The curated articles about Concord’s downtown food scene highlight the challenges and adaptations businesses face due to construction and rising rents. Many shops close due to these pressures while others find ways to thrive.
A shared theme is the struggle to maintain business amid chaos and change.
Several businesses shut their doors, citing construction as a major factor. Cabo Winery and Table 11 both closed, unable to endure the disruption and costs.
In other news, High Grounds Coffeehouse announced its closure after nearly two years, thanking the community for their support. It wasn’t immediately clear if the closure was related to construction or not.
New ventures have emerge to fill the gaps left by closures. Concord Trading Post recently opened, serving sandwiches and operating within the city’s social district, embracing the initiative designed to draw more people downtown.
Finally, despite the challenges, Concord continues to receive praise. It was highlighted on HGTV’s list of charming small-town downtowns, recognized for its lively historic district and social district area, attracting visitors eager to explore local attractions.
NO. 1: IS DOWNTOWN CONCORD CONSTRUCTION FORCING SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS OUT OF BUSINESS?
Two years into a streetscape project widening sidewalks, customers have dwindled and some of the area’s shops have had to call it quits. | Published August 20, 2024 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley
NO. 2: YES, THEY’RE OPEN: WHERE TO SHOP AND EAT IN DOWNTOWN CONCORD (EVEN DURING CONSTRUCTION)
Sip, browse and eat while spending the day in an area where you can make a difference. | Published August 21, 2024 | Read Full Story by Ebony L. Morman
NO. 3: GRAB-AND-GO SANDWICH SHOP WITH BAGELS, WRAPS AND MORE NOW OPEN IN CONCORD
Those in search of a good sandwich are sure to find one they like at a new fast-casual market in the heart of Concord. | Published September 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 4: ANOTHER RESTAURANT BIDS ADIEU TO DOWNTOWN CONCORD, TEASES MOVE TO CHARLOTTE
A plant-based eatery is closing shop in downtown Concord, with plans to put down new roots in Charlotte in the coming year. | Published September 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 5: NC HAS ONE OF THE ‘MOST CHARMING’ SMALL DOWNTOWNS, HGTV SAYS. SEE THE FULL LIST
Those in search of an ideal place to take a leisurely stroll, grab a meal or check out the local art scene can look no further than this small North Carolina town. | Published September 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 6: CONCORD NATIVE CLOSES DOORS ON DOWNTOWN COFFEE SHOP. ‘I’M BEYOND GRATEFUL’
A Charlotte-area coffee shop is “officially closed” after nearly two years in business. | Published October 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.