Food and Drink

From new additions to sad farewells: 11 trends in Charlotte's restaurant scene

Stories by Charlotte Observer journalists, with AI summarization

The articles highlight the dynamic shifts in Charlotte's restaurant scene in 2025, underscoring both new establishments opening and others closing.

New restaurants, pop-ups, and food trucks bring diverse dining experiences, offering an array of global flavors that cater to Charlotte's expanding culinary tastes. At the same time, economic challenges, fluctuating customer traffic, and operational hurdles lead many beloved spots to close their doors for good.

Various locations such as Rada open in Charlotte, introducing a menu that includes snacks and small plates from an NYC-acclaimed chef and showcases neighborhood vibes.

The Waterman Fish Bar depicts another shift, opting to close its Cornelius venue but focusing on growth at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

Krustaceans Seafood, once a local favorite thanks to its seafood boils, has permanently shut down following its struggles in the post-pandemic market.

Meanwhile, The Pub at Uptown revives The Pub at Gateway's spirit in a new locale, promising familiar menu items and a haven for sports enthusiasts.

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

Cory Duran, owner of The People’s Market. By Heidi Finley

NO. 2: THE ULTIMATE LIST OF 135+ NEW RESTAURANTS, BARS AND CAFES COMING TO CHARLOTTE IN 2025

Check out the newest additions to Charlotte’s food and drink scene. | Published January 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by CharlotteFive staff

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

NO. 3: 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

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

NO. 4: 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

The Fisherman’s Pick at The Waterman.

NO. 5: A CHARLOTTE-AREA SEAFOOD JOINT IS PERMANENTLY CLOSING ITS DOORS AFTER 3 YEARS

“It’s been an honor to be a part of this community and we will cherish the memories made here,” the restaurant said in its closure announcement. | Published January 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon

A spread of Optimist Hall food options. By Kenty Chung

NO. 6: SOUTHERN LIVING REVEALS THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN CHARLOTTE. WHICH SPOTS MADE THE LIST?

From Southern staples to gourmet global cuisines, here are the restaurants that were named the best in Charlotte. | Published January 31, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon

Signs on the front door at The Good Wurst Company say “Closed” and “Re-opening soon. Thanks.” By Mary Ramsey

NO. 7: CHARLOTTE SPOT KNOWN FOR ITS BAGELS, HOG DOGS AND BRATS HAS CLOSED ITS DOORS

The restaurant’s two other locations in Charlotte were shut down last year. | Published February 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley

Queen City Craft and Gourmet’s Diner burger. By Cat Read

NO. 8: SOUTH CHARLOTTE RESTAURANT IS CLOSING FOR GOOD AFTER YEARS OF SLINGING BURGERS, BEER

Fans have just a few more days to stop in and grab one of their favorite shareables before saying farewell. | Published February 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley

Rio 150’s Aparrillada. By Creart Design Studio

NO. 9: 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

Open Kitchen near Wesley Heights is a family restaurant that still feels like the 1950s. By Timothy DePeugh

NO. 10: NEW TO CHARLOTTE? EAT AT THESE 15 RESTAURANTS, THEN YOU CAN CALL YOURSELF A LOCAL

It’s hard deciding what to eat in your new city when also nursing gastronomic whiplash. Here, 15 restaurants that are uniquely 704 or that have stood the test of time. | Published May 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Timothy DePeugh

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

NO. 11: 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.