6 new restaurants are joining Charlotte’s food scene. Here’s when + what to know
Foodies in and around Charlotte can look forward to a few new dining options.
This week, I reported on six recent or upcoming restaurant openings, including a neighborhood Irish bar and local cafe serving Asian-inspired street food. Plus, a popular barbecue joint is expanding its footprint.
Here’s arriving soon in the Queen City:
City Barbeque
On March 2, City Barbeque celebrated the opening of its newest restaurant in Rock Hill.
The fast casual barbecue joint serves slow-smoked meats alongside classic sides including baked beans, mac and cheese and coleslaw. There are a few desserts on the menu, too.
“For more than two decades, we’ve believed that great barbeque brings people together,” Mike Muldoon, the chain’s president and CEO, said in the news release. “We’re looking forward to serving our new neighbors and becoming part of the local traditions that make Rock Hill special.”
Panda Express
Panda Express, known for its American Chinese cuisine, is now open in Mint Hill.
The March 6 grand opening was marked by a special ribbon-cutting ceremony, live music and giveaways.
The fast casual chain is best known for its Original Orange Chicken. Other customer favorites include the honey walnut shrimp and beef and broccoli entrée.
“Our entire Panda team is grateful to serve the Mint Hill community by providing new jobs and supporting local organizations through various fundraising opportunities,” Jorge Sandoval, area coach of operations for Panda Express, said in a news release.
Swig
Swig is plotting its newest location in Charlotte, though the timeline for the opening is unclear.
According to a permit request, the Utah-based “dirty soda” brand is seeking to build a “drive-thru with associated infrastructure” at 4942 Trojan Dr. in Steele Creek.
Swig serves specialty drinks called dirty sodas featuring a classic soft drink base with other flavors, fruits and creams added in. It was founded in 2010 and, more recently, exploded in popularity after being featured on hit reality show “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.”
It will mark Swig’s first location in Charlotte proper, joining existing shops in nearby Rock Hill and Indian Land.
1368 Sweet Corner Cafe
1368 Sweet Corner Cafe, a Vietnamese spot serving traditional street food, is expanding to University City.
The new spot is slated to open in late spring and promises the same delicious options — savory bahn mi sandwiches, steamy bowls of pho, Korean corn dogs, and more — found at its original location in Steele Creek.
“Because of you, we’re growing and bringing our sweet treats to a new neighborhood!” the owners shared in an update posted to Instagram. “We can’t wait to welcome everyone to our new store!”
The restaurant also offers coffee, boba and milk tea, slushees and sugar cane juice.
Pinky’s Westside Grill
Pinky’s Westside Grill is expanding once more — this time to Plaza Midwood.
It’ll mark the restaurant’s third location, currently taking shape at the property that once housed “honky tonk” bar The Grinning Mule. Owners Andy Cauble and Greg Auten are in the process of purchasing the land.
Auten described the forthcoming eatery as “our Funky Punk Rock little sister.”
Known for its eclectic, dive bar vibe, the restaurant offers classic American fare like Buffalo wings, giant burgers, hot dogs and more. In 2016, it was thrust into the national spotlight after appearing on The Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.”
Fenian’s Keep
Fenian’s Keep, Charlotte’s newest Irish pub, is slated to open soon in NoDa.
Signage on the bar went up this week, though an official opening date hasn’t been announced.
Owner Kyle Musumeci, who’s behind sister concept Brigid’s Irish Pub in South End, told What Now Charlotte that Fenian’s will emphasize a cost-friendly, “no-food menu of spirits and ales.”
