Food and Drink

5 times visiting foodies have had something to say about Charlotte’s food scene

Stories by Charlotte Observer journalists, with AI summarization

Visiting foodies have not held back their opinions on Charlotte’s food scene. Dave Portnoy’s critiques of Charlotte pizzerias, including King of Fire and Bird Pizzeria, sparked debate but also brought locals out for special pizza deals. TikTok’s Keith Lee is planning stops at both classic and trendy Charlotte restaurants after thousands urged him to visit.

Food influencer Mr. Chimetime highlighted Eggroll Company as a hidden gem, helping it to grow beyond its food truck. And a couple of years ago, critical reviews by Hungry Black Man led to candid discussions with prominent restaurateurs like Greg and Subrina Collier, showing that Charlotte’s food culture is constantly evolving and open to both praise and tough feedback.

NO. 1: HUNGRY FOR A SHOWDOWN: CHARLOTTE CHEF CONFRONTS FOOD CRITIC ON BLACK RESTAURANT REVIEWS

Restaurateurs Greg and Subrina Collier and Hungry Black Man Starex Smith traded words in a verbal battle — and broadcast it all on Facebook live. | Published June 12, 2023 | Read Full Story by Emiene Wright

King of Fire food truck owner Siler Chapman has two brick-and-mortar locations — one in uptown Charlotte and one opening in Clover, SC.

NO. 2: PORTNOY, WHO? ALL WE CARE ABOUT IS GETTING A PIZZA FOR $4.90 IN CHARLOTTE

King of Fire’s Charlotte 49er owner is flipping the tables on a 4.9 rating by offering us a deal on pizza. | Published May 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley

Eggroll Company is opening a permanent location this fall at Camp North End.

NO. 3: GROWING FOODIE SPOT JUMPING INTO FORMER BABE & BUTCHER SPACE AT CAMP NORTH END AFTER A VISIT FROM MR. CHIMETIME

Long lines for its lineup of sweet-and-savory creations have put this restaurant on the move yet again. A couple of visits from Mr. Chimetime — a national food influencer who has called Eggroll Company “the biggest hidden gem in Charlotte” — didn’t hurt, either. | Published May 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley

Mazi’s Tuna Kofta and Grilled Little Gem Lettuce. By Field Day Marketing

NO. 4: ‘DIET ATLANTA?’ THIS GOLF PODCASTER HAS NO CLUE HOW GOOD CHARLOTTE’S FOOD SCENE IS

Charlotte has been put on notice, but so have you, Todd Schuster. | Published May 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Timothy DePeugh

A TikTok screen grab shows food influencer Keith Lee visiting a food truck in Clayton, NC.

NO. 5: WHICH CHARLOTTE RESTAURANTS SHOULD TIKTOK FOOD CRITIC KEITH LEE CHECK OUT?

We’re curious. If it were up to you, what local food and drink spots would you send Keith Lee to? | Published May 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.