Food and Drink

2 Charlotte restaurants are closing soon. Here’s why & when to visit

Two Charlotte restaurants are closing up shop, but there’s still time to grab your favorites.

This week, I reported on two recent or impending restaurant closings, including a swanky Japanese eatery in SouthPark and a Vietnamese spot known for its tasty sandwiches.

Here’s what to know ahead of your final visit:

Crispy Banh Mi

Fans of Crispy Banh Mi have until Wednesday, March 25 to grab their favorite Vietnamese sammy, as the chain prepares to close its Ayrsley location.

Management said it learned restaurant’s lease would not be renewed.

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

Crispy Banh Mi has other spots in Ballantyne, Madison Park and Plaza-Shamrock that will remain open.

Crispy Banh Mi offers more than a dozen banh mi sandwiches, including grilled pork, tofu and crispy fish. 
Crispy Banh Mi offers more than a dozen banh mi sandwiches, including grilled pork, tofu and crispy fish.  Courtesy of Crispy Banh Mi

Baku

Baku, an upscale Japanese restaurant and bar, is closing after 13 years in SouthPark.

Owner Birdie Yang shared the update on Instagram, saying the eatery will shutter in April “as the property is returned to the landlord for future redevelopment.”

“So many memories were made here — from incredible events to unforgettable meals,” he wrote. “To everyone who has dined with us over the years, we are truly grateful.”

The news comes weeks after a local insurance firm filed a permit seeking to build its new headquarters at Sharon Station, where Baku is located. Yang said there are currently no plans to relocate the restaurant; instead he’s focused on revamping his casual Asian fusion concept, Yama.

The front facade of a restaurant named Baku features dark siding, a gabled roofline with multiple dormer windows, and a prominent red vertical sign. The building is viewed from an asphalt parking lot that includes a designated accessible parking space.
Baku is located at 4515 Sharon Rd in Charlotte’s SouthPark neighborhood. Google Street View image from June 2022 ©2026 Google
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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.
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