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Tag: downtown concord

  • Concord downtown food scene adapts post-construction: 6 things to know

    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.

    Downtown Concord has been thrown into chaos during two years of streetscape construction, meant to attract visitors and increase foot traffic. In the meantime, the area’s small businesses have been feeling the pinch of fewer customers. By Alex Cason

    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



    Kathleen Reeder, owner of The Bead Lady; Ashley Howell, owner of The Lenz Studio; and Cindy Sheppard, owner of ShoeBeeDo, congregate at Local Bottle Shop in downtown Concord. By Alex Cason

    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



    Concord Trading post offers a “build your own” sandwich option that includes your choice of bread, meat, cheese toppings and sauce.

    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



    Another restaurant is closing in downtown Concord, though it plans to reopen at a new location in 2026.

    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



    HGTV has named Concord as one of its most charming small-town downtowns in America. By Alex Cason

    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



    Downtown Concord, North Carolina. By Alex Cason

    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.

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  • 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.

    High Grounds Coffeehouse on Monday, Oct. 6, announced it was shutting the doors on its spot along Barbrick Avenue in downtown Concord, according to an Instagram post.

    A reason for the closure wasn’t immediately clear.

    A wide, eye-level shot of a street in Concord, North Carolina. The asphalt road slopes uphill toward the background. At the top of the hill, a prominent light-blue water tower with the word “Concord” in red script is centered in the frame. The scene is flanked by brick buildings and vibrant green trees on a bright day with a blue sky and scattered clouds. A green lamppost and a pedestrian crossing sign are in the right foreground.
    High Grounds Coffeehouse officially opened in downtown Concord, NC, in January 2024. Alex Cason CharlotteFive

    “Owning this shop has been one of the greatest adventures of my life, and I’m beyond grateful for the love, support and encouragement I’ve received over the past two years,” owner Andrea Runyan wrote on Instagram.

    Opened in January 2024, High Grounds was “more than just a coffee shop but … a quaint sanctuary” for locals strolling the city’s downtown, officials wrote in a profile highlighting Runyan, a Concord native. The beloved coffeehouse found a home on the ground floor of the new Novi Lofts.

    Last summer, a major streetscape construction project aimed at drawing new visitors to the historic district made the area tough to navigate, CharlotteFive reported. Foot traffic was slow, and many local businesses struggled.

    It’s not clear if the heavy construction played a part in High Grounds’ closure.

    CharlotteFive reached out to Runyan for more information Tuesday and was awaiting a response.

    The coffee house used beans from Colorado, where Runyan lived for a few years after college, according to Concord officials. The name “High Grounds” was her way of bringing that chapter of her life back home.

    “From the regulars who became friends, to the new faces that brought joy through the door, each of you has been part of this journey and made it so meaningful,” she said via Instagram.

    Local love for High Grounds

    Runyan thanked the downtown Concord community for “being part of my dream,” adding: “I truly hope it’s not a goodbye but a ‘see you again.’”

    The sign-off prompted an outpouring of reactions from locals sad to see High Grounds go:

    • “You are the only coffee place I go to in downtown and I’m gonna miss you so much! Your coffee gets me through tough days in the office,” Instagram user @applepie0712 commented.
    • “I will miss hanging out and talking to you while you make some great coffee,” Mark Shropshire wrote. “Wishing you the best and can’t wait to hear what you do next.”
    • “Sending you all my love and support in your next journey Andrea! You will be missed,” The Downtown Dirty, which highlights business in downtowns across Cabarrus County, wrote.
    • “Forever my favorite coffee in Concord! ❤️ Best wishes for your next adventure!!,” wrote Babetta Popoff.

    High Grounds Coffeehouse

    Location: 25 Barbrick Ave SW Ste. 103, Concord, NC 28025

    Cuisine: Coffee

    Menu

    Instagram: @highgroundscoffeehouse

    This story was originally published October 7, 2025 at 11:35 AM.

    Related Stories from Charlotte Observer

    Tanasia Kenney

    Sun Herald

    Tanasia is a service journalism reporter based at the Charlotte Observer | CharlotteFive, working remotely from Atlanta, Georgia. She recently joined the NC Service Journalism team and covers restaurant openings/closings in Charlotte and statewide stories. She’s been with McClatchy since 2020.

    Tanasia Kenney

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  • NC has one of the ‘most charming’ small downtowns, HGTV says. See the full list

    HGTV has named Concord, North Carolina, as one of its most charming small-town downtowns in America.

    HGTV has named Concord, North Carolina, as one of its most charming small-town downtowns in America.


    Alex Cason

    CharlotteFive

    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.

    Once again, downtown Concord has earned a spot on HGTV’s list of the “40 Most Charming Small Downtowns in America.” The list, published Wednesday, Sept. 17, recognized dozens of “vibrant” enclaves across the U.S. that “invite you in and encourage you to stay,” the cable network said.

    The view of downtown from the rooftop during ribbon cutting for Novi Lofts in Concord, N.C., on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
    The view of downtown from the rooftop during ribbon cutting for Novi Lofts in Concord, N.C., on Thursday, February 20, 2025. KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH Knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com

    It was the only North Carolina town featured in this year’s lineup, and it previously appeared on HGTV’s small-town downtowns list in 2022. CharlotteFive readers also voted it among the best small towns in North Carolina to visit in 2025.

    Here’s what makes downtown Concord a crowd favorite:

    Concord, North Carolina

    Nestled about 30 miles northeast from Charlotte, downtown Concord boasts boutiques, curated art galleries, gardens, architecture and more, HGTV said.

    Visitors can stroll the “lively historic district” and revel in the vibrant street art, including a tribute mural celebrating folk rock band The Avett Brothers on Union Street.

    Grab a scoop (or two) from the Cabarrus Creamery, or enjoy a meal at the many restaurants and bars that call downtown home.

    Kathleen Reeder, owner of The Bead Lady; Ashley Howell, owner of The Lenz Studio; and Cindy Sheppard, owner of ShoeBeeDo, congregate at Local Bottle Shop in downtown Concord.
    Kathleen Reeder, owner of The Bead Lady; Ashley Howell, owner of The Lenz Studio; and Cindy Sheppard, owner of ShoeBeeDo, congregate at Local Bottle Shop in downtown Concord. Alex Cason CharlotteFive

    Last year, Concord launched its designated social district, allowing visitors to legally enjoy open containers of alcohol sold by participating businesses in the downtown area, CharlotteFive reported. The district operates from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily.

    There’s also the historic Cabarrus County Courthouse, which houses an art gallery, gift shop and 227-seat theatre for plays and musical performances, according to the county’s website. Built in 1876, architecture buffs can appreciate the “synthesis of Greek Revival, Italianate and Second Empire styles.”

    Lastly, visitors can take in the fresh blooms of Memorial Garden at the First Presbyterian Church of Concord. The nursery sits on land bought in 1804 for the church’s first log-cabin sanctuary, its website says.

    ‘Charming’ small downtowns in the US

    Other small towns in the Southeast that made the list include:

    • Athens, Georgia
    • Dahlonega, Georgia
    • Conway, South Carolina
    • Greenville, South Carolina
    • Charlottesville, Virginia
    • Middleburg, Virginia
    • Fernandina Beach, Florida
    • Franklin, Tennessee
    • Cape Charles, Virginia
    • Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

    Read the full list at hgtv.com/lifestyle/travel/charming-small-town-downtowns-pictures.

    Spend moments your day enjoying Concord’s historic downtown.
    Spend moments your day enjoying Concord’s historic downtown. Courtesy of the City of Concord

    This story was originally published September 29, 2025 at 11:46 AM.

    Related Stories from Charlotte Observer

    Tanasia Kenney

    Sun Herald

    Tanasia is a service journalism reporter based at the Charlotte Observer | CharlotteFive, working remotely from Atlanta, Georgia. She recently joined the NC Service Journalism team and covers restaurant openings/closings in Charlotte and statewide stories. She’s been with McClatchy since 2020.

    Tanasia Kenney

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  • Another restaurant bids adieu to downtown Concord, teases move to Charlotte

    A wide, daytime photo of a two-story building in a downtown area, with the address “11 Union Street Square South” clearly visible above a row of glass double doors. A white Ford pickup truck is parked on the street in front of the building, and two people are walking toward the entrance on the brick sidewalk.

    Another restaurant is closing in downtown Concord, though it plans to reopen at a new location in 2026.

    Google Street View image from Feb. 2019 © 2025 Google

    A plant-based eatery is closing shop in downtown Concord, with plans to put down new roots in Charlotte in the coming year.

    JuaMoto Sunfired Cuisine, a restaurant specializing in vegan and vegetarian offerings, is saying goodbye to its space at 11 Union St., the business said on Instagram. Its last day of operations is Sunday, Sept. 28.

    The restaurant plans to re-open at a new location in January 2026 with “surprise” pop-ups in Charlotte and Columbia, South Carolina, in the meantime.

    “Since opening, we’ve rarely taken a day off and now we’re looking forward to a much needed pause before stepping into our next chapter,” the restaurant said via Instagram.

    “We are so excited for what’s ahead!” it added.

    At JuaMoto Sunfired Cuisine, customers can pick from kale wraps, salads, smoothies and other vegan-friendly options. The signature sunfired wrap is made with kale, nutritional yeast, liquid amino, sundried tomatoes, herbs and a spice blend on a wrap of your choice.

    “Our mission is to raise the collective consciousness and vibration of the world through high-frequency, sun-fired cuisine that honors the wisdom of ancestral eating,” the restaurant’s website says.

    “By offering nutrient-dense, plant-based meals, we cultivate a space where food becomes medicine, and community thrives in harmony.”

    A reason for the closure wasn’t given.

    CharlotteFive reached out to JuaMoto Sunfired Cuisine for more information but didn’t immediately hear back.

    The sudden news drew mixed reactions from locals:

    • “The way my heart just sank a little,” Nzuri Nairobi commented on Instagram.
    • “I am sad to see you leave Concord,” Christin Lindsey wrote. “My hope is to see you guys again at your new location. Sending you all the best.”
    • “I will miss my business neighbor but many blessings & new beginnings,” event space At the Venue comment

    This is a developing story and will be updated.

    JuaMoto Sunfired Cuisine

    Location: 11 Union St S Suite 101, Concord, NC 28025

    Menu

    Cuisine: Vegan, vegetarian

    Instagram: @juamotosunfiredcuisine

    Related Stories from Charlotte Observer

    Tanasia Kenney

    Sun Herald

    Tanasia is a service journalism reporter based at the Charlotte Observer | CharlotteFive, working remotely from Atlanta, Georgia. She recently joined the NC Service Journalism team and covers restaurant openings/closings in Charlotte and statewide stories. She’s been with McClatchy since 2020.

    Tanasia Kenney

    Source link