opening six new locations around the area. The team is eyeing spaces in Gastonia and Lake Norman, while two restaurants have already opened in Fort Mill and in Monroe.
Ellianos Coffee
Location: Brawley School and Stutts roads, Mooresville NC 28117
Construction has begun on a drive-through store for Ellianos Coffee, an Italian-themed chain founded by a Florida couple that’s expanding to the Carolinas. Ellianos Coffee now has 85 locations in the Southeast either open or opening soon, according to its website.
Emmy Lou’s
Location: 2400 Park Rd suite h, Charlotte, NC 28203
The team behind Customshop and Marina’s Tapas plans to open a wine bar in Dilworth named Emmy Lou’s on Dec. 19 in the former Mere’s space. Expect old world wines and snacky shareables similar to what you’d find at Customshop.
Enzo’s Italian Market
Location: 130 Matthews Station St, Matthews, NC 28105
Enzo’s Italian Market is set to open a larger space in downtown Matthews. The New York-style market, which has locations in Stallings and Lancaster, SC, will have fresh pasta and mozzarella, gelato, espresso stations and more.
ESO Artisanal Pasta
Location: Optimist Hall, 1115 N Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28206
An Italian spot featured on “The Great Food Truck Race” opened at Optimist Hall in mid-August. ESO Artisanal Pasta brings the “authentic flavors of Italy” to the food hall, with a rotating menu of fresh pasta and accompaniments.
ExitLounge CLT
Location: 410 E McCullough Dr, Charlotte, NC 28262
ExitLounge CLT opened on Dec. 20 as a space for “mature” adults, reported QCity Metro: Women have to be at least 25 and men at least 30 to get in.
FARE
Location: Queensbridge Collective, 1111 South Tryon, Charlotte NC 28203
FARE — a fast-casual restaurant that had originally aimed to open in Charlotte’s Monarch Market — has switched gears. Now, the Chicago-based and woman-owned restaurant offering all-day breakfast, customizable bowls and seasonal specials plans to open in the Queen City at Queensbridge Collective in late fall.
Flame Bistro & Bar
Location: 10223 Mcintyre Rdg Rd, Pineville, NC 28134
Flame Bistro & Bar — located right where Charlotte, Pineville and Fort Mill come together — opened in Pineville in May with. a menu of Asian fusion cuisine. Expect familiar lunchtime favorites and out-of-the-box chef’s specialties at dinner.
Flora
Location: 2120 South Blvd #1, Charlotte, NC 28203
Flora, a New York restaurant crafting American cuisine, is coming to the space that once held The Eagle Food & Beer Hall, Charlotte Business Journal reported. It serves lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, with dishes including edamame hummus, butternut squash arancini and chipotle glazed swordfish.
Florence Wine & Beer Garden
Location: Merino Mill, 500 South Main Street, Mooresville, NC
Florence Wine & Beer Garden — earlier announced as Copenhagen Wine & Beer Garden — joined the food options inside Merino Mill, including Alino Pizzeria, Barcelona Burger and Picasso Mediterranean. The long-awaited restaurant offers traditional Italian cuisine alongside an assortment of wines from Italy, France and Spain.
Fresh Egg Breakfast & Burgers All Day
Locations: 631 Brawley School Road, No. 406, Mooresville, NC, 28117
Fresh Egg opened this fall at the Brawley Commons shopping center, serving all-day burgers, brunch and breakfast. The restaurant is part of the regional Fresh Chef Restaurant chain.
Fontana di Vino
Location: 4905 Ashley Park Lane, Charlotte, North Carolina 28210
Location: 416 S Main St., Davidson, NC 28036
Italian restaurant Fontana di Vino, a partnership between Famous Toastery CEO Robert Maynard and former “Hell’s Kitchen” chef Scott Leibfried, opened in Charlotte for dinner service Friday, May 16. Expect an Italian steakhouse vibe, with a fresh mozzarella bar and a beverage program heavy on Italian cocktails and wines from the restaurant, which also has a Lake Norman location on the way in the former Davidson Ice House space.
The Garrison: A Cocktail Bar + Restaurant
Location: 15083 Molokai Dr, Tega Cay, SC 29708
The Garrison is expanding from Pineville to open a new location in the former Shore Club space in Tega Cay. The restaurant plans to open in spring of 2026, pairing up the restaurant’s original menu with the pizza offerings found at Margaux’s, which is next door to The Garrison in Pineville and shares the same owner.
Gibson Mill Market
Location: 325 McGill Ave NW, Concord, NC 28027
Gibson Mill Market has added two new vendors, Mediterranean eatery Piatto Fresco and gelato shop Gelato di Luna to its lineup. Both opened in May.
Giddy Goat Coffee Roasters
Location: 1217 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205
Location: New Bern Street, South End
Giddy Goat Coffee Roasters, a popular cafe in Plaza Midwood, opened a new space in South End in November. The new location boasts a larger kitchen and a warehouse to support the cafe.
Ginny’s Whiskey Bar
Location: 214 W Tremont Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203
Ginny’s Whiskey Bar is slated to open in late December or early January, replacing the former Broken Promises cocktail lounge. Expect Irish pub vibes and food truck etas.
Greco Fresh Grille
Location: 106 S Sharon Amity Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
Greco Fresh Grille opened a new location at Cotswold Village in the space that was home to Wolfman Pizza for over 30 years. The local chain offers gyros, kebabs and other Mediterranean food.
Groovers Listening Bar
Location: 1510 S. Mint St., Charlotte NC
Groovers Listening Bar is expanding from Charleston, moving into the South End space where Cloud was located. A timeline for opening has not yet been shared.
Guard and Grace
Location: Queensbridge Collective, 1111 S. Tryon St. Charlotte NC 28203
Guard and Grace, a modern steakhouse with locations in Denver and Houston, will open up a Charlotte location in 2026, Charlotte Business Journal reports. Expect high-end steaks on the menu, along with options that a raw bar and other seafood selections.
Half Shell
Location: Linea, 2161 Hawkins St, Charlotte, NC 28203
Seafood restaurant Half Shell is coming to the Linea development in South End, Charlotte Business Journal reports. The restaurant is a partnership between restaurateur Jeff Van Dyke and his son, Connor, along with chef Bruce Moffett, the news organization said.
Hank’s Wings Company
Location: 2729 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28206
Hank’s Wings Company is slated to open in summer 2026 in the Tryon Plaza on North Tryon Street, Ascent Real Estate Partners said via Instagram. Offerings will include wings, Nashville-style fried chicken tenders, sandwiches and more.
Haraz Coffee House
Location: Concord
Location: Fort Mill
Location: 15205 John J Delaney Dr Ste B, Charlotte, NC 28277
Location: South & Hollis in Lower South End, 3441 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28209
Location: Verde at McCullough Station, 8320 University Executive Park Dr, Charlotte, NC 28262
Haraz, a Yemeni coffee shop that has quickly taken off in Plaza Midwood, is adding several more locations in the area. Its new Lower South End shop opened in May, and a Ballantyne spot opened in November. The University City location opened on Dec. 19.
Harvest Artisan Cafe
Location: 14212 Statesville Rd B5, Huntersville, NC 28078
Harvest Artisan Cafe opened this spring in Lake Norman to serve made-to-order smoothies, acai bowls, salads, toasts, paninis, wraps and more, using “fresh, locally sourced ingredients.” Go for breakfast or lunch, or pick up an early dinner, as it closes up shop at 5 p.m. on weekdays and 4 p.m. on weekends.
Heist Brewery
Location: 2909 N Davidson St STE 200, Charlotte, NC 28205
After an accidental fire shut down Heist Brewery in NoDa, the team announced that it plans to reopen soon. According to an Instagram post, its facility will be back in action soon with an updated catering menu and other upgrades.
Henrietta’s
Location: 117 Southside Drive, Charlotte, NC 28217
The co-founders of Rally, Meg Charity and Barrett Worthington, have built the former Rally Annex building into a standalone restaurant named Henrietta’s, with chef/owner Andres Kaifer of Customshop and Marina’s Tapas crafting the menu. A July 18 opening brought crispy gnocchi, fresh pasta and shareable, seasonal bites.
The Iberian Pig
Location: 110 East, 110 East Blvd.,Charlotte, NC 28203
The Iberian Pig, a tapas restaurant with locations in Atlanta and Nashville, will open in South End in 2026, Charlotte Ledger reported.
The Improper Pig
Location: 9855 Sandy Rock Pl A, Charlotte, NC 28277
Location: 204 Main St STE 102, Fort Mill, SC 29715
Location: 1600 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
After The Pizza Peel & Tap Room shut down in Plaza Midwood, plans have been underway for The Improper Pig to open in the same space. An opening date has not yet been announced for Charlotte area’s third location of the popular barbecue joint.
Inchin’s Bamboo Garden
Location: 3607 Whitehall Park Drive, Charlotte, NC
Inchin’s Bamboo Garden began welcoming customers to its second location on Sept. 5, the restaurant announced. The grand opening is slated for later in September, the owner of the new South Charlotte restaurant told CharlotteFive.
Indigo Tea + Coffee Co.
Location: 644 N Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Indigo Tea + Coffee Co. opened a new space at 644 N. Church St. in late September, taking over the former Queen City Grounds spot. It had previously shared a site with Alongside Brewing, and that location closed in July.
Jeff’s Bagel Run
Location: 2130-A Ayrsley Town Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273
A second Charlotte location of Jeff’s Bagel Run, based in Florida, opened at Ayrsley in South Charlotte on Wednesday, July 30. “Our first Charlotte location was met with such a warm welcome, and we’re thrilled to keep growing in this amazing city,” Jeff Perera, founder of Jeff’s Bagel Run, said in a news release.
Jekyll & Hyde Taphouse & Grill
Location: Multiple
Jekyll & Hyde Taphouse & Grill opened up a Fort Mill location in Baxter Village in May. The locally owned spot, which recently opened a Waxhaw location, has appetizers, soups and salads, steaks, burgers and sandwiches and more.
Juice Box
Location: 2020 Beatties Ford Road Charlotte, NC 28216
Juice Box is moving to a new space in Historic West End, offering a lineup of juice, smoothies, salads and toast. Kimberly Wilkinson — who also owns also own Members Only Tasting Room & Social and Sprinkle — opened in early May.
The Juice Pod
Location: 2151 Hawkins St., Charlotte, NC 28203
The Juice Pod, a Northeast-based brand that sells juices, salads, wraps and other foods aimed at “clean” eaters, is planning a South End location. An opening date has not yet been set.
Kaya Gastrolounge
Location: 102 Davis St, Belmont, NC 28012
Kaya Gastrolounge opened in March from the same team that closed The Bottle Tree. A new dark and moody look came along with a new menu, but the standout patio remained worthy of its CharlotteFive Readers’ Choice: Best Patio moniker. However, the short-lived restaurant closed in August.
King of Fire
Location: Multiple
King of Fire, which got its start as a food truck and expanded to a permanent space in uptown Charlotte, plans to open a 3,484-square-foot space at CrossRidge Center across the board in Indian Land, South Carolina. The pizzeria also signed a six-unit franchise deal to expand across the state to Greenville, Spartanburg and Clemson. “This is more than just selling pizza — it’s about creating an experience that people will remember,” co-owner and founder Siler Chapman said in a news release.
Knowledge Perk
Location: The Alley at Latta Arcade, 320 S Tryon St #116, Charlotte, NC 28202
Knowledge Perk, a locally owned coffee shop chain, opened its newest location at The Alley at Latta Arcade on Feb 10. The small-batch roastery offers lattes and other handcrafted beverages.
Kolapasi Indian Canteen
Location: 2040 Freeman Park Dr #100, Charlotte, NC 28273
Kolapasi Indian Canteen, a chain restaurant featuring Indian food that opened its first location in Greenville, South Carolina, opened in February in Steele Creek. Described as the “Chipotle of Indian food,” encourages diners to try options before choosing selections to put together a meal.
Krazy Curry
Location: 9101 Pineville-Matthews Rd H, Pineville, NC 28134
Location: Bank of America Plaza, 101 S Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202
Krazy Curry, which first opened in Pineville, is expanding to uptown. The Indian-Nepalese restaurant is known for its scratch-made food like vegetable samosas, paneer tikka masala, lamb vindaloo.
Kudzu Bakery
Location: 2442 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC 28203
Kudzu Bakery, a South Carolina bakery with three locations, expanded this summer with a fourth location in Charlotte. Sauces, preserves and cheeses are among the offerings, as are baked goods including breads and sweet treats.
La Bonbonnière Bakery
Location: 329 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28282
La Bonbonnière Bakery is now open in a permanent location in addition to its farmers market business, churning out gourmet cookies. Flavors rotate, but look for favorites including Biscoffmaniac, Hazelnutholic and the Sweet Caroline, with pecans and dulce de leche. A new nearby location featuring the bakery’s “cookie lab” is on the way, too, inside The Alley at Latta Arcade.
La Dolcekca Deluxe Bakery
Location: 1994 Charlotte Hwy, Mooresville, NC 28117
La Dolcekca Bakery Cafe in Montford has closed, but a new location is opening in Mooresville. Owner Karina Cooper has decided to “downsize and streamline” her menu to focus on one thing: desserts.
La Lima Sangunchería
Location: 131 E. Park Ave., Charlotte, NC 28203
The team behind Yunta Nikkei and Viva Chicken opened another fast-casual restaurant in South End. The new Peruvian cafe called La Lima sits in the former Carrabba’s with sandwiches made with slow-cooked and marinated roasted meats.
Laurel Park
Location: 4201 Congress St., Unit 190, Charlotte, NC 28209
Laurel Park plans to open in December, serving New American cuisine in the former Village Tavern space in SouthPark. Look for house-made pasta and pastries, along with small plates and entrees for daily lunch and dinner service, plus weekend brunch.
Legends Ice Cream & Churros
Location: 5708 N Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte NC 28215
Legends Ice Cream & Churros opened March 22, bringing Mexican dessert and snack options such as its Danger Esquite with Hot Cheetos, Nutella Legend with a Strawberry Paleta and Chamoy Mangonadas. Other locations are found in Greensboro and Winston-Salem.
Leluia Hall
Location: 1829 Cleveland Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203
Three years after Bonterra shut its doors, Leluia Hall took over the space formerly home to a church. The local restaurant recently was named a must-visit spot to try this winter by Bon Appetit and one of the top 25 restaurants to try in 2025 by CharlotteFive.
LILA
Location: 10901 University City Blvd., Suite 101, Charlotte N.C 28213
LILA, a smoothie and juice bar whose name stands for Love Is Love Always, opened in April, QC Metro reported. Among its menu offerings are sea moss gels and gummies, tonics and the LILA cereal bowl.
Mac’s Speed Shop + SouthBound
Location: 1954 S.C. Highway 160, Fort Mill SC 29708
Location: Crosslake Industrial Park, Knob Hill Road, Mooresville NC 28117
Long-awaited plans for a Mac’s Speed Shop and SouthBound restaurant complex have finally kicked into gear in Fort Mill. Construction was expected to be complete by the end of the year at Mac’s and in early 2026 for SouthBound, Mac’s president, Tony Salerno, has said.
Land for a Mooresville location has been purchased, as well, but the timeline for construction has not yet been set.
Mamma Ramona’s Pizzeria
Location: 201 N. Church St., Mooresville NC 28115
Owner Tyler Cherry and general manager Nate Pillow debuted Mamma Ramona’s Pizzeria last year in South End Eats, but moved the venture in January to Mooresville — their hometown. Popular selections to consider trying include its Hot Honey Pepperoni and the Caprese salad.
Maneki
Location: The Alley at Latta Arcade, 320 South Tryon St., Charlotte
A new late-night Japanese restaurant is opening at The Alley at Latta Arcade. Maneki, which does not yet have an opening date, will serve traditional Japanese grilled skewers with a variety of dipping sauces. “As with many projects, there have been some unforeseen development issues. Rest assured we have not given up on opening Maneki at Latta,” chef Sam Hart told CharlotteFive in early December.
Mariah’s Taco Spot
Location: 4090 Raleigh St., Charlotte NC 28206
After bringing her birria tacos to Charlotte foodies with her food truck and ghost kitchen service, Mariah’s Taco Spot will open its first brick-and-mortar location. The restaurant, which has tacos, oven-roasted wings and more, does not yet have an opening date.
Market on Morehead
Location: 1001 Morehead Square Drive, Charlotte NC
Market on Morehead is planning a winter opening for its 10,000-square-foot restaurant. Gourmet food, craft drinks and live music are all in the works for the sister property to Market on Main.
Marlin Bar
Location: SouthPark Mall, 4400 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
The Tommy Bahama clothing brand has opened a Marlin Bar alongside its retailer at SouthPark Mall. The bar and restaurant, which became its first North Carolina location March 20, offers island-inspired bites and craft cocktails.
Masija Beer + Bites
Location: 8320 Pineville-Matthews Rd Ste 607, Charlotte, NC
Masija, a Korean bar calling itself Charlotte’s first sojubang, opened in early December as a relaxed spot for drinking soju and snacking on light bites. It took over the space once operated by 704 Korean BBQ.
Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls
Location: 9904 Sandy Rock Place, Suite F, Charlotte, NC, 28277
Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls, a small but growing chain restaurant, opened April 23 in South Charlotte. You’ll find all kinds of lobster dishes, including lobster mac and cheese, lobster bisque and more.
Mazali
Location: City Kitch West, 2200 Thrift Rd #1, Charlotte, NC 28208
Mazali, which has operated in City Kitch for more than a year, has moved into the larger space there left when Dozo moved out. The restaurat offers Uzbek cuisine including plov (a rice dish with carrots, onions, chickpeas and raisins) and manty (steamed buns).
Mazi
Location: 1300 South Blvd. Suite 101-F, Charlotte, NC 28203
Mazi, a new Mediterranean restaurant operated by Built On Hospitality, opened in March with chef Whit Thomas leading the kitchen. Look for small plates, mezze and an adventurous wine selection, including wine flights. It’s run was short-lived, however. Mazi closed permanently in July.
McHale’s Irish Pub
Location: 3112 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205
McHale’s Irish Pub, which previously had locations in Fort Mill and in Rock Hill, has reopened in Charlotte’s NoDa neighborhood. The pub was a popular community gathering spot for food, live music and events.
Melt n Dip
Location: The Arboretum, 8008 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277
Melt n Dip, a global dessert boutique that originated in Dubai, will open its first in North Carolina location in Charlotte’s Arboretum shopping center later this year. As the name would lead you to believe, you can expect moten chocolate and dippable treats.
Metro Diner
Location: 2077 Parkway Drive, Ste 101, Indian Land, SC 29707
Metro Diner, a family-friendly comfort food restaurant, opened its first location in the Indian Land/Fort Mill area on July 7 in the CrossRidge retail-commercial center. The diner with locations in Charlotte and Matthews has been shown on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.”
Mezzo Market
Location: 1234 Market Street, Suite 101, Charlotte, NC 28201
Mezzo Market opened in late April, offering coffee, cocktails, sandwiches and other bites. The market also offers frozen meals to take home.
Mi Cariño
Location: 1440 S. Tryon St., Charlotte NC 28203
Mi Carino, a “Left-Coast Latino” restaurant from the team behind Vinyl, is slated to open in the former Vana space. Authentic, scratch-made Mexican food and a beverage program that includes small-batch mezcals and other agave spirits is in the works.
Milkshake Factory
Location: 100 W Third St, Ste A, Charlotte, NC 28202
The Milkshake Factory’s new Charlotte location joins two other North Carolina stores — one in Cary, and the other in Durham. Customers have their pick of signature creations like campfire s’mores and chocolate cake shake, and classic flavors like strawberry and chocolate.
Mooyah Burgers, Fries & Shakes
Location: Queen City Quarter, 210 E Trade St B234, Charlotte, NC 28202
Burger chain Mooyah opened a location at Queen City Quarter (the former Epicentre), bringing fries and shakes along, too. Its soft opening was Monday, June 23.
Mother’s Comfort Food & Cocktails
Location: Park Road Shopping Center, 4101 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC 28209
Mother’s Comfort Food & Cocktails — originally announced with the name Mama’s Comfort Food & Cocktails — moved into the former Cantina 1511 space in the Park Road Shopping Center in early August. The California-based restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with an extensive menu including fish, pizza and steak.
Mother of Dragons
Location: 1640 Sardis Rd N STE 110, Charlotte, NC 28270
Game cafe and wine bar Mother of Dragons opened Nov. 28. in the MoRA neighborhood, giving gamers a new space to hang out and play. Along with wine and tea, the cafe offers a number of coffee options and even has a coffee omakase experience you can reserve in advance. Food options span from breakast burritos to salads, sandwiches and wraps.
Ms DiDi’s Caribbean Kitchen
Location: 2120 Kilborne Dr, Charlotte, NC 28205
Ms DiDi’s Caribbean Kitchen, run by a mother-daughter team who made an appearance on “Guy’s Grocery Games,” opened its brick-and-mortar location April 13. The Haitian food served includes fried pork griot, stewed chicken and fried fish.
Naked Farmer
Location: 2725 South Blvd, Ste A, Charlotte, NC 28209
A Florida farm-to-table restaurant plans to put down roots in Charlotte soon. Naked Farmer, a fast-casual chain known for its locally-sourced, seasonal offerings, will open at 2725 South Boulevard in South End. An official opening date hasn’t been announced. It will be the Naked Farmer’s first North Carolina location and occupy the former Maple Street Biscuit Company space at the Sedgefield Shopping Center.
NADC Burger
Location: The Alley at Latta Arcade, 320 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Wagyu cheesebuger chain NADC Burger — which stands for Not a Damn Chance — made its way South to Charlotte, where it opened this fall at The Alley at Latta Arcade. It’s highly curated menu only includes its signature burger, tallow-fried fries and a signature cookie, although you can upgrade the fries with toppings to go “Beast mode.”
Nana Morrison’s Soul Food
Location: Multiple
Nana Morrison’s third Charlotte-area location is now open in Indian Land. The Southern restaurant, which opened in 2011, has situated its newest spot in RedStone shopping center with fried fish, pork chops, chicken, barbecue and more.
Nazo’s Mediterranean Bowls & Salads
Location: 8318 Pineville-Matthews Rd #710, Charlotte, NC 28210
Nazo’s, a fast-casual restaurant where you can taste the food before you craft your own bowl, opened in early March in South Charlotte near Pineville. There’s a Turkish spin on bowl options including lentils, quinoa, lamb and spicy chicken, and there’s gelato for dessert.
Newk’s Eatery
Location: Multiple
Mississippi’s Newk’s Eatery is set to open about 10 of its fast-casual chains in the Charlotte area, The Charlotte Observer previously reported. The Southern restaurant, known for its sandwiches, salads, soups and pizza, has plans to open up to 30 locations across North Carolina.
New York Butcher Shoppe & Wine Bar
Location: 20823 N Main St Ste C, Cornelius, NC 28031
Location: 2452 Park Rd B, Charlotte, NC 28203
Location: McLeod and Main Street, Belmont, NC
After opening in Fort Mill last summer, New York Butcher Shoppe & Wine Bar is working on a Belmont location. The family-friendly market will be opening after the team expands to Cary with a butcher and wine bar experience.
Nickyo’s Rodeo
Location: 120 W. Bland St., Charlotte, NC 28203
Nickyo’s Rodeo, a Western-themed bar first operated in Charlotte’s Eastover neighborhood from 1985 to 1994, is back to life under new ownership. The Bottle Cap Group opened the 8,600-square-foot entertainment venue in mid-June in a 85-year-old building with exposed wood trusses on Bland Street, near the Rail Yard.
Nora Mac’s
Location: 11318 N Community House Rd #200, Charlotte, NC 28277
Nora Mac’s, an Irish pub from the team behind Mary O’Neill’s in Waxhaw, opened quietly in late December in Ballantyne. Sports on the TV, bangers and mash, and — of course — pints of Guinness contributes to the cozy environment there.
North Italia
Location: 1414 S Tryon St Ste 140, Charlotte, NC 28203
Location: Birkdale Village, 8711 Lindholm Dr, Huntersville, NC 28078
North Italia, which has over 30 locations across the country, opened Feb. 26 at Birkdale Village. The Italian restaurant, which also has a spot in South End, offers scratch-made pasta, hand-tossed pizzas and more.
OG Asian Eatery + KTV
Location: 10610 Centrum Pkwy, Suite 1, Pineville, NC 28134
The OG Asian Eatery + KTV announced plans in October to take over the Centrum shopping center site where Yiding Hot Pot once operated after that restaurant quietly closed. Expect all you can eat sushi, along with hot pot and karaoke television rooms when the restaurant moves forward from its soft opening in late December.
Packard Tavern
Location: 222 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Packard Tavern, a new restaurant from industry veteran Paul Manley, is slated to open in uptown Charlotte in the former Bar One space. Look for its contemporary cuisine in spring 2026.
Paco’s Tacos & Tequila
Location: 6401 Carnegie Blvd #8a, Charlotte, NC 28211
Location: 1328 Broadcloth St, Fort Mill, SC 29715
Paco’s Tacos & Tequila opened another location outside of the city in Fort Mill on April 21. The local Tex Mex restaurant took over the former Taco Molino space at Kingsley Town Center.
The Painted Rooster
Location: 1601 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
The Painted Rooster took over the former Zada Jane’s location on June 23. Look for buckets of chicken and beer, plus salads, multiple mac ’n cheese options and putting out the “best ranch” in town. The restaurant features 68 seats inside, plus a 50-seat covered patio that’s dog-friendly.
Panko
Location: 730 E 36th St, Charlotte, North Carolina 28205
Peruvian Nikkei restaurant Panko opened this fall in NoDa with a menu including ceviche, shrimp, calamari, sushi and more.
Papi Ricko
Location: Plaza Midwood
A new Latin American restaurant and lounge hosted a grand opening on Friday, Feb. 7. The team behind Tacos Rick-O and RiCkO’s Churro Bar have brought a taste of Mexican and Latin cuisine to Plaza Midwood with a new spot called Papi Ricko Kitchen and Lounge.
The People’s Market
Location: Tranquil Court, 2810 Selwyn Ave, Charlotte, NC 28209
The People’s Market, a popular spot for dining in or picking up food on the go, opened a second location in June in Myers Park. A third location of the all-day restaurant with wraps, salads, pizza and more was expected to be on the way in LoSo. However, all locations closed in November amid financial and staffing difficulties.
Pizzeria Sapienza
Location: 2212 Park Road, Charlotte NC 28203
A second location of Pizzeria Sapienza — an uptown spot that found a home in Charlotteans hearts with NY-style pizza — opened Feb. 11 in Dilworth. The new spot is more of a takeout location, with only a few counter stools for folks to enjoy Italian specialties including pasta, subs, salads and more.
Plaza Beer Garden
Location: 325 S. Tryon St., Charlotte NC 28282
Plaza Beer Garden, a partnership among Resident Culture Brewing, Mimosa Grill and Charlotte Center City Partners, opened in early September. The open-air destination pairs live music with food from Mimosa Grill and a mobile beer bar from Resident Culture.
PoppyCox
Location: Optimist Hall, 1115 N Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28206
PoppyCox, which specializes in Nashville hot chicken and was named among the best local food trucks by CharlotteFive readers, has gone brick-and-mortar. The restaurant now operates from a new home at Optimist Hall between Marina’s Tapas and Enat Ethiopian.
Poppy’s: A Taste of Maryland
Location: 647A N.C. 16 Business N., Denver, NC 28037
Poppy’s: A Taste of Maryland opened over the summer in Lake Norman’s Denver community, selling Maryland-style jumbo lump crab cakes and sliders, along with crab soups and dip, snacks and banana bread.
PopUp Bagels
Location: Bowl at Ballantyne, 14020 Stream Way, Suite 113, Charlotte, NC 28277
Location: Multiple
A popular bagel shop opened its first Southeast location in Charlotte. PopUp Bagels, which has locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York, opened the doors Oct. 1, bringing its fresh bagels made with a “crispy crust and soft crumb center” to the Queen City.
Portofino’s
Location: Multiple
Portofino’s Ristorante Italiano e Pizzeria has expanded in the Charlotte area with a fifth location in uptown that opened Jan. 31. You’ll be able to experience classic Italian cuisine with an added “local flair” in the One Independence Center.
PostScript Restaurant
Location: 2121 Shamrock Dr, Charlotte, NC 28205
A year after Letty’s on Shamrock owner Letty Ketner shuttered the beloved restaurant in Charlotte’s Plaza Shamrock neighborhood, new life is coming to the iconic space. Now, PostScript Restaurant will open in its space, according to a filing with the city of Charlotte. PostScript’s owner confirmed the opening to CharlotteFive on Friday morning, Dec. 19, and said a full renovation is happening in the space.
The Pour Market
Location: 378 Technology Center Way, #1120, Rock Hill, SC 29730
The Pour Market opened in late November in the former space held by Middle James Brewing Co., which announced it was closing its Rock Hill location in September. The new restaurant combines a gastropub with a market and hopes to become a social hub.
The Pub At Uptown
Location: 500 W. Trade St., Suite 104, Charlotte NC
Owners Eddie Romero and Mike Ivie, who owned The Pub At Gateway for 17 years, offer a similar vibe in their newest venture: The Pub at Uptown. The pub — which opened in May — is geared toward sports fans, with a kitchen serving late-night eats until 2 a.m.
Pure Pizza
Location: 2838 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205
Pure Pizza, which once operated out of The Market at 7th Street, has now reopened in a new space. The woman-owned pizzeria offers sandwiches, salads, pastas and specialty pizzas.
Qamaria Yemeni Coffee
Location: 9325 JW Clay Blvd Suite 223, Charlotte, NC 28262
A Charlotte location of Qamaria Yemeni Coffee opened this summer. The Middle Eastern coffee shop sells coffee drinks and baked goods.
Rada Charlotte
Location: 2820 Selwyn Ave Ste 180, Charlotte, NC 28209
Rada Charlotte is now open in the former LittleSpoon space, serving contemporary American cuisine. Executive chef Callan Buckles brings to the table a background at New York City restaurants including Claud, Momofuku, The Four Horsemen and Lodi.
Reid’s Fine Foods
Location: 14015 Conlan Circle, Charlotte, NC 28277
Reid’s Fine Foods is adding a fifth location in Ballantyne and is targeting a late fall opening. “The Ballantyne store will offer the best parts of our SouthPark and Selwyn Avenue locations in a new and inviting atmosphere in which to enjoy them … with plenty of parking!,” Tom Coker, president and majority owner of Reid’s Fine Foods, said via Instagram.
Retro Bar Charlotte
Location: 200 N Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC
Retro Bar opened in mid-August where SIP Bar & Cellar once operated, bringing nostalgic songs from 80s, 90s and 2000s. The lounge is decked out with splashy art and graphics from notable moments in pop culture.
Ricci’s Hoagies
Location: Centro NoDa, 715 E 36th St, Charlotte, NC 28205
Along with Bayt Almocha, Ricci’s Hoagies will also be opening in the new Centro NoDa mixed-use development. Similiar to its two other Philadelphia locations, the sandwich shop will have authentic Italian hoagies, including veggie and chicken cutlet options.
Rio 150
Location: 8164 South Tryon St., Charlotte NC 28273
Location: 8629 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord NC 28207
Rio 150, a locally owned Mexican restaurant with two locations in Mooresville, is expanding outside of Lake Norman. Its Concord location is set to open any day now, while plans call for a Steele Creek location to open in late summer or early fall.
Roasted Tinto
Location: 4554 N Tryon St #28213, Charlotte, NC 28213
Roasted Tinto is a new bakery hidden inside the new North Tryon Street laundromat, offering a spot for you to grab a bite to eat or sip a drink while you get your laundry chores done. Pastries, sandwiches and more are among the offerings.
Royal Bliss Brewing
Location: 7532 Royal Bliss Ct, Denver, NC 28037
Location: 19149 W Catawba Ave., Cornelius, NC 28031
Lake Norman’s Royal Bliss Brewing plans to bring a second location with a microbrewery, restaurant and an outdoor beer garden to the area. Once open, the new space would total 10,000 square feet, CharlotteFive previously reported.
Sala
Location: 715 Providence Rd., Charlotte, NC 28207
Sala, a new cocktail lounge with prohibition-era vibes, opened in late summer next door to sister restaurant Stagioni. The new spot from Moffett Restaurant Group will offer a cozy bar and 20-seat lounge to serve up Mediterranean wines, snacks and more.
Salt & Honey
Location: 420 E 22nd St, Suite B, Charlotte, NC 28206
Salt & Honey, which had announced an August opening in Optimist Park as The Board Babe, rebranded before opening in early September. It offers online ordering for custom charcuterie, crudité and other boards. Grab-and-go items like sandwiches, dips, salads and daily specials are also available.
Salted Melon Market & Eatery
Location: 6809 Phillips Pl Ct, Suite A, Charlotte, NC 28210
Salted Melon Market & Eatery expanded its gourmet groceries and chef-prepared specialties shop to the SouthPark area in spring. The fast-casual market and restaurant opened its third location at Phillips Place near P.F. Chang’s and Southern Pecan Gulf Coast Kitchen.
The Salty
Location: Multiple
Now you can enjoy The Salty’s doughnuts, baked goods and handcrafted coffee at two more spots around Charlotte. The Miami-based dessert shop opened at The Bowl at Ballantyne on Oct. 3, and is also on its way to Plaza Midwood, according to the company website.
The Scoop N Scootery
Location: 2135 Thrift Road, Charlotte NC
The Scoop N Scootery, a late afternoon to late night treat shop delivering ice cream and frozen yogurt, moved into a spot this spring on Thrift Road. It’s holding a grand opening celebration Saturday, Aug. 30.
Seaboy Restaurant and Bar
Location: 20822 N Main Street, Cornelius, NC 28031
Chef Jonathan Cox opened Seaboy Restaurant and Bar in Cornelius on March 26, focusing on “good food, community and sustainability.” Cox led kitchens at Dogwood, Fin & Fino and Chapter 6 for Rare Roots Hospitality before the new Lake Norman venture.
Seemingly Overzealous
Location: 224 East Blvd Suite B, Charlotte, NC 28203
Location: 207 Griffith St, Davidson, NC 28036
Location: 126 Matthews Station St, Matthews, NC 28105
Dairy-free and allergy-friendly ice cream shop Seemingly Overzealous opened a third location in June. The new Dilworth shop comes with an added attraction — a game room filled with classic arcade games and other retro offerings. Before the end of the year, the brand announced two more locations were on the way: in Davidson and in Matthews.
Shake Shack
Location: Multiple
Shake Shack is bringing its popular burgers, milkshakes and fries to Charlotte Premium Outlets. The “modern-day roadside burger stand” opened at the New Fashion Way entrance in front of Saks Off Fifth Avenue in May.
Shipley Do-Nuts
Location: 31 Optical Ct NW, Concord, NC 28025
Texas-based Shipley Do-Nuts is making its North Carolina debut with up to five new locations in the Charlotte area. The 87-year-old doughnut chain, which offers over 60 sweet varieties plus savory Texas-style kolaches, has opened its first local franchise in Concord.
Siano’s Pizza & Pasta
Location: 5305 Waxhaw-Marvin Rd, Waxhaw, NC 28173
Waxhaw got a new neighborhood pizzeria, Siano’s Pizza & Pasta, this spring. The restaurant offerings include pizza, pasta, pasta salad, meatballs and more.
Sip & Cinder
Location: 1325 N. Broome St., Waxhaw, NC 28173
Sip & Cinder, a new restaurant from Fort Mill’s Jon and Amy Fortes, is set to take over the space vacated when Veggeez closed. Expect to see fan favorites from the couple’s other restaurants — The Flipside, Salmeri’s and FM Eatery — along with craft cocktails.
Smalls Sliders
Location: Multiple
An Atlanta-based burger chain is making its way to North Carolina — with a dozen new restaurants opening around Charlotte. Opening dates and locations have to be announced but Smalls Sliders is looking at sites in Charlotte, Matthews, Pineville, Huntersville, Indian Trail, Monroe, Gastonia, Concord, Hickory, Salisbury and Rock Hill.
The Smoke Pit Restaurant
Location: Multiple
A fan-favorite barbecue restaurant is opening another location in Lake Norman. The Smoke Pit Restaurant, which has four other restaurants across the area, will be taking over the former Sonny’s BBQ in Mooresville, CharlotteFive previously reported. It also opened a new location in the former Chili’s restaurant at the Arboretum in September.
The Social Cow
Location: The Market at 7th Street, 224 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202
The Market at 7th Street got a sweet addition to its food and drink lineup: The Social Cow. The local ice cream truck opened at the uptown food hall in the spring with several hand-scooped flavors.
Sol’ Delish
Location: 8927 J M Keynes Dr, Charlotte, NC 28262
Sol’ Delish owners Mac Stephenson and Latell Brice told QC Metro that they had outgrown their restaurant’s space at 9211 N. Tryon St., leading to a second location to open in the former Ciro’s Italian Restaurant space in University City on Sept. 27. The original location remains open for takeout only.
Soma Bistro & Cafe
Location: 2015 E. Arbors Drive, Suite 270, Charlotte NC 28262
Soma Bistro & Cafe opened May 31 near the Trader Joe’s in the former Curry N Cake Indian Restaurant space. The Soma name is meant to stand for “Serving originals, merging aromas,” owner Shiva Reddy said.
Sorellina Pasta Co.
Location: 2341 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205
Sorellina Pasta opened April 18 in Plaza Midwood. Chef and owner Kristiana Perini is selling fresh pasta, sauces, focaccia and wine.
Sora
Location: 2907 Selwyn Ave. Charlotte, NC 28209
Sora, a fine dining restaurant with a French and Asian fusion palate from the owner behind Baku and Yama, is now open. Expect highly refined tasting menus with a focus on local produce and imported proteins.
Soul Gastrolounge
Location: 4100 Raleigh St, Charlotte, NC 28206
After temporarily closing its doors, Soul Gastrolounge made a comeback at a new space. The local restaurant reopened at The Pass, a new mixed-use development in NoDa, in late August with the same menu and the same vibes.
Sours
Location: Camp North End, 300 Camp Rd, Suite 103, Charlotte NC 28206
Lorem Ipsum cocktail bar owner Justin Hazelton has opened a sister spot called Sours at Camp North End. The micro bar is nestled in a corner space near the communal area outside of the plant shop and Camp North End offices, serving sour-based cocktails and mocktails.
Space Hot Pot
Location: Rea Farms, 9905 Sandy Rock Place, Suite A, Charlotte, NC 28277
Space Hot Pot is joining the lineup of food and drink spots at Rea Farms. Once open, the “interactive dining experience” will allow you to be the chef of your own meal tableside with your selection of vegetables, seafood, meat and noodles for your broth.
Spaghett
Location: 224 W 10th St. Charlotte, NC
Craft pasta and cocktail house Spaghett opened over the summer. The new restaurant, led by James Beard Award finalist Sam Hart with executive chef Kendall Moore and mixologist Amanda Britton, sits in the former Poplar space in the Fourth Ward area. Don’t miss ordering the signature drink — a Spaghett, of course.
Suffolk Punch Brewing
Location: 16912 Birkdale Commons Pkwy., Huntersville, NC 28078
Suffolk Punch Brewing’s Birkdale Village location opened Saturday, Dec. 13. Permit and construction delays had knocked the project off its original plan to open in 2024.
Summit Coffee
Location: 4701 Goose Crk Dr Ste B, Charlotte, NC 28269
Summit Coffee, which has nearly a dozen cafes in the Charlotte area, opened its latest early in the year in Highland Creek’s Cascadia development. Brian Helfrich, CEO of Summit Coffee, said in a news release: “We’re thrilled to be part of the Cascadia development, and Highland Creek on a larger scale.
Surefire Market
Location: 301 Camp Road, Charlotte NC 28206
Surefire Market, which got its start in Rock Hill, opened a new location at Camp North End this summer. Expect late-night options for smashburgers and fried chicken sandwiches, along with convenience store staples.
Sushi Rosé
Location: 225 S Poplar Street Charlotte, NC 28202
Sushi Rosé is planning a spring 2026 opening in the former Haymaker space in uptown Charlotte. The Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant got its start in Winston-Salem, offering dishes such as lomo saltado, sushi, crudo and more.
Sushi Taku
Location: 1300 South Blvd., Charlotte NC 28203
Chicago-based all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant Sushi Taku moved into the former LIncoln’s Haberdashery space, Charlotte Business Journal reported. Expect afternoon and evening hours, and a modern design.
Sweetgreen
Location: Multiple
Sweetgreen has signed a lease with Crosland Southeast and Nuveen Real Estate to open a location at the Commonweath development in Plaza Midwood. A Birkdale Village location opened this June, as well.
Sycamore Brewing
Location: Cotswold Village Shopping Center, 282 S Sharon Amity Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
Sycamore Brewing has plans in the works for a new location with a beer garden set to open next summer, Axios Charlotte reported in March.
Szechuan Mansion Hotpot
Location: The Arboretum, 8008 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277
Szechuan Mansion Hotpot is now open in Charlotte at The Arboretum, joining a growing variety of international food options there. The restaurant also has two locations in the Triangle.
Tacos 4 Life
Location: Multiple
After opening the doors of its newest Mooresville location, Tacos 4 Life debuted its new Dilworth location. The fast-casual taco spot opened Tuesday, Jan. 7.
Taco Roos
Location: 9615 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC
Taco Roos, a concept from the team at Cook Out, was potentially on its way to the University City area, but instead a second Cook Out popped up. In Wilmington, there’s a Cook Out/Taco Roos hybrid, but it remains to be seen whether that will be the case in Charlotte, as the company has declined to speak on the matter.
Taipei Express
Location: 731 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207
Location: RedStone, Red Stone Drive, Indian Land, SC 29707
Charlotte’s Taipei Express has opened a new location across state lines in Indian Land. The local Chinese restaurant joined the RedStone shopping center alongside the new Nana Morrison’s Soul Food.
Taqueria No. 1
Location: 3619 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28205
Taqueria No. 1 originally opened in 2021, but a fire closed the shop. A year and a half later, Taqueria No. 1 reopened in early November with flautas, quesabirrilla, churros and other Mexican favorites.
Teranga City Charlotte
Location: 750 W Morehead St, Charlotte, NC 28208
Teranga City Charlotte, a bar, bistro and hookah lounge that got its start in Atlanta, opened March 21 near Bank of America Stadium in uptown Charlotte. “Teranga” means hospitality in Senegalese, and while the menu is heavy on American bar food, it does offer a few tastes of West Africa — including jollof rice.
Tipsy Pickle
Location: Camp North End, 201 Camp Road, Suite 107, Charlotte, NC 28206
Pickleball lovers — rejoice! A new complex with three bars and a Tex-Mex menu opened at Camp North End on Feb. 22. Tipsy Pickle will feature four indoor and two outdoor pickleball courts, along with golf simulators, ping pong, pool tables, shuffleboard, cornhole and darts.
Tous les Jours
Location: 16709 Orchard Stone Run, Charlotte NC 28277
A third Charlotte-area location of Tous Les Jours opened Feb. 27 in the Ballantyne area. The French Asian bakery offers croissants, pastries and bread, along with signature cakes.
True Food Kitchen
Location: Multiple
True Food Kitchen is expected to open its first Charlotte location in South End soon. The Phoenix-based restaurant chain will be moving into the Linea South End mixed-use residential tower.
Truva Turkish Kitchen
Location: 9213 Baybrook Ln, Charlotte, NC 28277
Truva Turkish Kitchen, based in Ohio, opened its first Queen City restaurant in October in the former Riccio’s Italian Restaurant spot in Touchstone Village. Menu items include lamb shish kebabs marinated in a special sauce and served with veggies and bulgur pilaf.
Tyber Creek Pub
Location: 1501 S Mint St, Charlotte, NC 28203
After closing down its flagship location, the team behind Tyber Creek Pub has now taken over the space formerly home to 1501 South Mint bar. It reopened June 30 in a refreshed space with an expansive patio, featuring a food truck outside and a kitchen inside.
Uchi and Uchibā
Location: Commonwealth, Pecan Avenue and Central Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28205
A new sushi concept led by James Beard award-winning chef and sushi master is coming to Charlotte. Uchi, which offers its non‑traditional approach to Japanese cuisine, is opening its first North Carolina location in Plaza Midwood in early 2026. It’s also bringing along a more casual sister concept, cocktail bar Uchibā.
Unnamed restaurant in former King’s Kitchen space
Location: 129 W. Trade St., Charlotte NC 28202
A new tenant will replace what was The King’s Kitchen, commercial real estate firm Rebel Rebel CRE teased in a Dec. 11 Instagram post. The restaurant name and its cuisine has not yet been made public.
Vampire Penguin
Location: 212 E. Main Street, Rock Hill, SC
You can enjoy shaved “snow” treats at the new Vampire Penguin now open in Rock Hill. The dessert shop was originally expected to open in the summer 2024 with its Mexican Candy, Thai Tea Snow and Halo Halo and other unique flavors, but it was met with construction delays.
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
Location: 1711 Commonwealth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is popping up with more scoop shops across the country this year, including its first North Carolina location in Charlotte. The New York City-based chain opened its newest location in Plaza Midwood on Sept. 4.
Vavela Cafe
Location: 440 E McCullough Dr a210, Charlotte, NC
Vavela Cafe, a Turkish coffee shop in the University City area that uses a wood-fired roaster to enhance its coffee flavors, opened in mid-February. Along with drinks, the cafe also offers paninis, salads and desserts.
The VRTX Restaurant & Bar
Location: 7800A Stevens Mills Rd., Stallings NC 28104
The VRTX Restaurant and Bar opened this spring in Stallings as a spinoff to Vortex Bottle Shop in Harrisburg. The new restaurant offers craft beer and local Carolina flavors including seasonally-inspired salads, burgers and pimento cheese dip.
The Wafflery
Location: 2817 Rozzelles Ferry Rd, Charlotte, NC 28208 (second location)
Fans of The Wafflery in Charlotte have a new spot to fill up on the restaurant’s famous waffles, biscuits and grits. The eatery, known for its classic breakfast and lunch, has opened a second location at 2817 Rozzelles Ferry Road in West Charlotte. The grand opening celebration was Saturday, Dec. 13.
Wakey Wakey
Location: 1640 Sardis Road N, B160, Charlotte, NC 28270
Wakey Wakey, a new brunch spot that was originally going to be called Brunchtime, opened in early December in the former Mezcali Mexican Restaurant space. Look for a variety of breakfast and lunch offerings, plus wine and cocktails.
Whataburger
Location: Multiple
Plans are underway for multiple Whataburger restaurants to open around the Charlotte area. A Gastonia location opened in May, and the Hickory and Indian Land, SC, locations followed. A Clear Creek Crossing location near Mint Hill joined the locations, and a filing was listed for a location at 13721 Mallard Creek Road.
The Texas-based chain’s other North Carolina locations are expected to open by fall in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Archdale and High Point, a Whataburger spokesman confirmed to CharlotteFive. The restaurant also lists a Mooresville location, and a Rock Hill store is opening in 2026.
The Writer’s Room
Location: 3123 N Davidson St STE 104, Charlotte, NC 28205
According to Charlotte Business Journal, the owner of The People’s Market had been working on opening a new concept called The Writer’s Room. The NoDa bar, nestled in the former Protagonist space, will have cocktails, craft beer and small bites. It’s unclear whether the plans remain in progress.
Yassou Greek Cuisine
Location: 1039 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207
A Greek restaurant took over the space formerly home to Volo in the Eastover neighborhood in early March. Yassou Greek offers a menu of family recipes handed down “generation after generation,” with several lamb dishes.
Yugenn
Location: 225 W. Bland St.., Charlotte, NC 28203
Yugenn, a new restaurant from local restaurateurs and sisters Lisa and Linda Nguyen, combines elevated Japanese cuisine with music, drinks and a high-energy vibe. Expect sushi, hot plates and a DJ.
Zamindar’s Club House
Location: 155 New Bern St, Charlotte, NC 28203
Zamindar’s Club House is slated to open in South End in early 2026 in the former Link & Pin space. The fine dining restaurant will feature dishes by Michelin-recommended chef Vamshi Adi of New York, who puts a modern take on traditional Indian cuisine.
Zeko’s Village Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
Location: 6175 NC 150 East, Denver NC 28037
Zeko’s Village Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria moved from Morganton to Lake Norman on April 8, taking over a familiar red building that previously held a different pizzeria and long ago, a drive-through beer store. The family-owned restaurant serves NY-style pizza, along with dishes the owner’s children enjoyed growing up.
Information was contributed by Chyna Blackmon, Heidi Finley, Joe Marusak, Catherine Muccigrosso, Tanasia Kenney and others.
Uniquely Charlotte: Uniquely Charlotte is an Observer subscriber collection of moments, landmarks and personalities that define the uniqueness (and pride) of why we live in the Charlotte region.
This story was originally published January 7, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
.jpg)