Lake Norman

Here are shifts shaping Lake Norman’s restaurant landscape in 2025

Stories by Charlotte Observer journalists, with AI summarization

Lake Norman’s food scene continues to evolve, with new restaurants arriving and some familiar spots closing their doors. Burtons Grill & Bar is set to open in Huntersville, offering a menu with dishes like crab-crusted haddock and a superfood salad. Zeko’s Village Italian Restaurant now brings family-style pizzas and homemade pastas to a landmark red building near Denver.

While Chefry’s Blue Smoke BBQ in Mooresville recently closed after a short but celebrated run, local favorites like The Counter are staying strong, with new owners promising to keep the menu and spirit alive. From a coming Thai Thai Cafe’ reopening to Fontana di Vino planning a new Davidson location, there’s a steady stream of both new energy and tradition shaping Lake Norman’s restaurant landscape.

Burtons Grill & Bar will seat 152 diners inside and 93 outside at its location opening soon near Lake Norman.

NO. 1: POPULAR EAST COAST INDOOR-OUTDOOR RESTAURANT CHAIN OPENS IN LAKE NORMAN-AREA LOCATION SOON

The made-from-scratch menu includes appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, seafood and prime steaks, plus gluten-free, allergy-friendly options. | Published March 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joe Marusak

Owner Sam Leo is shown outside Zeko’s Village Italian Family Restaurant in Catawba County near Denver NC and Lake Norman on Thursday, April 17, 2025. By JOE MARUSAK

NO. 2: ICONIC RED BUILDING IN LAKE NORMAN NOW HOME TO AUTHENTIC ITALIAN CUISINE

On the menu, you’ll find a few of the family-run restaurant’s home-cooked specialties, along with NY-style pizzas. | Published April 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joe Marusak

James Hettinger, executive chef-owner of the former Chefry’s Blue Smoke BBQ restaurant in Mooresville. The restaurant has permanently closed, according to a sign on its door on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. By JOE MARUSAK

NO. 3: MOORESVILLE BARBECUE RESTAURANT RATED AMONG ‘AMERICA’S BEST’ HAS CLOSED, OWNER SAYS

“We cherished every moment serving you, however we are no longer open,” a notice on the shuttered restaurant’s front door reads. | Published April 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joe Marusak

The Fire Bird sandwich at The Counter in Mooreville. By Heidi Finley

NO. 4: OWNERS OF POPULAR LAKE NORMAN GOURMET DELI RETIRE. MEET THE COUPLE WHO TOOK OVER.

“I want to take what they’re doing and expand upon that,” one of the new owners says. | Published April 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joe Marusak

Whataburger is in the planning and construction phase of several restaurants across North Carolina.

NO. 5: OUR WAIT IS OVER: WE HAVE AN OPENING DATE FOR THE FIRST WHATABURGER NEAR CHARLOTTE

Scoop: Who’s lining up with us in Gastonia for Breakfast Taquitos, Honey Butter Chicken Biscuits and Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burgers? | Published May 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley

Fontana di Vino’s Spaghetti Pomodoro.

NO. 6: NEW ITALIAN RESTAURANT IN CHARLOTTE ALREADY HAS A LAKE NORMAN LOCATION COMING

As it did in Charlotte, Fontana di Vino is moving into another space that’s highly recognizable to diners — this time, in Davidson. | Published May 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley

A popular longtime Thai restaurant just south of downtown Mooresville is set to reopen with new, women LGBTQ+ owners. By JOE MARUSAK

NO. 7: ‘SHARING OUR RICH TRADITION’: POPULAR MOORESVILLE THAI RESTAURANT SET TO REOPEN

“Get your taste buds ready, Mooresville,” the new owners said on social media. | Published June 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joe Marusak

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.