Food and Drink

7 key restaurant stories defining Charlotte this year

Stories by Charlotte Observer journalists, with AI summarization

Charlotte’s food scene is sizzling with change this year, as restaurants open, close, and overhaul their menus. This list of stories outlines the final chapter for favorites like the Good Wurst Company and Krustaceans Seafood, while newcomers like Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls and Clark’s Snack Bar pick up the torch.

Suffolk Punch Brewing is reviving energy in Birkdale Village with a new rooftop taproom, and Tipsy Pickle is serving Tex-Mex and pickleball at Camp North End. National names like Burtons Grill & Bar are expanding, while chains like On The Border are retreating. These stories capture Charlotte’s hunger for reinvention and its ever-growing appetite for fresh flavors.

Krustaceans’ Crab & Shrimp Platter is served in a butter bath with sausage, potatoes, corn and a hard-boiled egg. By Alex Cason

NO. 1: FORMER PANTHERS PLAYER’S CHARLOTTE RESTAURANT CLOSES ITS DOORS AFTER 5 YEARS

The team behind the Lowcountry seafood spot announced its closing over the weekend. | Published January 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon

Mazi’s menu will focus on Mediterranean mezze and small plates.

NO. 2: NEW LATIN LOUNGE, PIZZA PLACE, PICKLEBALL COMPLEX AND MORE: FEBRUARY’S FOOD SCENE IN CHARLOTTE

10 restaurants opened, 7 closed in February + 11 more will join Charlotte’s food scene. | Published March 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley

On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and is closing restaurants. By JILL TOYOSHIBA

NO. 3: A NATIONAL TEX-MEX CHAIN IS CLOSING RESTAURANTS. WILL ANY IN THE CHARLOTTE AREA SHUT DOWN?

The company, which has about 60 restaurants across the United States, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. | Published March 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Renee Umsted

Burtons Grill & Bar will seat 152 diners inside and 93 outside at its location opening soon near Lake Norman.

NO. 4: POPULAR EAST COAST INDOOR-OUTDOOR RESTAURANT CHAIN OPENS IN LAKE NORMAN-AREA LOCATION SOON

The made-from-scratch menu includes appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, seafood and prime steaks, plus gluten-free, allergy-friendly options. | Published March 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joe Marusak

Clark’s Snack Bar, owned by Lincoln Clark, has taken over the space where he originally opened The Good Wurst. By Mary Ramsey

NO. 5: MISS THE GOOD WURST IN CHARLOTTE? THE NEXT BEST THING HAS JUST OPENED — IN THE SAME SPOT

Clark’s Snack Bar offers a menu that will likely seem pretty familiar. | Published March 31, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley

The opening of Suffolk Punch Brewing’s third location, in Birkdale Village near Lake Norman, is back on track after construction delays and a year of getting town of Huntersville permit approvals, owner Seth Stidham said on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. By JOE MARUSAK

NO. 6: LAKE NORMAN LOCATION OF CHARLOTTE BREWERY BACK ON TRACK AFTER DELAYS, CO-OWNER SAYS

Look for Suffolk Punch Brewing to open its Huntersville space this year. | Published April 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joe Marusak Heidi Finley

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls is opening in Charlotte on April 23. By Helen Norman

NO. 7: NEW LUXURY LUNCH OPTION WITH A MENU FULL OF LOBSTER IS COMING SOON TO CHARLOTTE

Lobster rolls, lobster mac and lobster bisque are heading our way — and there’s a chance for free food and merch, too. | Published April 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley

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.