Charlotte-area grilled cheese spot closing after 9 years. ‘It’s been a great run’
Carolina Smash Truck will soon sling its last grilled cheeses as the mobile sandwich shop prepares to close later this month.
In a farewell message shared to Instagram on Thursday, May 14, owners April Williams-Wussow and Kevin Ballentine confirmed the food truck’s last day in business will be Saturday, May 23.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the last 9 years,” they wrote. “It’s been a great run, but it’s time for our next adventure!”
Gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches
The Charlotte-area food truck specialized in gourmet grilled cheeses, offering a “unique twist” on the childhood classic. Customers had their pick of chef-driven creations like the “Southern Porky Mac,” made with hickory smoked pork, cheddar mac and cheese, pimento cheese, Monterey and cherry pepper.
Those with more adventurous palates might also try the “Krak Melt” featuring a sweet bacon onion jam, mac and cheese, roasted jalapeño pimento cheese, cheddar and Muenster cheeses — or stick to “The OG” sandwich made with a three-cheese blend.
Every sandwich is garnished with flaky salt and herbs, and served with a side of house-made sweet pickles, the food truck’s website states.
Williams-Wussow and Ballentine said recent life changes led to their decision to shutter the popular food truck.
“Running a quality scratch made food truck requires immense work and drive to be successful,” Williams-Wussow told CharlotteFive in a statement, adding that they “just want more time with family.”
“We hope to bring the flavors of Carolina smash truck back to life in some capacity in the future but for now it’s time for a new chapter!” she added.
In the meantime, Ballentine is slated to take over as head chef “at a well-known spot,” but the specifics are still under wraps.
Local love for Carolina Smash Truck
News of Carolina Smash Truck’s impending closure prompted a flood of well-wishes from locals:
- “I’m gonna miss y’all 😔 The best grilled cheese in the game!!” fellow Charlotte food truck business Nacho Average Truck commented.
- “Sad day in the clt food scene,” Peter Falcon wrote. “Best grilled cheese and best people around. Sad to see you go but so happy for you guys and the next adventure for you and the family.”
- “Thank you for feeding me every Wednesday when i was a student at UNCC and whenever i could go afterwards. I will miss you,” Jay Schalla wrote.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
Carolina Smash Truck
Location: Varies
Cuisine: Gourmet grilled cheese
Instagram: @carolinasmashtruck
This story was originally published May 18, 2026 at 5:30 AM.