Food and Drink

A restaurant closed after 15 years in downtown Concord. Here’s what’s moving in

There’s a new dining experience taking shape in downtown Concord.

Mestiza Steakhouse is still a ways away from welcoming customers to its new spot on Union Street but promises “high-quality steak dishes that cater to all palates,” according to its website.

Commercial real estate broker Steven Tice shared a photo of the forthcoming restaurant, which will go in the former Gianni’s Trattoria spot. A “coming soon” sign hangs in the restaurant window against a backdrop of scattered chairs and a few upended tables, showing the work in progress.

A top-down view of a full dinner spread on a black tablecloth, showcasing five gourmet plates such as pasta with pine nuts and a salad with dates. The arrangement includes multiple wine glasses and a black linen napkin, highlighting a diverse and sophisticated multi-course meal.
Mestiza Steakhouse is a fusion restaurant blending European, Latin and American flavors. Eduardo Rios
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Mestiza’s owner, Eduardo Rios, said he hopes to open by late May or early June. The restaurant will blend Latin, European and American flavors. Seasonal offerings will also be available alongside tapas and a curated cocktail menu.

News of the steakhouse’s arrival comes nearly two years after Gianni’s Trattoria left downtown Concord and relocated to a larger space at Gibson Mill, a nearby food hall, CharlotteFive previously reported.

The Italian eatery was in need of a “fresh start” after facing development issues and rising costs in the downtown district it called home for more than 15 years, owner John Goode said at the time.

Gianni’s Trattoria reopened on the campus of Gibson Mill, 325 McGill Ave. NW after debuting 15 years ago in downtown Concord.
Gianni’s Trattoria reopened on the campus of Gibson Mill, 325 McGill Ave. NW after debuting 15 years ago in downtown Concord. Gianni's Trattoria
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Mestiza will fill that vacancy, bringing “bold steakhouse classics and modern dishes” to Concord’s food and dining hub, a restaurant description says.

It will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Expect a variety of premium steaks, including Mestiza’s signature 32-ounce porterhouse served with mashed potatoes, veggies and a steak sauce. Wine-braised short ribs are on the menu alongside grilled salmon, gnocchi bolognese and tapas. Side items served family-style will include classics like mac and cheese, asparagus and sweet potato souffle.

The breakfast and lunch menu features classic French toast, crêpes and frittatas, plus a few pressed sandwiches.

This is a developing story and will be updated. Kitty Muccigrosso contributed reporting.

A street-level view of a sidewalk featuring storefronts for a Pilates studio, Gianni’s Trattoria, and an arcade bar called Basement. The Gianni’s Trattoria windows display a blue “For Sale or Lease” sign from Mortice Commercial Real Estate.
Gianni’s Trattoria closed at 16 Union St S in downtown Concord and will be replaced by Mestiza, a fusion steakhouse restaurant. Google Street View image from January 2026 ©2026 Google

Mestiza Steakhouse

Location: 16 Union St S, Concord, NC 28025

Menu

Cuisine: Steakhouse

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This story was originally published March 25, 2026 at 10:26 AM.

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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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