Matthews is booming with new spots to eat, drink and play + more is coming soon
If you live in or visit Matthews often, you may have noticed new commercial projects popping up around downtown to provide new food and drink offerings, plus a little fun.
Jay Camp, Town of Matthews planning director, describes recent local development as a “slow and intentional” process. The emphasis has been on construction that fits with the character and charm of a traditional, small downtown, he said.
And even if the wide range of new retail and lifestyle businesses appear to be coming at a fast pace, much of the newly visible construction was envisioned decades ago.
Here’s a closer look at some of the local businesses coming soon or recently opened in Matthews.
Matthews Station Street
Perhaps the biggest change to the area is the brand new building going up on Matthews Station Street. The development, helmed by Brahm Investments LLC, is due to be finished in April, with tenants opening their doors in August.
The new three-floor building known as The Station fills a land parcel that has awaited development since the Matthews branch of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Matthews Town Hall were built in 2000.
“After 25 years, we’re finally seeing Matthew Station Street come to completion,“ Camp said.
Brahm Investments is also beginning work this year on its second development project. The Veranda will be Matthews first “Missing Middle” development — a walkable, village-style community planned to be completed in early 2028. The 4+ acres of land is near Inner Peaks and the Target shopping center.
Here’s what you’ll find inside (and up on the roof) at The Station, Brahm Investments CEO and founder Mumukshu Brahmbhatt told CharlotteFive, along with a pilates studio and another wellness-based business.
Fly Kid Fly
Location: 126 Matthews Station Street, Matthews, NC 28105, ground floor
The popular upscale coffee shop, Fly Kid Fly, which launched at the Bowl in Ballantyne in 2024, is set to open a second 1,700-square-foot shop in the new building. (The coffee shop is currently under litigation for an alleged breach of contract with another local developer, which we’ll get back to in a bit.)
Seemingly Overzealous
Location: 126 Matthews Station Street, Matthews, NC 28105, ground floor
Next door, Seemingly Overzealous, the whimsical dairy-, egg- and gluten-free ice cream concept started by Hygge coworking founder, Garrett Tichy, and his partner, Jessica Berresse, will move in. The brand currently has three Charlotte-area shops with more to come. The Matthews spot will be one of two planned stores scheduled to open in 2026.
Noble Records
Location: 126 Matthews Station Street, Matthews, NC 28105, ground floor
This home-grown record shop, which specializes in selling used and rare albums, will also be on the first floor. Noble Records is also known around the world for its independent archival label dedicated to reissuing little known psychedelic and hard rock albums. Noble will be relocating from its current spot on Independence Boulevard.
Tee’d Up
Location: 126 Matthews Station Street, Matthews, NC 28105, ground floor
Tee’d Up, a golf simulator bar, will bring the golf experience indoors. Featuring four simulator bays and a full bar, the new business will fill 3,000 square feet of retail space.
Matthews first rooftop restaurant and bar will open at The Station. The name isn’t set, but it comes from the same team behind Graham Street Pub & Patio in uptown and The Clubhouse Bites and Booze in Ballantyne.
Enzo’s Italian Market & Osteria
Location: 130 Matthews Station St, Matthews, NC 28105
Down the street from The Station, directly across from the Matthews Library and Town Hall in the former space of Beantown Tavern, Enzo’s Italian Market & Osteria is in the final stages of work before a planned opening this winter. The 9,000-square-footspace will include a gourmet grocery, bakery and cafe with a temperature-controlled outdoor seating area.
Intersection of West John Street and South Trade Street
Location: 101 W John St, Matthews, NC 28105
“Probably the biggest question we get asked is, ‘What is going on with that building?’” Camp said. “I would say (it’s) the No. 1 mystery in Matthews right now.”
The structure, which has been completed for several years, replaced a former Exxon gas station. Camp said a few concepts had begun work toward permitting for interior upfits, but so far no building permits have been issued.
For months, passing drivers saw a Harriet’s Hamburgers sign posted on the building. But in late December, Charlotte Business Journal reported that SNY Holdings LLC, the property’s landlord, had filed suit against Fly Kid Fly 2 and Harriet’s Hamburgers IV for alleged breach of contract. According to court documents, contracts were signed in March 2024, but the tenants defaulted on their leases. The suit alleges that as of March 2025, the amounts owed were $9,301.50 for Fly Kid Fly and $24,805.10 for Harriet’s Hamburgers.
Ames Station
Location: 215 N Ames Street, Matthews, NC 28105
An old warehouse and motorcycle shop have been converted into a new and bustling retail area on North Ames Street.
Planning for Ames Station began pre-Covid, said Camp, who described this area as organic growth within Matthews. “We were fortunate that the right developer had a vision, and they shared that vision with us and we really embraced it.”
The developer worked with the town to improve the streetscape, including adding on-street parking. New porches, patios and breezeways designed by the architect also help to draw visitors into the site, Camp said.
A pedestrian path along the train tracks also leads from Trade Street directly to this new business development.
“So it’s very well connected to the heart of downtown,” Camp said.
Here’s what you’ll find inside:
Carolina Beer Temple & Ames Street Marketplace
Location: 215 N Ames St Suite 1000, Matthews, NC 28105
Locally owned and operated Carolina Beer Temple moved into its spacious, naturally light filled new digs last April. It’s the third home for the shop since it originally opened in Matthews in 2013.
It offers 29 types of craft beer on tap, plus a diverse selection of wine, hard seltzer, hard cider and non-alcoholic alternatives. The brewery’s selection always includes two beers from Belgian brewery St. Bernardus. Carolina Beer Temple is one of only 14 breweries across the U.S. with an official partnership with that renowned brewery and the only one in North Carolina.
“Business has been incredible” since making the move, said Ken Startin, Carolina Beer Temple’s wine director. The space does not currently have its own kitchen, but there’s always a food truck (rotating selection daily) parked outside.
Within the mall-style concept of Ames Street Marketplace, located inside Carolina Beer Temple, you’ll also find:
- Trailside Games and Hobbies, a hub for board games, trading card games, role-playing games and more.
- Two Scoops Creamery, a locally owned ice cream shop, has been serving up homemade scoops since 2016. The Matthews location is one of nine stores across North and South Carolina.
- CannaBuddy Cannabis Dispensary sells a variety of hemp-derived cannabis products.
- If you’re looking for cocktails or mocktails, check out The Back Corner, located (naturally!) in the back corner of Ames Street Market.
Innescas Sweets of Europe
Location: 215 N Ames St. #900, Matthews, NC 28105
This new family-owned and operated bakery and coffee shop opened last August next door to Ames Street Market. Sisters and co-owners Esther Barokha and Abigail Borisik focus on elegant Eastern European inspired pastries and gourmet coffee drinks. If you stay to enjoy your treats at the cafe, expect them served in real ceramic plates and cups.
Everything at Innescas is made fresh daily with many recipes coming directly from the owners’ Ukrainian born mother. Sometimes she even comes in to help prepare cafe specialties, like her Sweet Cheese Rolls. Other local favorites include the fresh fruit mousse cakes, made with real mango, strawberry or lemon, alongside tarts and cakes. Menu items get switched up every few weeks, Borisik said.
While Barokha oversees the bakery, Borisik focuses on specialty lattes, teas and other drinks. One of the most popular is the Tiramisu Latte, with espresso and house made vanilla syrup, a layer of mascarpone-inspired sweet cream foam, a dusting of cocoa powder and a lady finger.
“It really gives you the experience of having tiramisu but in a coffee form,” Borisik said. “It’s really fun.”
Coming soon to Matthews
Salvatore’s Old Fashioned Pizzeria
Location: 215 N Ames St. Matthews, NC 28105
Salvatore’s Old Fashioned Pizzeria franchise — with a nearly 50-year history in Rochester, New York — will be opening next door to Ames Street Marketplace. The date has not been publicly announced.
Hoppin’
Location: 215 N Ames St., Matthews, NC 28105
Self-serve taproom Hoppin’ started in Charlotte in 2017 and now has franchise locations opening across the country. The new Matthews location will open at Ames Station, next door to Innescas. Hoppin’ founder/CEO Rich Moyer (who is also a co-owner of Two Scoops Creamery) told CharlotteFive via email that the franchise is expected to open its doors this spring, but no exact date has been announced.
