Just Opened in Charlotte – January 2026
Happy New Year, Charlotte! Stepping out to enjoy that brisk winter air? Consider stopping by one of these newly opened businesses.
by Allie Papajohn Jan 30, 2026
Eat & Drink
Brasserie Copain
Neighborhood: Ballantyne
If you’re familiar with Copain Bakery, you’ll love this new addition to The Bowl at Ballantyne. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with options like freshly made pastries, baguette sandwiches, salads and steak frites. Make a dinner reservation online or feel free to walk in.
DŌZO
Neighborhood: Dilworth
This Japanese-American kitchen began as the Katsu Kart food truck before opening as a small restaurant inside The City Kitch. Now, you’ll find an expanded menu for lunch and dinner at the space in Dilworth. In addition to new food items, the team offers a by-the-glass sake program.
Gotcha Matcha & Espresso
Neighborhood: Uptown
Get your matcha and caffeine fix at this new cafe location — the second for the local brand. Take a stroll through the matcha menu with creations like strawberry cheesecake, peach matchiato and blueberry matcha. Gotcha Matcha also offers a selection of loose leaf tea and sweet pastries, like an ube cinnamon roll.
La Bonbonniere Bakery
Neighborhood: Uptown
This local cookie maker has moved from her first Uptown location to a more permanent home inside Latta Arcade. Keep an eye on Instagram for the weekly lineup of sweet treats. You can stop by the shop to browse in-person or place a pre-order online.
South Block
Neighborhood: Ballantyne
North Carolina’s first location of this smoothie concept is now open at The Bowl at Ballantyne. Guests love the acai bowls, smoothies and loaded toasts, all made with fresh fruit and natural ingredients. The seasonal options are always a good way to go.
The Changebaker Place
Area: East Charlotte
Manuel Betancur, owner of Manalo’s Latin Bakery, now has another café just down the way from the other. At this new location, he offers coffee drinks, gelato and “high-end” pastries. You can also check out his other businesses in the region, Higher Grounds Café and Artisen Gelato.
The Story of Mi Cariño
Neighborhood: South End
The folks behind Vinyl have a new Mexican-Latin restaurant just down the street in South End. Chefs Hector González-Mora and Vince Giancarlo offer scratch-made dishes like truffle corn dip, various oyster builds, tacos and seafood specialties. The bar program, crafted by Henry Schmulling, focuses on agave spirits.
Uncle’s
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
This pop-up-turned-restaurant now has a home on the back patio of Burial Beer Co. Chef-owner Michael Le offers comforting Southeast Asian cuisine like khao man gai, tod mun goong and veggie tofu with rice. Check them out for dinner service and keep an eye on Instagram for other opening hours.
Things to Do
Hill House Home
Neighborhood: SouthPark
You can now shop the signature Nap Dress at this new boutique in Phillips Place. This luxury brand sells women’s clothing, kid and baby gear and curated home pieces. Fun fact: this is the first location in North Carolina!
Pause
Area: South Charlotte
Treat yourself to a day of wellness and recovery at this recently opened studio at the Arboretum Shopping Center. Services include compression therapy, cold plunge and infrared saunas, IV drips, float therapy and cryotherapy. Visitors can purchase items a la carte or sign up for a membership based on ongoing needs.
