A Ballantyne oyster bar closed after 8 years. Here’s what’s moving in.
A revolving sushi chain is bringing sashimi, tempura, noodles and more to Charlotte.
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar will set up shop at StoneCrest at Piper Glen shopping center in Ballantyne, although an official opening date hasn’t been announced.
The restaurant, known for its interactive, tech-driven culinary experience, will occupy the space most recently home to Pearlz Oyster Bar. That restaurant debuted in 2015 but quietly closed eight years later, citing staffing issues. Its South Carolina locations, including the original Charleston restaurant, remain open.
At Kura Sushi, customers will have “more than 100 menu items at their fingertips,” the restaurant’s website says. Customers can pick from nigiri, fried wontons and steamy noodle bowls, among other classic Japanese dishes — all served via two-tiered conveyor belt system.
The revolving sushi bar is the primary belt and delivers sushi plates throughout the entire dining area while the express belt delivers food items ordered directly from the touchpad menu at customers’ tables, according to the restaurant.
Side items include crispy squid and edamame. There are a few desserts on the menu too.
Kura Sushi said it takes a “nothing added” approach to cooking, promising dishes that are free from artificial sweeteners, colors and preservatives.
Sushi lovers can also expect a dose of dinnertime fun delivered by Karu Sushi’s mascot, Mutenmaru. The tiny animation appears on tablet screens when you put a certain number of plates into the disposal slots at each table.
“Deposit 15 plates and he’ll reward you with a prize,” the restaurant said.
The Japan-based brand is among the nation’s largest revolving sushi restaurants with more than 80 U.S. locations across 22 states, its website says. The Ballantyne restaurant will be its first ever in North Carolina.
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar
Location: 7804 Rea Rd, Suite A, Charlotte, NC 28277
Cuisine: Sushi, Japanese
Instagram: @kurasushi_usa
This story was originally published April 15, 2026 at 1:01 PM.