Just Opened in Charlotte - Sept. '19
In the September edition of this ongoing monthly series, we’ll be highlighting the growth of the Queen City with recently opened eateries, watering holes and other hot spots to explore.
by Allie Papajohn Sep 26, 2019
Fall in Charlotte means Carolina Panthers football, outdoor eating and drinking and of course, plenty of new openings. Here’s a look at some of the latest Queen City restaurants, activities and development that you can now explore.
Food and Drink
Eight + Sand Kitchen
Neighborhood: South End
135 New Bern St., Retail A
The gorgeous new eatery/coffee shop/bar from the teams behind Inizio Pizza and Not Just Coffee is your new one-stop shop for a great breakfast, lunch or dinner. You’ll find pastries, homemade bread, house-made porchetta, lattes on draft and craft cocktails. It’s right off the New Bern light rail stop, making it a great spot for commuters throughout the day.
Hours: Monday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Friday, 7 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Rockin’ Rolls Sushi
Neighborhood: Elizabeth
1523 Elizabeth Ave., Suite 130
Charlotte’s first conveyor belt sushi spot is now open in Elizabeth. The all-you-can-eat concept from the Raleigh-Durham area serves around 50 different sushi rolls plus other dishes like hibachi, fried rice and edamame. Whether you stop by for lunch or dinner, make sure you go hungry.
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-9:30 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-10:30 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Social: Facebook
Rene’s Sweet Treats
Area: Lake Norman
694 Brawley School Road, Suite C, Mooresville
The doughnut selection at this bakery in the Lake Norman area will satisfy any sweet tooth. Look for other sweet treats including cake, yeast, croissant, cereal, holiday and fun character doughnuts plus muffins, breakfast sandwiches, smoothies, coffee drinks and more.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; Closed Monday.
Middle James Brewing Company
Area: Pineville
400 North Polk St., Pineville
Owners Mike and Andrew went big for Pineville’s first brewery. It seats 200 and serves eight original beers plus fancy bar food like duck confit flatbread, poutine and a spicy fried chicken sandwich. Stop by for a beer with friends or a game-viewing session by one of their many televisions.
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Southern Strain Brewing Company
Area: Concord
165 Brumley Ave. NE, Concord
While the area is no stranger to breweries, Southern Strain has made its debut as the first in downtown Concord. Co-founder Ford Craven is a Concord native and started the Cabarrus Homebrewers Society, and co-owners Bart Roberts and Jake Allen are also veterans in the beer scene. Look for fun flavors that pay tribute to the town’s history, like Cherry Lemon (in honor of Cherry Lemon Sun Drop).
Hours: Wednesday-Thursday, 4-10 p.m.; Friday, 3-11 p.m.; Saturday, noon-11 p.m.; Sunday, noon-9 p.m.; Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Good Cup
Area: Matthews
435 N. Trade St., Matthews (inside The Loyalist Market)
Debbie and Joshua Chopas have been operating Good Cup at the Matthews Community Farmers’ Market for two years but recently moved into a permanent space inside The Loyalist Market. Good Cup is known for its handcrafted drinks such as the Wildflower Latte and the Sammy Affogato (an Italian coffee-based dessert with gelato and espresso). Breakfast bites from local purveyors will also be available.
Hours: Monday, 6 a.m.-7 p.m.; Tuesday-Friday, 6-10:45 a.m.; Saturday, operating only at Matthews Community Farmers’ Market; Sunday, 6 -10 a.m. (tentatively)
Hula Whip
Area: See Instagram for schedule.
Love visiting Disney World strictly to get your hands on Pineapple Dole Whip? Now you can get it in Charlotte. Just follow Hula Whip on social media to see where this new food truck is parked.
Hours: Varies by schedule.
Things to Do
Coliseum V
Area: East Charlotte
2801 E. Independence Blvd.
Charlotte’s new “action bar” features self-serve beer, wine and draft cocktails plus laser tag, archery tag and virtual reality booths. You’ll find at least one food truck in the parking lot, too. Get ready to experience the largest virtual reality hub in North Carolina.
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 4-11 p.m.; Sunday, noon-7 p.m.; Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Veronét Vineyards & Winery
Area: Kings Mountain
1549 Ike Brooks Dr., Kings Mountain
Take a quick drive to Kings Mountain to experience Veronét Vineyards & Winery, a 70-acre estate. Inside the 6,300 square-foot tasting room and wine cellar, you can enjoy wine flights, small plates, charcuterie boards and spectacular views. Treat yourself to a glass of vino at one of the two bars or outside on the 70-foot patio.
Hours: Friday, noon-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, noon-6 p.m; Closed Monday; Tuesday and Thursday tasting by appointment only.
Rosie’s Wine Garden
Neighborhood: NoDa
940 N. Davidson St.
McGill Rose Garden, a popular wedding venue, is now home to Rosie’s Wine Garden. Guests can stroll through the gardens while sipping on beer or wine. Food trucks will often be on-site, but packing your own picnic is encouraged.
Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 4-10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Closed Monday; Closed Saturday April-November for private events.
Amazon Treasure Truck
Area: Check out this site and sign up for text alerts to find out where the truck is parked.
Charlotte is now home to an Amazon Treasure Truck. How does it work exactly? Sign up for text alerts to find out what special offer is available on which days. Buy the item on Amazon then select your pick-up time. Visit the truck to grab your item (usually available at a discounted price!)
Social: Instagram
Development
Amazon CLT4
Area: North of Charlotte Douglas International Airport
8000 Tuckaseegee Road
A new Amazon fulfillment center opened near the Charlotte-Douglas airport and is the first in North Carolina to use robotics. The center aims to employ 1,500 people and will send out hundreds of thousands of Amazon orders per day. This facility marks the third Amazon center in the area.
As the weather continues to get cooler, Charlotte will be in full swing with even more expected openings including Link & Pin ( a restaurant focused on craft cocktails from the creator of Duckworth’s and The Cellar), the Topgolf Swing Suite (an indoor Topgolf experience) and The Batchmaker Batch House (a bakery specializing in brownies, cookies and other treats).
Main image by Veronét Vineyards & Winery on Facebook
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