Just Opened in Charlotte – May 2024
Spring has sprung and so have newly opened businesses! Check them out when you’re looking for somewhere new to try.
by Allie Papajohn May 28, 2024
Eat & Drink
Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks
Neighborhood: University City
This Atlanta-based cheesesteak company is taking a chance in Charlotte with its first North Carolina location. Enjoy your cheesy sandwich with ribeye, salmon, vegetables or chicken. Need an extra snack? Try the eggrolls or loaded fries.
Curry Junction
Area: South Charlotte
Curry Junction, an Indian and Nepalese concept, is the newest dining option at The Arboretum Shopping Center. Inside, you’ll find traditional curry dishes and fan favorites like tikka masala and korma. Don’t forget to load up on naan to soak up all the sauce.
Emilio’s Pizza Kitchen
Area: Fort Mill, S.C.
A husband-and-wife team, who both have backgrounds in restaurants, opened a family-friendly pizza spot in Fort Mill. Enjoy 14- or 18-inch pizza pies plus salads, wings and a few starters for dine-in or takeout. You may meet one of the couples’ five children working inside, too.
Flower Child
Neighborhood: Ballantyne
Charlotte’s second Flower Child is now open at the Bowl at Ballantyne. This fast-casual restaurant offers bowls, salads and wraps with a variety of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free items. Fans also love the “bundle” option which includes a large serving of a protein, two sides and salad for a fixed price.
Gianni’s Trattoria
Area: Concord
This almost 16-year-old Italian restaurant has moved from its original home in downtown Concord to a new space at Gibson Mill Market. The menu of Italian favorites and friendly team remain the same. For now, the restaurant is open for dinner, but lunch service will resume very soon.
G.O.A.T. Pizza
Area: Cornelius
Celebrity chef David Burke has opened a pizza restaurant, making it his third concept in the Charlotte region. In addition to 12 signature pizzas, you’ll find smash burgers, sandwiches, pasta and elevated appetizers on the menu. A collection of sports memorabilia adorns the space, so be sure to take a look around.
Kim Anh Banh Mi & Boba
Area: East Charlotte
There’s a new spot to grab banh mi and boba tea thanks to this Vietnamese restaurant on Central Avenue. You can also shop through various refrigerated and shelved items if you need to stock up at home. Follow along on Instagram for daily specials, like beef noodle soup.
Picasso Taqueria
Area: Mooresville
Entrepreneur Michal Bay is at it again with his newest concept: a taco joint. The menu offers a wide variety of creative tacos like fried chicken with panko-breaded chicken tenders or the Carolina with pulled pork and smoky barbecue sauce.
Savor Restaurant and Bar
Area: East Charlotte
Indulge in Latin cuisine from all over at this new restaurant in the East Charlotte area. The expansive menu also includes wings with lots of sauce options, as well as tropical cocktails, Venezuelan burgers and so much more.
Summit Creamery
Area: Davidson
Locally founded Summit Coffee has added an ice cream shop to its list of locations. At the cute walk-up window, you’ll find house-made flavors like cookies ‘n cream and chocolate Oreo cheesecake plus a few vegan options. Summit’s nitro cold brew is also available on tap.
The Coffeeshop
Area: Cornelius
Thigs Cocktail Bar has closed, but a cool coffee shop by the same owners opened in its place. In addition to coffee drinks made with Nightswim, guests will find beer, wine, cocktails and cannabis-included items, like their nonalcoholic THC cocktails.
The Palace
Neighborhood: Uptown
In place of the iconic Green’s Lunch comes a cocktail lounge and hookah bar. In addition to daily drink specials, the bar plans to host food trucks on site to serve up all the eats. Keep an eye on Instagram to stay in the know about weekly events.
The Wafflery
Neighborhood: Belmont
Mattie’s Diner now has a sister restaurant in the form of The Wafflery, a daytime eatery offering build-your-own waffles and biscuits plus signature grits bowls. Come hungry and leave happy, especially if you’re a breakfast lover.
Development
The Casey
Area: Optimist Park
Beau Monde’s latest event venue is open and with it comes a catering kitchen led by chef Sam Diminich of Restaurant Constance. The 25,000-square-foot venue has multiple rooms, two levels and will be used for a variety of client needs. The catering kitchen will service all of Beau Monde’s properties.
