Food and Drink

7 big moves that have shaped Charlotte’s food scene this year

Stories by Charlotte Observer journalists, with AI summarization

Charlotte’s food scene has witnessed transformation this year through a mix of ambitious openings, strategic revivals, and notable closures. Iconic restaurants such as Duckworth’s and Link & Pin shut down select locations, making way for fresh culinary concepts and future developments.

Meanwhile, the revival of McHale’s Irish Pub and the reopening of Let’s Meat KBBQ marked a return of beloved neighborhood staples.

New projects like Rada, led by a New York City chef, and adaptive reuse ventures like Leluia Hall signaled an upward trend in upscale, creatively repurposed dining spaces.

Additionally, the emergence of Distro Beer Hub and the expansion of Rio 150 Mexican Restaurant exemplified the city’s appetite for diverse and experiential food destinations.

Rada is the brainchild of young restaurateur, Eloy Roy, formerly of Oggi and The Lights.

NO. 1: NEW RESTAURANT RADA QUIETLY OPENS IN FORMER LITTLE SPOON SPACE, WITH ACCLAIMED NYC CHEF

The Charlotte restaurant’s new executive chef Chef Callan Buckles worked at Claud, Momofuku, The Four Horsemen, and Lodi — an impressive lineup with recognition in New York Times, the Michelin Guide, Eater, Bon Appetit and more. | Published January 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kayleigh Ruller

Link & Pin has a restaurant location at The Arboretum in Charlotte and another in Huntersville.

NO. 2: TWO POPULAR CHARLOTTE RESTAURANTS PERMANENTLY CLOSE SOUTH END, BALLANTYNE LOCATIONS

“We’re in the midst of evaluating several exciting opportunities for the future of these spaces — including the possibility of a new dining concept,” the owner said. | Published January 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon

Distro Beer Hub is opening at 2412 Distribution St. in Charlotte. By Google Street View

NO. 3: A FOOD HALL FOR CRAFT BEER? IT’S OH-SO-CHARLOTTE, AND YES, IT’S COMING TO SOUTH END.

Soon, some of the state’s most innovative breweries will come together in one spot. | Published March 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley

Let’s Meat KKBQ is located in Charlotte’s South End neighborhood at 1400 S Church St B. By Courtesy of Let's Meat KKBQ

NO. 4: SOUTH END RESTAURANT REOPENS ITS DOORS ONE YEAR AFTER TEMPORARILY SHUTTING DOWN

The local restaurant, which closed after a fire, had at least $25,000 in property loss from the blast. | Published March 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon

McHale’s Irish Pub, shown in 2016 at its former Rock Hill location, operated there for 16 years and in Fort Mill for 17 years. The pub is reopening in Charlotte. By Google Street View

NO. 5: MCHALE’S IS BACK: IRISH PUB WITH STRONG TIES TO FORT MILL, ROCK HILL WILL REOPEN IN CHARLOTTE

Back on tap: The Irish pub, with 20+ years in SC before its 2020 closure, is brewing up something new in NoDa. Here’s what you want to know. | Published March 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Sunny Hubler

Rio 150’s Aparrillada. By Creart Design Studio

NO. 6: A LAKE NORMAN MEXICAN RESTAURANT IS TAKING OVER A FORMER CHILI’S LOCATION IN CHARLOTTE

Coming this summer: Traditional tacos, enormous margs and more. | Published April 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley

The main dining area at Leluia Hall, awaiting tables. By Alex Cason

NO. 7: VIP ACCESS: A SNEAK PEEK AT CHARLOTTE’S HOTTEST NEW RESTAURANT, OPENING SOON

The “steak and seafood extravaganza” has already gotten national attention — and we’re very close to getting our first taste. | Published April 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley Alex Cason

Harper’s Cafe is now open in Pineville, serving its famous chicken supremes from the restaurant that closed in 2024. “Welcome back!! We missed you,” Thomas Peyton Limberakis wrote on the restaurant’s Instagram post about its return. “My wife and I are planning our visit soon! We are Charlotte natives and love you guys!” By Tonya Russ Price

NO. 8: ‘WE ARE CHARLOTTE NATIVES AND LOVE YOU GUYS’: A CLASSIC EATS RESTAURANT REOPENS.

We lost a Charlotte favorite last year — it was closed to make room for a bank. Now, with fast-casual breakfast food and a commissary kitchen, Harper’s Cafe marks a new chapter for Charlotte’s iconic restaurant. | Published June 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kayleigh Ruller

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.