Food and Drink

3 new restaurants are joining Charlotte’s food scene. Where & what to know

A perfectly seared salmon fillet is presented on a dark slate-gray plate, resting atop a colorful bed of black beans and corn salsa. Bright orange crema is artistically drizzled across the entire dish in diagonal lines, accented by a delicate garnish of fresh microgreens. The plate is photographed from an overhead perspective against a warm, natural wood tabletop that highlights the vibrant colors of the meal.
The salmon entree at Packard Tavern.

Happy Friday, Charlotte! It’s Tanasia.

It’s finally Friday, which I like to call “figure it out Friday” because I spend part of the afternoon trying to decide what to grab for dinner later. It’s usually a meal deal from Wendy’s, or a solo date at Bartaco if I want to get out of the house.

If you’re looking for a go-to spot to add to your weekly rotation, I have a few options for you. There’s a new burger place that just opened in Northwest Charlotte, and Monroe is getting a new but familiar barbecue joint slated to open next week.

Here’s a quick recap of new restaurants joining the Charlotte-area food scene:

Ann Marie’s

A familiar chef is behind the city’s newest burger joint.

Chef Renaldo Norris launched his latest concept, Ann Marie’s Gourmet Burgers & Fries, on Tuesday, May 5 inside the Walmart Super Center on Callabridge Court. The space was most recently home to soul food restaurant Skyview 22.

Renaldo Norris prepares food at his restaurant, Renaldo’s Culinary Experience, in Charlotte on March 24, 2022.
Renaldo Norris prepares food at his restaurant, Renaldo’s Culinary Experience, in Charlotte on March 24, 2022. Khadejeh Nikouyeh Knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com

The new eatery offers a mixed menu of chicken wings, gourmet smashburgers (make mine with extra onions), loaded fries, tacos and more.

Norris, a longtime Charlotte chef, also owns Kulture NoDa. His first restaurant, Renaldo’s Culinary Experience, has since closed.

Moe’s Original BBQ

‘Bama-style barbecue chain Moe’s Original BBQ is staging a comeback in metro Charlotte.

The brand’s newest restaurant officially opens Tuesday, May 19, in Monroe, offering slow-smoked meats with bold seasonings and homemade sauces.

A top-down view shows a wooden table overflowing with barbecue favorites, including baskets of smoked wings, drumsticks drizzled with white sauce, and pulled pork. The spread is accompanied by classic Southern sides like macaroni and cheese, black-eyed peas, and fresh coleslaw with pickles. Red and white checkered paper liners add a vibrant, casual feel to this communal feast.
At Moe’s Original BBQ, customer’s will find pulled pork, smoked wings, ribs and other classics. Moe’s Original BBQ

I love a pulled chicken sandwich as much as the next person, but sides are the true star of any barbecue plate. You’ll find plenty at Moe’s. Think: cornbread, baked beans, potato salad and marinated slaw.

The former Moe’s restaurant in Matthews, the last in the Charlotte area, closed in 2022 and was replaced by Moo & Brew. Now, co-owner Brooke Gentry looks forward to bringing it back.

“Whether you’re sharing a meal with your family, picking up dinner on the way home or stopping by after work, we want every guest to leave feeling the warmth of Southern barbecue and a true sense of community,” Gentry, a former employee of the Matthews restaurant, said in a news release.

Packard Tavern

Packard Tavern will celebrate its grand opening Monday, May 18, and promises guests a “true tavern experience.”

Nestled in the heart of uptown, the latest concept from Paul Manley’s High Tide Restaurant group will offer contemporary American fare including short ribs, lobster pappardelle, DemKota ribeye and more.

A perfectly seared salmon fillet is presented on a dark slate-gray plate, resting atop a colorful bed of black beans and corn salsa. Bright orange crema is artistically drizzled across the entire dish in diagonal lines, accented by a delicate garnish of fresh microgreens. The plate is photographed from an overhead perspective against a warm, natural wood tabletop that highlights the vibrant colors of the meal.
The salmon entree at Packard Tavern. In Bloom Brands

On the drink menu, expect “simple, yet exceptional” cocktails, wine and spirits.

The 4,800-square-foot restaurant will occupy a portion of the Packard Place building on South Church Street. The space will include a 90-seat dining room and bar area, plus two private dining rooms.

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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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