New restaurant with Creole flair is moving into the old Mazi space in South End
One of your go-to takeout spots is leveling up and moving to a full-service space in South End.
Kristy’s Creole Kitchen is moving from a Wesley Heights ghost kitchen into the former home of Mazi, a Mediterranean restaurant that opened last March and closed in July. The location, tucked inside a nook along South Boulevard that includes the Tabris co-working and event space and Sushi Taku, will be dressed with touches of New Orleans to set the scene.
“I am excited to announce that because of your unwavering support and the favor of God, I am standing in the new hall of KCS, opening in April in the South End of Charlotte, where you can not only get your favorite bite, but you can wash it down with some classic cocktails,” owner Kristy Jackson said via Instagram in a video showcasing the space.
“See you soon!,” she added.
Jackson told CharlotteFive that above all else, she wants to make sure that diners have a good time when the doors open April 10.
“From the door to checking out, it should be an experience. That’s my vision,” she said.
Kristy’s serves “authentic Louisiana flavors crafted from generations of family recipes.,” according to its website.
Menu items include Creole Seafood Gumbo, Crawfish Etoufee, Bourbon Street Salmon Bites and Bayou Crab Claws, along with Zydeco Fries topped with fried crawfish and shrimp and a creole cream sauce.
Po boys and burgers are also up for ordering, as well as Cajun fried chicken, dirty rice and red beans and rice. And don’t forget Jackson’s favorite items, the Mardi Gras pasta and the Swamp Burger, which upgrades an everyday item with the addition of fried, grilled or blackened shrimp.
When Kristy’s current space closes and the new one opens, takeout will remain available, as well as third-party delivery. The only difference is you’ll talk to a staff member when you’re ordering in person instead of standing at a kiosk, like at City Kitch.
“We have some very faithful and loyal customers, and I feel we give out great food, because if we didn’t, we wouldn’t be moving up,” Jackson said. “This has been my dream, so it makes my heart smile.”
Kristy’s Creole Kitchen
Location: 1300 South Blvd. Suite 101-F, Charlotte, NC 28203 (opening April 10 2026)
Location: City Kitch, 2200 Thrift Rd, Charlotte, NC 28208
Cuisine: Creole
Instagram: @kristyscreolekitchen
This story was originally published March 6, 2026 at 5:00 AM.
