It’s the start of a new year: a time to reflect and a time to look forward. Here, find a look back on the restaurants we were sad to say goodbye to, and 2020 openings we’re on the lookout for.
2020 Openings Expected and Opening Soon
The Goodyear House
Opening: January 2020 in NoDa at 3032 N Davidson St.
What to expect: Coming soon to NoDa, The Goodyear House will serve elevated classics in a carefully curated neighborhood hangout.
Easy Like Sunday
Opening: February 2020 in Montford Park, across from Park Road Shopping Center.
What to expect: A focus on “craft brunch” earlier in the day, with heavier small plates and entrees joining the menu for dinner.
Supperland
Opening: Summer 2020 in Plaza Midwood
What to expect: From the owners of NoDa favorites Crepe Cellar and Haberdish, among others, comes Supperland, which will focus on regional Southern cuisine served in a renovated historic church. The kitchen will be run by Executive Chef, Chris Rogienski, who is currently the Sous Chef at Haberdish.
Leah and Louise
Where to find them: Camp North End
What to expect: James Beard-nominated Chefs Greg Collier and Subrina Collier will be behind Cap North End’s first standalone restaurant. Leah and Louise will serve classic southern fare with a “modern juke joint” vibe.
The Eagle Food & Beer Hall
Where to find them: South End
What to expect: A focus on fried chicken made in custom-built fryers and served with house made hot honey. Classic southern sides include mac and cheese, succotash and white cheddar grits while the “snacks” portion of the menu is equally as tempting, offering brown sugar bacon and the southern spread: house ham salad, pimento cheese, pickled green bean, blackberry jam and Ritz crackers.
The People’s Market Uptown
Where to find them: Uptown
What to expect: Dilworth’s popular neighborhood hangout plans to open a second location in 2020 inside a Fourth Ward historic firehouse.
Superica, SouthPark
Opening: Summer 2020 at SouthPark’s Strawberry Hill development
What to expect: A similar vibe and offerings as their popular South End location, with a few nods to the SouthPark neighborhood.
Snooze an AM Eatery, South End
Where to find them: South End, across from Atherton in the development formally home to Owen’s Bagels
What to expect: The second Charlotte location for the Denver-based breakfast and brunch-focused chain is expected to open in South End.
Openings inside Optimist Hall
Openings: A number of openings are expected at the already popular Optimist Hall. They include a stall for
- Suarez Bakery
- Billy Sunday
- Felix’s Handmade Empanadas
- Botiwalla Indian Street Grill
- Boxar Betty’s
- Mezeh Mediterranean Grill
Stay up to date with all openings here.
Little Mama’s
Where to find them: SouthPark
What to expect: This new concept from Mama Ricotta’s will offer guest favorite pastas along with new pasta dishes, as well as a mozzarella bar.
Restoration Hardware Restaurant & Rooftop Bar
Where to find them: Phillips Place in SouthPark
What to expect: With a focus on brunch and dinner, this upscale restaurant and rooftop bar will be part of Phillips Place’s transformation in the coming years.
Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit
Where to find them: South End at 27 W. Tremont Avenue.
What to expect: Charleston favorite Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit will soon be opening a Charlotte location, serving their favorite signature biscuit sandwiches, mini biscuits, and even salads and soups. View the full menu here.
VANA
Where to find them: South End
What to expect: From Bardo’s Chef Michael Noll, VANA will focus on an approachable, rustic tapas menu with wood-fired menu items.
Orto
Where to find them: NoDa
What to expect: Coming soon from James Beard-nominated chef Paul Verica, this Italian restaurant is likely to become a new NoDa favorite.
Fire Box
Where to find them: South End’s Gold District
What to expect: A fresh take on pizza from Chef Michael Shortino of Futo Buta and Lincoln’s Haberdashery.
Silverlake Ramen, South End
Where to find them: February 2020 across from Atherton
What to expect: For its second Charlotte-area location (the first recently opened in Concord Mills), LA-based Silverlake Ramen is coming to South End. Menu items include a variety of rice bowls and ramen specialties with the option to customize with add-ons.
STIR
Opening: Summer 2020 at South End at the RailYard
What to expect: The Chattanooga-based restaurant and oyster bar will bring an innovative cocktail menu with a focus on artisanal ice, a signature raw bar and weekend brunch to South End. View the full Chattanooga menu here.
Ruby Sunshine
Opening: Summer 2020 in South End across from Seoul Food.
What to expect: A daytime eatery focused on New Orleans-inspired brunch. The expansive menu includes a number of brunch cocktails and dishes including a variety of Benedicts (including a mix and match option), BBQ shrimp and grits, a classic croque madame and a whole section for French toast and pancakes.
2019 Closings
Vivace
After almost 10 years in business, the restaurant closed on December 31 due to failed lease negotiations, reported the Charlotte Observer. Urban Food Group also owns two hot Charlotte spots, Bar Marcel and Civetta, plus restaurants in Raleigh, Wilmington and Denver, CO.
Aix en Provence/Le Cochon d’Or
Myers Park favorite Aix en Provence and Waxhaw’s Le Cochon d’Or both closed its doors in summer 2019.
Pike’s Soda Shop
Beloved South End spot Pike’s Old Fashioned Soda Shop closed in early summer with plans to reopen in a new location at a later date.
Terrace Cafe
In addition, both the Ballantyne and SouthPark locations of Terrace Cafe closed in November.
Sushi Guru
Both Sushi Guru locations in Plaza Midwood and SouthPark closed in early November 2019.
Art’s BBQ & Deli
Art’s BBQ & Deli in Dilworth also closed in November after more than 40 years in business.
Bentley’s on 27
Uptown’s Bentley’s on 27 closed May 18 with plans to reopen later this year.
WP Kitchen + Bar
This SouthPark spot known for its speciality pizzas and pastas closed its doors in last December 2019.
The Packhouse/Joe and Nosh
Both concepts, previously owned by Deedee Mills (of Mayobird and The Summit Room) were sold in October.
Owen’s Bagels
This South End favorite for classic and specialty bagels closed its doors in March 24. A Facebook post mentions a new location is in the works.
Siggy’s Good Food
Siggy’s Good Food in the Belmont neighborhood closed in June after less than a year in business.
