‘Decision was not ours’: Banh mi restaurant to close in Charlotte after 5 years

Crispy Banh Mi will close in Ayrsley later this month after five years in business.

The Vietnamese sandwich shop shared the “difficult news” on Instagram after learning its lease would not be renewed. Locals have until Wednesday, March 25, to get their last bites.

“This decision was not ours,” management wrote in a farewell message Sunday. “While we are deeply disappointed by this turn of events, our focus right now is on you — our loyal patrons.”

“It has been an absolute pleasure to serve you every day. We take immense pride in the sandwiches we’ve made and the relationships we’ve built within these walls.”

Crispy Banh Mi debuted in Charlotte in 2016 and has since expanded with spots in Ballantyne, Madison Park and Plaza-Shamrock. Customers can pick from nearly a dozen banh mi sandwiches, from grilled pork to tofu and crispy fish. Noodle bowls, tea and coffee are also on the menu.

The restaurant’s other locations remain open. Crispy Banh Mi didn’t immediately respond to CharlotteFive’s requests for comment.

Local love for Crispy Banh Mi

News of the eatery’s closure prompted an outpouring of support from Charlotteans, a few of whom pitched their own ideas for Crispy Banh Mi’s next spot:

• “Hate to hear this news; def bringing the family while you’re still there,” Raina Washington wrote on Instagram.
• “Boo on the landlord not renewing your lease. We’ll miss you! There are other parts of Charlotte that would LOVE to have you,” Chelsea Galusky commented.
• “Come to Gastonia, we need a banh mi and Boba tea spot,” Due Eban wrote.
• “Come to Mooresville,” David Tatum added.

Crispy Banh Mi

Location: 2130 Ayrsley Town Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273 (closing March 25)

Location: 5100 South Blvd suite c, Charlotte, NC 28217

Location: 2934 Shamrock Dr, Charlotte, NC 28205

Location: 14825 Ballantyne Village Way Suite 175, Charlotte, NC 28277

Cuisine: Vietnamese sandwiches, desserts

Menu

Instagram: @crispybanhmi

This story was originally published March 2, 2026 at 11:01 AM.

Tanasia Kenney

Sun Herald

Tanasia is a service journalism reporter at the Charlotte Observer | CharlotteFive, working remotely from Atlanta, Georgia. She covers restaurant openings/closings in Charlotte and statewide explainers for the NC Service Journalism team. She’s been with McClatchy since 2020.