Just Opened - Jan. '22
Happy New Year, Charlotte! 2022 may have brought us snow, but it’s also bringing the heat with these new business openings. Stay warm and check ‘em out!
by Allie Papajohn Jan 25, 2022
Food & Drink
Bird Pizzeria
Neighborhood: Optimist Park
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 4:00-8:00 p.m.; Closed Sunday-Tuesday
This pop-up turned pizza shop is owned by husband and wife Kerrel and Nkem Thompson and offers “East Coast-style” pizza to-go. Those looking to order ahead must subscribe to their email list (they’ll immediately send you the order link). They also accept walk-up orders, but be warned–these pizzas have been selling out fast!
Greco Fresh Grille
Neighborhood: SouthPark
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
This family-owned fast-casual Greek spot has opened its seventh Charlotte-area location. Get your fix of gyros, lemon oregano fries, Greek salad and those fabulous Greek donuts (Loukoumades). Pop in to eat or order online for easy pickup.
Halal Street Food
Neighborhood: MoRa
Hours: 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. daily
Big fan of the Halal Food Cart? Now you can enjoy the same cuisine and more at this brick-and-mortar off Monroe Road. Fans love their platters, kebabs and wraps filled with shawarma, gyro, lamb and beef. Don’t miss the famous white sauce, either. It’s good on everything.
I Heart Mac & Cheese
Area: Indian Land, SC
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Yes, all of your dreams have officially come true! This mac-and-cheese-focused franchise is now open right outside of Charlotte in Indian Land, South Carolina. You’ll customize your grilled cheese or mac-and-cheese bowl to your liking with a variety of 11 veggies, 10 proteins and nine cheeses. If your diet is a little more restricted, no worries–vegan and gluten-free options are available.
Midnight Mulligan
Neighborhood: Wesley Heights
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 3:00-10:00 p.m.; Friday, 3:00-11:00 p.m.; Saturday, 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.; Sunday, 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; Closed Monday
Charlotte’s newest brewery is focused on West Coast-style beers (many brewed in-house) and an elevated food menu with dishes like Parmesan Baked Meatballs, Shrimp Fra Diavolo and a Blackened Salmon BLT. You’ll also find outdoor seating with skyline views and plenty of private event space for your next event.
milkbread
Area: Davidson, NC
Hours: 7:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. daily.
From the owners of Kindred comes milkbread, an all-day cafe focused on milkbread donuts, fried chicken sandwiches, salads, veggie bowls and coffee. Joe and Katy Kindred are also in the process of renovating the old Dairy Queen in Plaza Midwood for this cafe’s second location. We just cannot wait to treat ourselves morning, noon or night at this spot.
PARA
Neighborhood: South End
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 5:00-11:00 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 5:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m.; Closed Monday
The former Zeppelin spot is now home to PARA, which serves worldly small plates inspired by izakaya-style Japanese restaurants. Executive Chef Alex Verica will lead the kitchen, sending out items such as Lobster Toast, Short Rib Dumplings and Cabbage Gratin. We’re especially excited about the cocktail program by Bar Manager Yashira Mejia.
Resident Culture
Neighborhood: South End
Hours: Monday, 4:00-10:00 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday, 4:00-11:00 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, noon-2:00 a.m.; Sunday, noon-10:00 p.m.
The team behind the popular brewery Resident Culture has opened its second location in Charlotte. The space is also home to the taqueria El Toro Bruto, which you may remember as the pop-up Chilito, and California-based Mostra Coffee. Eventually, they’ll open a wedding and event space on the lower level called The Gilded Cellar.
Sister
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; Sunday, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.; Closed Monday
Kiki Bistro has transformed into Sister, an all-day cafe serving Greek/Mediterranean-inspired dishes like spanakopita and gyros plus a few favorites from their “sister” concept just upstairs, Soul Gastrolounge (like those Pork Belly Tacos!). The bar connected to the space, Tattoo Liquor Lounge, will remain in operation.
The Human Bean
Area: Long Creek
Hours: check online for most up-to-date information
The Charlotte area now has its second franchise-owned The Human Bean, a drive-thru-only coffee shop that sources its coffee directly from farmers. You’ll find super fun signature drinks on the menu, like Butter Bomb, Chunky Monkey and Hawaiian Night, plus frozen concoctions and jazzed up Rockstar energy drinks. Each drink comes with a chocolate covered espresso bean, too.
The Royal Tot
Neighborhood: Belmont
Hours: Sunday, Wednesday-Thursday, 5:00-11:00 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 5:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.; Closed Monday-Tuesday
Much-anticipated rum bar The Royal Tot is finally open after several successful pop-ups over the last few months. Get ready to be whisked away by tiki cocktails, fun glassware, tropical decor and a food menu created in partnership with their neighbors, Paper Plane Deli & Market. When the weather warms up, the rooftop deck will be the place to be.
