Just Opened in Charlotte – April 2026
Spring has sprung and the new business openings are absolutely flowing! Get out there and enjoy one this month.
by Allie Papajohn Apr 24, 2026
Eat & Drink
All Purpose Bar
Neighborhood: NoDa
Well-known mixologist Larry Suggs has opened a cocktail bar on a prominent corner in NoDa. Suggs’ plan was to create a neighborhood bar perfect for any occasion, offering a curated list of craft cocktails with a few wine options and a beer specially crafted for the brand. No food is served here, so be sure to fuel up before or after you visit.
AMINA
Neighborhood: Uptown
Explore East African cuisine with a Mediterranean twist at this upscale restaurant in First Ward. Guests can enjoy lunch or dinner in the restaurant and expect the space to transition to nightlife later in the evening. Dishes include flatbreads, fried snapper, lamb chops and berbere honey wings.
Casa Azteca Mexican Grill
Neighborhood: Uptown
A favorite eatery in Mooresville now has a home in Charlotte. Enjoy all the Mexican cuisine go-tos, like quesadillas, burritos, tacos and fajitas, in addition to craft cocktails, churros and pastel de tres leches. The restaurant is from the same ownership group as Azteca and Don Pedro.
CHNO Coffee Co.
Neighborhood: Lower South End
This woman-owned coffee shop has a new home inside Elan LoSo apartments. The bright, airy café offers your favorite caffeine fixes plus rotating specialty drinks. Currently, you can enjoy the Nostalgia Menu featuring drinks like “Cap’N” (Cap’N Crunch cereal milk latte) and the “Gramma Deb” (oatmeal cream pie syrup with matcha).
Chop Chop Red Pot
Neighborhood: Uptown
This Southern-inspired food truck now has a home inside The Market at 7th Street. Chef and co-owner Erick Crawford is combining the concept with his Davidson restaurant, Marlee Jean’s Raw Bar and Kitchen, to offer dishes like lobster rolls, barbecue sandwiches and a short rib grilled cheese. The team also offers off-site catering.
Enzo’s Italian Market & Osteria
Area: Matthews
Step into an Italian dream at this market and restaurant in Matthews, offering all kinds of Italian goods like freshly prepared and shelved products and a café menu, too. Enjoy a salad, deli sandwich or pizza before browsing the market to stock up for your kitchen.
Gouda’s Loaded Kitchen
Area: West Charlotte
If you’ve been chasing this food truck around town, you can now go directly to the restaurant on Brookshire Boulevard instead. But make sure you plan to enjoy your food elsewhere, as they only offer takeout. Head in to order loaded fries with toppings like barbecue jerk chicken, Cajun salmon and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, or enjoy one of the Philly cheesesteaks.
Kristy’s Kreole Kitchen
Neighborhood: South End
Get a taste of New Orleans at this creole restaurant, which previously operated as a ghost kitchen. Menu items include seafood gumbo, crawfish etouffee, crab claws and po’ boys. Takeout and delivery are also still available.
Plot Twist
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
The first phase of this new coffee and cocktail bar is now open for business. For now, guests can enjoy the coffee offerings, which include drinks prepared with a selection of house-made syrups. The cocktail portion of service is set to begin in May.
PostScript Restaurant
Area: East Charlotte
At this cozy husband-and-wife-owned restaurant, you’ll find a menu of comforting European-inspired favorites, like French onion soup, chicken scarpariello and braised beef cheek bourguignon.
Reid’s Fine Foods
Neighborhood: Ballantyne
The fifth location for this gourmet market is now open, offering a full-service restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner; a coffee bar; ample indoor and outdoor seating; and a wide selection of market goods, from wine and cheese to meats and specialty gifts.
Sage & Citrus
Neighborhood: Camp North End
Eat well and feel good too at this wellness concept, now open at Camp North End. Guests will feel satisfied with the chef-curated bowls, colorful smoothies and fresh lemonades, which you can enjoy to-go or at one of the outdoor tables.
Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar
Area: South Charlotte
Go “coastal” for the day at this family-friendly restaurant located at Promenade on Providence. Seafood selections include calamari, fish and chips, oysters and crab legs, while land lovers may enjoy chicken wings, the Breakwater Burger or buffalo chicken wrap.
South Block
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
Plaza Midwood’s Commonwealth is welcoming several tenants this spring, including this acai bowl and smoothie concept. Known for cold treats made with wholesome ingredients, South Block recently celebrated an opening in Ballantyne, too.
Sweetgreen
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
Another exciting addition to Commonwealth is national salad concept, Sweetgreen. This is the second location in Charlotte. Guests love the healthy bowls and salads filled with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
The Craic
Neighborhood: SouthPark
Three cheers for the neighborhood bar this month. This new restaurant hopes to become just that with its Irish pub-inspired menu, expansive seating options and full bar. The Craic also has 31 beers on tap.
Uchibā
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
The sister concept to Uchi lives just upstairs, complete with a full bar and rooftop seating with lovely city views. The menu is a little more casual than its counterpart, with options like hand rolls, a mini burger and plenty of nigiri.
