Just Opened - April 2023
Time has been flying by and somehow, we’re already four months into 2023. Don’t wait another moment to support these newly opened local businesses.
by Allie Papajohn May 02, 2023
Food & Drink
Community Table Bistro
Area: Airport
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; Closed Saturday-Sunday.
This cafe inside the Goodwill Opportunity Campus closed in 2020 but has re-opened under new ownership. It acts as a job-training program to help grow the talent of people interested in food service careers. The menu consists of breakfast favorites like omelets, breakfast sandwiches and burritos, and lunch includes burgers, wings, sandwiches and chicken tenders. Guests can dine-in or order online for pickup.
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
Area: Cornelius
Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
Enjoy housemade ice cream any way you like at this new Ohio-based shop in the Lake Norman area. Handel’s has it all, from cups and cones to ice cream sandwiches and sundaes, and they also sell their concoctions by the pint and quart. You’ll also find this parlor in Gastonia and coming soon to Steele Creek.
HEX Coffee, Kitchen and Natural Wines
Neighborhood: Camp North End
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; Closed Monday.
Once solely a coffee shop, HEX in Camp North End has expanded to become an all-day café serving coffee, breakfast and lunch. Soon, they’ll expand their hours and offer wine, mocktails and more food options. The new space features lots of seating and includes an “education room” to be used for meetings and private events.
Hot Mess
Area: Davidson
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
If you’ve missed Davidson Ice House, you’re in luck. Chef and owner Jenny Brulé has opened a new concept, Hot Mess, in the same space. Get ready to indulge in messy burgers, custom bowls, lobster rolls and crispy mushrooms (a favorite from the previous restaurant).
JINYA Ramen Bar
Neighborhood: SouthPark
Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
Get your noodle fix in another part of town – Charlotte’s second JINYA location is now open. This noodle bar specializes in some serious ramen, with housemade noodles, rich broth, tender proteins and perfectly cooked eggs. Non-ramen lovers can enjoy various small plates, like gyoza, crispy chicken, pork spare ribs and spicy tuna and salmon cones.
Miku
Neighborhood: South Charlotte
Hours: Sunday, Tuesday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Closed Monday.
Dive into Japanese cuisine at this new spot co-owned by the same folks behind Somi Sushi and The One Tapas. Guests can order hot or cold shareable dishes, nigiri, sashimi, maki rolls, noodles or teriyaki entrées. If you don’t feel like crafting your own meal, try omakase service, where the chef crafts a multi-course meal for you.
Night Swim Coffee
Neighborhood: Optimist Park
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
This partnership between Not Just Coffee and Undercurrent Coffee is taking over every corner of town. The fifth Night Swim Coffee is now open at The Joinery, Charlotte’s first “carless” luxury apartment complex. Night Swim offers your favorite coffee and tea drinks with seasonal options plus breakfast and lunch fare, such as Crust Punk bagels and a new Sesame Peanut Tofu Wrap.
Pět Piv
Area: Fort Mill, S.C.
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 3-10 p.m.; Closed Sunday.
Fort Mill’s Fish Market Bar & Grill has added an adults-only bar and beer garden to their property. The name means “five beers” in Czech, but they offer 12 beers and four wines on tap. Expect bar-friendly food items like pizza and nachos plus tons of outdoor seating.
State of Confusion
Neighborhood: LoSo
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-midnight; Friday, 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 a.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-midnight.
This Chattanooga-based restaurant has chosen Charlotte as its second home. The 9,000-square-foot building can seat about 500 people and welcomes families and furry friends. Get ready to feast on dishes inspired by Latin America, New Orleans and the low country paired with craft cocktails and ice-cold beer.
Tutti Gelato
Neighborhood: South End
Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday, 2-8:30 p.m.; Thursday, 2-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 2-11 p.m.; Sunday, noon-9 p.m.; Closed Monday.
Treat yourself all summer long to homemade gelato at this new shop in the former Central Coffee space. They offer over 20 flavors (with vegan and sorbet options) including rotating selections like pistachio, almond and salted caramel, and amaretto. Enjoy your scoops in a sugar or waffle cone or buy a pint to take home for later.
Urban District Market
Neighborhood: Optimist Park
Hours: Vary by tenant.
Charlotte’s newest food hall has opened its doors and is already welcoming guests to visit six of their soon-to-be 13 tenants. Visitors can easily access the market via a short walk from the LYNX Blue Line’s 25th Street station. Here’s who you can visit starting right now:
LaBARatory: part soju distillery, part craft brewery from the owners of Seoul Food Meat Co.
Crispy Patty: katsu sandwiches
HC Burger Company: burgers made with hand-chopped beef
The Rare Butcher: better cuts of steak at a lower price
Stick Street: street fare from around the globe
Stuffed: sweet and savory dumplings
Que Onda Tacos + Tequila
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
The area’s fifth Que Onda is now open in the spot formerly occupied by Coaltrane’s in Plaza Midwood. The team plans to use this one as a “test kitchen” location to try out new, elevated menu items. Guests can enjoy skyline views from the rooftop while sipping on housemade margaritas and various Mexican comfort foods.
The Wine Vault
Neighborhood: Elizabeth
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 1-10 p.m.
Wine lovers can now visit this University City staple just outside Uptown. The Wine Vault features an interesting selection of wines available for purchase by the bottle or glass to consume onsite or by the bottle to take home. Monthly tastings and more seating are coming soon.
Things to Do
FITTEDS
Neighborhood: North End
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 1-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.; Friday, 1-4 p.m.; Saturday, 1-5 p.m.; Closed Sunday.
The original location may have closed, but a new FITTEDS is now open in Camp North End. The shop features an expansive inventory of fitted hats plus shirts, jackets and jerseys. Shoppers can buy custom-fitted hats to ensure they’re getting just the right “fit.”
