Charlotte’s Culinary Currents: New Openings, Fond Farewells
Charlotte’s dynamic dining scene continues its rapid evolution, bringing a mix of excitement and nostalgia to local foodies. As some beloved establishments close their doors, innovative new concepts are eager to fill their shoes, ensuring the city’s culinary landscape remains vibrant and diverse.
Saying Goodbye to Charlotte Icons
The restaurant world is constantly in motion, and even long-standing favorites sometimes make way for new ventures.
Bistro La Bon: An Enduring Plaza Midwood Presence
After an impressive 11-year run, Bistro La Bon in Plaza Midwood has closed its doors. Known for its popular brunch and dinner offerings, the departure is bittersweet. However, chef-owner Chris Coleman and his team are not leaving the scene entirely, planning a new concept called “The Exchange” in the same vibrant neighborhood, signaling a transformation rather than a complete exit.
Stable Hand’s Brief Run in South End
South End recently saw the closure of Stable Hand, an American tavern that aimed to add to the area’s robust dining options. Its short tenure highlights the competitive and challenging nature of the restaurant industry, especially in high-growth areas.
Supperland Speakeasy Transforms
The hidden speakeasy component of Plaza Midwood’s acclaimed Supperland has transitioned from a public bar to a private event space. This shift paves the way for the Supperland team to introduce an entirely new “refined American restaurant” concept in the adjacent space, demonstrating strategic adaptation to market demands.
Exciting New Ventures and Expansions
While some spots close, Charlotte’s culinary creativity flourishes with a wave of anticipated openings across popular districts.
Luxury Debuts: The Vintage Whiskey & Cigar Bar
SouthPark is set to welcome The Vintage Whiskey & Cigar Bar, replacing the former Del Frisco’s. This luxurious concept, from the owners of The Cellar at Duckworth’s and the upcoming Link & Lager, promises an upscale experience for those seeking fine spirits and an exclusive ambiance.
Supperland’s Second Act in Plaza Midwood
Leveraging the space freed by their speakeasy, the Supperland team is developing a new upscale American restaurant. This new concept is poised to offer a distinct dining experience, different from its flagship establishment, further cementing Plaza Midwood’s reputation as a foodie destination.
Fresh Flavors: Salted Melon and Golden Owl Tavern
South End will soon host Salted Melon, a market and cafe concept by celebrated chef Greg Collier (of Leah & Louise fame), bringing fresh, accessible options to the neighborhood. Meanwhile, SouthPark will see the arrival of Golden Owl Tavern, an upscale American restaurant replacing Dogwood, under the culinary direction of chef David Gross.
The Eagle Food & Beer Hall & Link & Lager
The 5Church Group’s The Eagle Food & Beer Hall continues its vibrant presence in South End. Uptown is also gaining Link & Lager, a new sports bar concept by the Duckworth’s team, promising craft beers and elevated pub fare to the city center.
Navigating the Industry’s Headwinds
The ebb and flow of Charlotte’s restaurant scene are influenced by several significant factors that shape what opens, closes, and thrives.
Labor Challenges and Operational Costs
A persistent challenge for many restaurateurs is the difficulty in finding and retaining skilled staff, particularly for back-of-house positions like cooks and dishwashers. Coupled with rising operational costs, including rent and ingredients, these factors often make it difficult for businesses to maintain profitability, leading to tough decisions about closure or adaptation.
Evolving Consumer Tastes and Market Saturation
Charlotte’s growing population brings with it a more sophisticated and diverse palate, demanding unique and high-quality dining experiences. While this fuels innovation, it also creates a highly competitive environment, especially in saturated areas like South End and Plaza Midwood, pushing establishments to constantly differentiate themselves.
| Location | Previous / Status | New Concept / Change | Neighborhood |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1920 Commonwealth Ave | Bistro La Bon (Closed) | The Exchange (Planned) | Plaza Midwood |
| 1213 W Morehead St | Stable Hand (Closed) | TBD | South End |
| 1212 The Plaza | Supperland Speakeasy | Private Event Space + New Restaurant | Plaza Midwood |
| 4335 Park Rd | Del Frisco’s (Closed) | The Vintage Whiskey & Cigar Bar | SouthPark |
| 4709 Sharon Rd | Dogwood (Closed) | Golden Owl Tavern | SouthPark |
What’s Next for Charlotte’s Plate?
Looking ahead, Charlotte’s culinary future appears to be one of continued dynamism and innovation.
Continued Growth in Key Dining Hubs
Neighborhoods like Plaza Midwood, South End, SouthPark, Camp North End, and Optimist Hall will undoubtedly remain hotbeds for restaurant development. These areas offer the foot traffic and demographic appeal that new concepts seek.
Focus on Experience and Niche Concepts
Expect a continued trend towards chef-driven establishments, specialized bars, and unique experiential dining that offers more than just a meal. Adaptability and a clear identity will be crucial for new and existing ventures to capture the local imagination.
FAQs
- Why are so many restaurants closing in Charlotte?
Closures are often due to a mix of factors including rising operational costs, lease issues, intense competition, and persistent labor shortages, especially for kitchen staff. - What kind of new restaurants can we expect?
Charlotte is seeing a trend towards upscale American concepts, market-style cafes, and unique culinary experiences, often in refined or specialty environments like whiskey bars. - Which neighborhoods are experiencing the most growth?
South End, Plaza Midwood, and SouthPark remain central to Charlotte’s dining evolution, with Camp North End and Optimist Hall also continuing to expand their offerings. - Is the labor shortage still impacting Charlotte restaurants?
Yes, the article indicates that finding and retaining skilled staff, particularly in the back-of-house, continues to be a significant challenge for many establishments.
Charlotte’s dining scene truly reflects the city’s growth and ambition. While it’s sad to see beloved spots go, the constant infusion of fresh ideas and dedicated culinary talent ensures an exciting future for local foodies, reminding us to savor every moment and support the diverse establishments that make our city taste so good.
Charlotte Dining New Openings Farewells
