Food and Drink

Charlotte's restaurant highlights of 2025: What we lost, what we gained

Stories by Charlotte Observer journalists, with AI summarization

In 2025, Charlotte's restaurant scene underwent significant changes, defined by numerous openings and closures. A unifying theme is the city's dynamic food landscape, which saw both new culinary ventures and the departure of established eateries.

The arrival of Amina brought upscale dining to uptown Charlotte, promising a chic atmosphere and fine cocktails.

Meanwhile, A New Dawg in Town introduced a mobile gourmet hot dog experience, blending Caribbean flavors into unique creations like jerk chicken and vegan hot dogs.

On the other hand, Charlotte also bid farewell to beloved places. Mattie's Diner closed its doors, leaving a legacy of popular breakfast creations.

JJ's Red Hots, once highlighted on TV, shuttered its last location, marking the end of a local hot dog staple.

The People's Market faced abrupt closure after expansion efforts, despite community support trying to save it. This year, Charlotte's restaurant highlights reflect both growth and loss in a constantly evolving culinary environment.

Chefs AJ Sankofa and Kristina Gambarian appeared on “The Great Food Truck Race” with their business, ESO Artisanal Pasta. Now, it’s coming to Charlotte’s Optimist Hall.

NO. 1: THE ULTIMATE LIST OF 200+ NEW RESTAURANTS, BARS AND CAFES OPENING IN CHARLOTTE IN 2025

Check out the newest additions to Charlotte’s food and drink scene. | Published January 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley, Melissa Oyler, Chyna Blackmon

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

NO. 2: 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 Heidi Finley, Melissa Oyler, Chyna Blackmon

By Anchiy / Getty Images

NO. 3: THESE ARE CHARLOTTE’S 25 BEST NEW RESTAURANTS OF 2025, ACCORDING TO YOU

An overwhelming 180+ new restaurants opened in Charlotte this year, making it tough for food-lovers in the Queen City to narrow down what’s worth a try. | Published December 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon, Heidi Finley

Cars fill the drive-in stalls at Bar-B-Q King on Wednesday, Oct. 22 ahead of the restaurant’s Nov. 1 closure. By Alex Cason

NO. 4: CHARLOTTE LOST MANY RESTAURANTS IN 2025. HERE ARE THE ONES WE’LL MISS THE MOST

What goes up must eventually come down, and that certainly proved true in Charlotte’s white hot restaurant scene in 2025. | Published December 26, 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.