Food and Drink

Restaurant openings and closings shaping Charlotte's 2025 dining scene

Stories by Charlotte Observer journalists, with AI summarization

The articles focus on recent changes in Charlotte’s restaurant scene, highlighting both new openings and permanent closings. Many stories emphasize how local favorites evolve, shift location, or end operations, while several new spots launch with anticipation.

Beyond Amazing Donuts closed its brick-and-mortar location after three years, but the owner now sells at farmers markets.

Dogwood Southern Table and Bar reopened at The Westin Charlotte after a previous closure and now offers both classic and new menu items.

Whataburger announced an aggressive expansion, with its first North Carolina spot opening in Gastonia and more locations coming to the Charlotte area.

McHale’s Irish Pub returned, this time in NoDa, bringing back pub fare and craft beers.

Rio 150, a Mexican restaurant, is set to open a new outpost in Steele Creek, expanding from its Lake Norman roots.

The Pub At Uptown opened, reviving the spirit of a long-running neighborhood hangout with familiar menu options and sports appeal.

Cuzzo’s Cuisine closed its Charlotte Premium Outlets location but continues operating a food truck while exploring future plans.

Together, these examples show Charlotte’s dining options in flux, as some restaurants relocate or branch out, and others close for good.

Noche Bruta had a menu of papas, flautas, tacos and more. By Unify Visual Marketing

NO. 1: THE DOORS ARE CLOSED: THESE ARE THE CHARLOTTE RESTAURANTS WE’VE PERMANENTLY LOST IN 2025

Rent issues, retirements and personal reasons are behind the closures in Charlotte’s food and drink scene. | Published January 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by CharlotteFive staff

Dogwood Southern Table and Bar will open Wednesday, Jan. 22 at the Westin Charlotte in uptown. By The Plaid Penguin

NO. 2: A POPULAR CHARLOTTE RESTAURANT FEATURING SOUTHERN FLAVORS HAS NOW REOPENED

Reservations are now available for the upscale dining spot that closed a couple of years ago and is now opening in a new, fully renovated space. | Published January 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley

Cuzzo’s Cuisine Lobster Mac and Cheese is served with a side of shrimp. By DeAnna Taylor

NO. 3: A FAN-FAVORITE SPOT FOR LOBSTER MAC AND CHEESE CLOSED ONE OF ITS CHARLOTTE LOCATIONS

The popular Charlotte restaurant didn't renew its lease. But you can still grab a taste in other spots. | Published February 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley

Rio 150’s Aparrillada. By Creart Design Studio

NO. 4: A LAKE NORMAN MEXICAN RESTAURANT IS TAKING OVER A FORMER CHILI’S LOCATION IN CHARLOTTE

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

Late night eats are available at The Pub at Uptown, which will serve food until its 2 a.m. closing time.

NO. 5: A NEW PUB FOR CHARLOTTE SPORTS FANS IS OPEN IN UPTOWN — AND IT FEELS FAMILIAR

You could be eating gouda mac ‘n cheese bites and burgers with bourbon while you catch a game. | Published May 13, 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.