I tried some ‘big back food’ at a West Charlotte restaurant. What I got for $25
I have always had a weakness for cheese and for anything that arrives with more toppings than strictly necessary. So when I heard about Gouda’s Loaded Kitchen, it sounded promising from the start.
The restaurant opened earlier this month, after a run as a food truck by Torey Johnson (better known as chef Gouda) and his wife, LaShay, CharlotteFive reported. The new space is takeout only. There are no seats to settle into, no tables to linger over and no reason to bring cash.
The menu centers on loaded fries — the kind that come buried under layers of cheese, meat and whatever else you decide to add.
“Welcome to Gouda’s Loaded Kitchen, where every day is Fry-day,” LaShay said cheerfully, emerging from the kitchen when I walked in.
She walked me through the menu, then paused to offer a kind of warning.
“This is big back food,” she said.
The phrase “big back,” which has spread widely online in recent years, is often used to describe an especially enthusiastic approach to eating: large portions, indulgent combinations and a willingness to go all in. It can be joking, even affectionate, though not always.
In practical terms, it means this is not a place for restraint. If you are trying to eat lightly, you will struggle here.
But if what you want is something rich, messy and unapologetically over the top — especially if it involves melted cheese — Gouda’s makes a convincing case for itself.
Here’s what you need to know about Gouda’s Loaded Kitchen.
What’s on the menu at Gouda’s Loaded Kitchen?
Gouda’s Loaded Kitchen focuses on loaded comfort food built around fries, mac & cheese, and other hearty bases.
The menu is centered on “signature fries” topped with things like cheesesteak, jerk chicken, seafood or crab, along with customizable options, like veggies, proteins and sauces. They also offer cheesesteaks, wings, loaded hot dogs (“glizzies”), pasta, salads and a handful of lunch combo specials that bundle fries, protein and a drink.
Prices generally range from $8-$18, with premium or seafood-heavy dishes going up to $20-$26.
Here’s everything I got for $25 (including tax and tip):
- Classic Glizzy ($6): A hot dog on a pretzel bun drenched in cheese sauce
- Hot Cheetos Chicken Fries ($14): Loaded fries topped with cheese sauce, fried chicken pieces and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.
The Classic Glizzy is exactly what it sounds like: simple, messy and kind of hard to resist. The pretzel bun gave it a little extra chew and saltiness, which helped balance out all that cheese sauce poured over the top. You pick it up, it drips a little and you’re immediately committed. For six bucks, it feels like a solid, no-frills indulgence.
The Hot Cheetos Chicken Fries were where things really went off the rails, in a good way. The fries came buried under a layer of cheese sauce, fried chicken pieces and a generous handful of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos that added crunch and heat. Every bite hit me with salt, spice and richness all at once.
That said, this is definitely a “know what you’re getting into” situation. The portion is big, and the flavors stack up fast, so it can feel like a lot after a few bites. But if you lean into it — maybe share it, or just accept that you’re going all in — it delivers exactly what it promises: over-the-top comfort food that’s more about fun than balance.
So, if you like your meals loaded and don’t mind if your back grows a little in the process, it’s worth planning a trip to Gouda’s Loaded Kitchen ASAP.
Gouda’s Loaded Kitchen
Location: 4431 Brookshire Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28216
Cuisine: Loaded fries, Philly cheesesteaks, wings and more
Instagram: @goudaskitchen7
