Just Opened - August '22
As we slowly roll into the fall season, business openings are still heating up. Take a break from back-to-school mayhem and check ‘em out!
by Allie Papajohn Aug 23, 2022
Food & Drink
Captain’s Club
Neighborhood: Belmont
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 6-11 p.m.; Closed Sunday-Tuesday.
If you stick around Paper Plane Deli & Market long enough on the right nights, it becomes Captain’s Club. Embark on a journey of spirits with their cocktail menu featuring an Old Fashioned, Mai Tai and Ramos Gin Fizz. Snacks are also available for purchase through the bodega.
Cold Hearted Gelato
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
Hours: Monday, Wednesday-Thursday: 1-10 p.m.; Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Closed Tuesday.
Chef Elinn Hesse, previously with COUNTER-, is bringing some sweetness to Plaza Midwood through her chef-driven gelato shop. Ingredients for each creation are locally sourced and the flavors are globally inspired. Expect 12 rotating flavors, including sorbets and a few classics that won’t change.
Fairweather
Neighborhood: NoDa
Hours: 6 p.m.-midnight daily.
The folks behind Idlewild, Charlotte’s no-menu craft cocktail bar, have opened sister concept Fairweather right next door. Although the two spaces will connect, the new bar features a full cocktail menu plus a raw bar with oysters, shrimp cocktail and mussels. To start, they’ll accept walk-ins only, with reservations launching in the near future.
Figo36
Neighborhood: NoDa
Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday, 4-11 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday, 4 p.m.-midnight. Closed Sunday-Monday.
Orto may have closed last winter, but a new Italian spot has now taken its space. The kitchen is led by Chef Kyle Gaddas, who also oversees the menus of the ownership group’s two other concepts, The Wine Loft and The Vintage Whiskey & Cigar Bar. Figo36’s offerings include a burrata bar, fresh pasta, 12-inch pizzas and antipasti, plus craft cocktails and a nice wine list.
FreeMore Tavern
Neighborhood: Wesley Heights
Hours: 11 a.m.-midnight daily.
The owners of beloved Ed’s Tavern now have a new neighborhood bar to their name. This large space has two patios and three “sound zones,” allowing them to fully present three watch parties at once. You’ll recognize the menu of burgers, tacos, quesadillas and wings from Ed’s including a late-night menu available 10-11 p.m. We predict lots of game day eating and drinking at this spot!
Humbug
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
Hours: Monday, Wednesday-Thursday, 4-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 4 p.m.-midnight; Sunday, 1-9 p.m. Closed Tuesday.
Local bartenders Larry Suggs and Andrew Schools, of Greensboro’s James Beard-nominated Machete, have teamed up to present this pop-up bar inside The Refuge, a boutique hotel in Plaza Midwood. The menu features 20 rotating cocktails at $13 each. The team hopes to find a home in a more permanent location in the future to keep this good thing going
Lula Banh Mi & Bakery
Area: Pineville, NC
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Closed Monday.
Scratch-made banh mi, curry, noodles, fried rice, wings and desserts can be found at this new, family-owned spot in Pineville. Named after their mom, Lula Bani Mi & Bakery prides itself on the housemade Vietnamese baguettes. Pair a sandwich with a freshly baked macaron or cupcake, and you’re good to go.
NoDa Brewing’s The O.G. Taproom
Area: Villa Heights
Hours: Friday, 3-10 p.m.; Saturday, noon-10 p.m.; Sunday, noon-8 p.m. Closed on weekdays.
Since 2011, the original NoDa Brewing taproom on North Davidson Street served as a hotspot for the early days of Charlotte’s current craft beer boom before moving to their North Tryon Street location. Now, after a pandemic closing, it’s back! You can enjoy your favorite NoDa beers at the “OG” location on weekends.
Piada Italian Street Food
Neighborhood: Cotswold
Hours: 10:45 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
This Ohio-based Italian street food concept is known for its piadas (stone-grilled wrap filled with ingredients of your choice) plus pasta bowls and salads. Guests can choose from their signature creations or completely customize an order. Don’t skip those Pepperoni Piada Sticks served with creamy parmesan dipping sauce!
The People’s Market
Neighborhood: Elizabeth
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (soft opening hours).
If you’ve been missing this market since it closed in Dilworth over two years ago, you’re in luck. The People’s Market now has a new home in Elizabeth in the space formerly occupied by Earl’s Grocery. Enjoy their all-day café plus coffee, pastries, beer and wine, and even cocktail classes with Mixologist Bob Peters (second Saturday of each month at 2 p.m.).
