Just Opened in Charlotte - Aug. '20
In the August 2020 edition of this ongoing 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 Aug 20, 2020
This month, Charlotteans are making dreams become reality. Several pop-up or mobile businesses opened brick-and-mortars, including Spoons, CLT Boutique, Glory Days Apparel and Sticks and Beans. Amidst the struggles of local businesses all over the world, it’s comforting to remember the success stories, too.
Restaurant updates and hours of operation listed below are subject to change.
Food & Drink
77 Grounds Coffee
Area:Davidson, NC
Just a quick drive from Charlotte will lead you to Davidson’s newest coffee shop, 77 Grounds. Owners Maddie and Sean pour local favorite Pure Intentions Coffee and offer baked goods to pair with your drink of choice. The coffee shop is also on the Cloosiv app for easy pre-ordering and pickup.
Hours:Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Allegiance Coffee
Area: Concord, NC
1115 Old Charlotte Road
Owners Andrew and Amber took a leap of faith and put wheels into motion during quarantine to bring this Concord coffee shop to life. Turns out it was all for the best as their doors are now open. At Allegiance Coffee, you’ll find Haerfest Coffee, blended cold brew, tea lattes and sweet treats from local bakers.
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Closed Sunday.
Cloud Bar by David Burke
Neighborhood: Uptown
555 S. McDowell St.
City Lights has transformed into Cloud Barby celebrity chef David Burke. To reach this rooftop bar, head into the lobby of Le Méridien hotel and take the elevator to the 18th floor. There, you’ll find craft cocktails and small plates such as mini lobster rolls, tuna tartar tacos, maple glazed bacon and chilled watermelon “pizza.”
Hours: Daily, 4-10 p.m.
Copain Gatherings
Neighborhood: SouthPark
6601 Morrison Blvd.
Jim Noble’s Copain Gatherings has been operating as an online retailer but now welcomes guests to its brick-and-mortar in SouthPark. The European-style bakery offers prepared foods, fresh bread, pastries and plenty of other kitchen staples. Shoppers are welcome to walk in to browse or place an order online for easy pickup.
Hours:Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Closed Sunday and Monday.
Insomnia Cookies
Neighborhood: South End
2116 Hawkins St., Suite 103
Craving cookies late-night? Whether you’re studying past bedtime or trying to meet a work deadline, Insomnia Cookies is here for you with warm cookie deliveries or pick up. Don’t forget a bottle of milk!
Hours:Monday-Wednesday, 11 a.m.-midnight; Thursday-Friday, 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Saturday, noon-1 a.m.; Sunday, noon-midnight.
Mico Restaurant
Neighborhood: Uptown
201 W. Trade St.
Dine in luxury at the Grand Bohemian Hotel’s restaurant, Mico. The menu is inspired by parts of South America with dishes like Bistec Aleman, Merguez Spiced Lamb and Pan Roasted Sunburst Trout. We have our eyes on dessert, though: Dulce de Leche Whipped Panna Cotta, anyone?
Hours:
Lunch: Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Dinner: Tuesday-Saturday, 5:30-10 p.m.
Lounge All Day Menu: Sunday-Monday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Tuesday-Saturday, 2-10 p.m.
MOA Korean
Neighborhood: Uptown
128 South Tryon St.
Charlotte’s newest Korean barbecue concept is open in the heart of Uptown. Should you go the traditional tabletop route, the server cooks your table’s meats of choice (rather than leaving that task to you). Many other Korean dishes are available including bibimbap, Korean chicken wings and banchan.
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 4-10 p.m.; Closed Sunday during COVID-19 restrictions.
Spoons
Neighborhood: Uptown and South End
129 W. Trade St. (Uptown)
2520 South Blvd. (South End)
Fans are falling for these flavorful acai bowls. Spoons once only operated as a food truck and is now popping up retail locations all over the city. Stick with a signature bowl like the Heart Throb or Sugababy, or go crazy with the build-your-own option.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sticks and Beans
Area: Concord, NC
10070 Edison Square Dr. NW
This new Black-owned café in Concord has it all: coffee, small plates, drinks and cigars. Owners Marcus Samuel and Xavian Seiferth have been selling cigars since 2018 and have finally made their dream of opening a permanent location a reality. Look for live music and other events when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted (and maybe a second location).
Hours:Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
VANA
Neighborhood: South End
1440 South Tryon St., #100
From the owners of Bardo comes their new and high-anticipated restaurant, VANA. The beautiful South End location includes an open kitchen, rustic décor and furniture made of reclaimed wood. Chefs Michael Noll and William Underwood are in the kitchen making magic and mixologist Amanda Britton is concocting some of the city’s best drinks.
Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 4:30-10 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 4:30-10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Things to Do
CLT Boutique
Neighborhood: South End
1425 Winnifred St., Suite 109
Shoppers may know owner Britt Gooding from her “glamper,” but now you can pay her and CLT Boutique a visit in South End. In the store and online you’ll find clothing, shoes, accessories, great gift ideas and lots of local love for CLT.
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m.
Development
Grand Bohemian Hotel
Neighborhood: Uptown
201 W. Trade St.
Need an epic staycation? Consider booking at the new Grand Bohemian Hotel and instantly feel like you’ve been whisked away on vacation. The luxurious setting and equally fancy restaurant and bar will have you feeling relaxed in no time.
