Food and Drink

‘Heartbroken.’ Another Charlotte-area restaurant is closing its doors

Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways

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  • Kaya Gastrolounge in Belmont will permanently close after Aug. 17, 2025.
  • The restaurant opened in March 2025 after renovating the former Bottle Tree site.
  • Kaya featured African, Caribbean and French tapas in a celebrated patio setting.

Another Charlotte-area restaurant is closing its doors, leaving guests less than a week to grab one last bite.

Kaya Gastrolounge will shut down after its final service Sunday, Aug. 17, the business announced on Instagram. The owners didn’t cite a reason for the closure but said the decision “was not made lightly.”

“Kaya has been more than just a restaurant, it’s been a home for creativity, connection and unforgettable moments,” the restaurant said.

“We’ve laughed, celebrated and shared countless memories with all of you, and none of it would’ve been possible without your support.”

A stylish restaurant and bar interior with dark blue walls and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The room has light wood flooring and is furnished with several tables featuring white faux marble tops and dark gray chairs. In the back, a bar area is illuminated by warm lighting, with a green bar counter and black barstools. The decor includes modern artwork, a sunburst mirror on the wall, and various potted plants. The lighting is a mix of recessed spotlights and hanging fixtures, casting a cozy glow on the space.
The dining area at Kaya Gastrolounge in Belmont. Alex Cason CharlotteFive

The eatery, offering a tapas-style menu featuring African, Caribbean and French cuisines, had been serving foodies in the Historic Belmont District since it opened in March. Formerly The Bottle Tree, the restaurant was voted best patio in the Charlotte area by CharlotteFive readers in 2024.

The latter closed in February and, after a full renovation, reopened as Kaya Gastrolounge in early March.

Two restaurateurs are standing and talking on a concrete sidewalk outside a small, blue building with a sign that reads “KAYA.” The person on the left has a beard and is wearing a gray polo shirt, green pants, and bright yellow-green sneakers. The individual on the right, with a beard and tattoos on his arms, is wearing a black patterned shirt and black pants, with his hand on his hip. A blue railing runs along a ramp leading to the building’s front door. The ground around the building is covered with brown mulch and small bushes. The sky is overcast and the trees are bare.
Gabriel Sawhney and Taylor Daniel of Kaya Gastrolounge. Alex Cason CharlotteFive

“Thank you for all the support,” the restaurant owners told CharlotteFive via Instagram. “We will miss each and every one of you.”

A photograph of a rustic but modern outdoor patio bar and dining area. The space has a wooden floor and a slatted wooden ceiling with exposed beams. A long bar with a gray countertop is lined with several high-top barstools featuring a blue and white woven pattern. High-top tables with matching chairs are arranged throughout the space. Several tall, stainless steel outdoor heaters are visible, along with a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall behind the bar. The space is well-lit and appears ready for customers.
Part of the outdoor bar and patio seating at Kaya Gastrolounge in Belmont. Alex Cason CharlotteFive

News of the restaurant’s closure prompted a flood of reactions from heartbroken locals.

  • “So sad to hear,” belmontncliving commented on its Instagram post. “You will be missed but we wish you all the best!”
  • “You were our go to place when we had company in town!” said Becky Borchers Monago. “Comedy, music, covered patio. Sorry to see you go.”
  • “Oh no heartbreaking for sure!! Best place in Belmont,” Carrie White commented.
A close-up, top-down shot of a dish of meatballs in a cast-iron skillet. The large meatballs are covered in a rich red tomato sauce and a generous layer of melted white cheese. They are garnished with fresh microgreens. To the right of the skillet, several slices of toasted, crusty bread with visible grill marks are stacked on a wooden cutting board.
Meatballs at Kaya Gastrolounge in Belmont. Kaya Gastrolounge

Kaya Gastrolounge

Location: 102 Davis St, Belmont, NC 28012

Menu

Cuisine: Small plates, tapas, brunch

Instagram: @kayagastrolounge

A close-up, side-angle shot of a large, halved bone filled with roasted marrow, topped with a generous portion of shredded meat. The dish is garnished with thin red chili rings, fresh white onion pieces, and is served on a dark wooden platter. A sprinkle of sea salt is visible on the platter. The background is blurred, showing other dishes on a table.
Bone marrow served at Kaya Gastrolounge in Belmont. Kaya Gastrolounge

This story was originally published August 13, 2025 at 12:38 PM.

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Profile Image of Tanasia Kenney
Tanasia Kenney
Sun Herald
Tanasia is a service journalism reporter at the Charlotte Observer | CharlotteFive, working remotely from Atlanta, Georgia. She covers restaurant openings/closings in Charlotte and statewide explainers for the NC Service Journalism team. She’s been with McClatchy since 2020.
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