Just Opened in Charlotte - Feb. '23
It’s been a busy month in Charlotte! From restaurants to retail, the grand openings are rolling right in. Get out and explore!
by Allie Papajohn Feb 28, 2023
Food & Drink
Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop
Neighborhood: Steele Creek
Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.
Get ready because this Delaware-based sandwich shop plans to pop up all over the Charlotte area. You can now visit their second local shop in Steele Creek where you’ll find giant subs, cheese steaks, salads and catering options. Stay tuned: the third is planning to open at Park Road Shopping Center sometime this year.
Curry Gate 2
Neighborhood: Yorkmount
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, noon-9 p.m.; Closed Monday.
Fans of this Indian and Nepalese restaurant on Graham Street will love visiting their new location, which includes the same menu favorites plus more and a full dining room. Pair housemade naan with deep-fried samosas, chana masala or tandoori chicken. If you’d still rather pick up than dine in, just place an order online.
Ghostface Brewing
Area: Mooresville, NC
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
You’re probably already familiar with this brewery, but now they’ve moved next door to a larger space. Guests can enjoy pizza, wings and sandwiches and beer in the new spot, as they aim to be a “one-stop entertainment district” in town. Stay tuned for concerts and more fun in their outdoor area this spring.
Harold’s Chicken & Ice Bar
Neighborhood: University
Hours: Monday-Wednesday, 11 a.m.-midnight; Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-1 a.m.
This Chicago-based fried chicken chain now has a home in Charlotte, where they’re serving fried chicken and fish (try a combo dinner to enjoy both) plus fried okra, fried green tomatoes and sweet potato tater tots. Hookah service is also available and, come March 3, brunch will happen on the weekends.
Hellenic
Neighborhood: South End
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
This may be a new Greek restaurant, but the owners are no amateurs. The folks behind Mad Greek, a 30+ year old Greek restaurant on South Boulevard, have opened Hellenic in the spot formerly occupied by Crispy Crepe. On the menu, you’ll find all the favorites: gyros, salads, spanakopita, dolmades, Greek fries and various dips.
Poppin’ Poke
Neighborhood: Uptown
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Closed Sunday.
Get your poke fix at this new spot in Uptown Charlotte. Choose from a signature bowl or create with your choice of fillings like rice, mixed greens, tuna, salmon, avocado, pineapple and so much more (plus plenty of sauce options, too). In the mood for something warm? Try the Korean Beef Bulgogi Bowl.
Restaurant Constance
Neighborhood: Wesley Heights
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 5-10 p.m.; Closed Sunday-Monday.
Chef Sam Diminch of delivery meal service Your Farms Your Table has opened his own restaurant in the same building as The City Kitch West End. The restaurant, named after Chef Diminich’s daughter, features seasonal dishes like marinated scallops and smoked chicken lettuce wraps along with beer, wine and an impressive non-alcoholic beverage list. Grab a reservation online to guarantee a seat.
VooDoo Wing Co.
Area: Fort Mill, South Carolina
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.
This Alabama-based wing joint is now open just a short drive away from Charlotte. Choose from flavors like mango habanero, hot honey, spicy PB&J and cajun ranch paired with ranch, blue cheese or honey mustard. If you need to feed a crowd, you’ll be pleased to know they offer wings in batches of 24, 48, 75 and 100 pieces.
Things to Do
Brilliant Earth
Neighborhood: South End
Hours: Friday-Tuesday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Closed Wednesday-Thursday.
Diamond shopping? Consider making an appointment at Brilliant Earth, the online retailer-turned brick and mortar that offers ethically sourced and lab grown diamonds. The company also offers virtual appointments if you can’t make it into the store.
SkillPop
Neighborhood: North End
Hours: Wednesday-Thursday, 6:30 p.m. See class schedule here.
If you’ve been in Charlotte long enough, there’s a chance you’ve already taken a SkillPop class or two. After pivoting to virtual classes, you can now once again attend them in-person at their new facility at Camp North End. Current offerings include “investing for beginners,” “floral watercolors” and “hand embroidery basics.” Keep an eye on their website for what’s next.
The Happy Camper
Neighborhood: Optimist Park
Hours: Noon-7 p.m. daily.
Previously a store on wheels, The Happy Camper now has a permanent home open seven days a week. Inventory includes legal cannabis products like edibles and flowers and even D9 fudge. Not sure about hemp? The team can educate you on what might work best for you and your needs.
Thrift Pony
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
Hours: Tuesday-Friday, noon-7 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, noon-4 p.m.; Closed Monday.
The team behind Ponybox, a local clothing rental company, now has a consignment and thrift shop for those looking to purchase trendy secondhand items. If you have your own items that fit the bill, you can sell them on consignment at the shop. Look for sales happening the first weekend of each month.