Food and Drink

5 impactful changes in Charlotte’s restaurant landscape this year

Stories by Charlotte Observer journalists, with AI summarization

Charlotte’s restaurant scene saw significant shifts this year, with notable closures and strategic openings. Longtime favorites like Duckworth’s in Ballantyne and Lebowski’s Neighborhood Grill in Dilworth closed their doors, making way for new concepts. Former Carolina Panther Marcus Lucas’ Krustaceans Seafood also said goodbye after five years.

Amid the closures, fresh ventures emerged, such as Rada, a contemporary American restaurant by Eloy Roy and NYC chef Callan Buckles. Salted Melon Market also expanded, adding a new Phillips Place location to its growing presence.

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

The team behind Reid’s Fine Foods is opening Salted Melon, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner along with healthy, gourmet foods. By The Plaid Penguin/LunahZon Photography

NO. 3: CHARLOTTE SPOT NAMED BEST NEW RESTAURANT IN NC IS OPENING ANOTHER LOCATION SOON

Healthy, gourmet meals on the way: When and where Salted Melon Market & Eatery is expanding. | Published January 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon

Lebowski’s Neighborhood Grill was renovated with help from the team of Reid’s Fine Foods. By Kendall Coker

NO. 4: MOVIE-THEMED CHARLOTTE RESTAURANT CLOSES AFTER NEARLY 15 YEARS FOR A TACO SPOT TO TAKE OVER

Here’s what to know about the new restaurant taking over the Dilworth space. | Published March 31, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon

James Hettinger, executive chef-owner of the former Chefry’s Blue Smoke BBQ restaurant in Mooresville. The restaurant has permanently closed, according to a sign on its door on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. By JOE MARUSAK

NO. 5: MOORESVILLE BARBECUE RESTAURANT RATED AMONG ‘AMERICA’S BEST’ HAS CLOSED, OWNER SAYS

“We cherished every moment serving you, however we are no longer open,” a notice on the shuttered restaurant’s front door reads. | Published April 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joe Marusak

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.