EAST VILLAGE, Manhattan (WABC) — This Neighborhood Eats we’re honoring AANHPI Month celebrating Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.
We’re getting a taste from a specific region of China, that’s turned into a phenomenon across the Tri-State.
The restaurant started as a mom-and-pop shop in 2006 in Flushing, Queens.
Due to their popularity, over the past 18 years, they have expanded and even been nominated as a Michelin-recommended Shangai-nese food for 9 years in a row.
Soup dumplings are steamed buns that are filled with a gelatin broth with meat steeping in a savory soup, and then it is wrapped in dough skin.
“I think what makes our soup dumplings so special is our name, Nan Xiang. The origin of this countryside in Shanghai which is the origin of soup dumplings,” said Tyler Meng, Marketing Manager.
They say that dumplings are a symbol of love and happiness.
“Our signature dish is actually called a Lucky 6 Dumplings. It offers a wide arrange of different types of flavors of dumplings in a colorful skin,” Meng said.
So we mentioned the classic, Nan Xiang pork broth as well as crab paste, crab, and pork. We have innovative ones like chicken soup dumplings, black truffle soup dumplings, scallion pork dumplings and gourd luffa dumplings, which is tailored for the vegetarian diners,” Meng said.
They make thousands of baskets of dumplings at their restaurants every day.
“In our Flushing location, we make usually from 7,000 baskets to 9,000 baskets per day, so 42,000 per day,” he said.
The restaurants also offer authentic Chinese food.
“One of my favorites is the pork and vegetable wonton soup with spicy peanut butter sauce,” Meng said.
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Tikka Shack will open in Rock Hill at 2427 Cross Pointe Drive, Suite 105.
Heidi Finley
CharlotteFive
A new fast-casual option for Indian food — Tikka Shack — is opening in a busy spot of Rock Hill.
The new restaurant will be located in the former Nature’s Table space, near Sam’s Club and Academy Sports. It will be the second Tikka Shack in the Carolinas; the first opened in uptown Charlotte in fall 2022.
A timeline for the new restaurant’s opening has not yet been announced.
When it’s open, you can expect to find popular dishes such as chicken tikka masala, biryiani and curries. A lineup of vegetarian bowls is on the menu, along with an option to create your own by choosing a curry, protein or veggies and naan or a samosa. You can adjust the spice level upward to meet your tastebuds, too.
There’s a kids menu that offers a naan quesadilla, a kabob plate and naan cheese pizza. Plus, dessert options to settle your sweet tooth include gulab jamun — milk-based pastry balls with honey-flavored syrup — and ras malai — cheese patties in sweetened milk.
The Lubbock, Texas-based restaurant chain is small, with only 10 other stores now open altogether. The restaurant will be the only place for Indian food in Rock Hill, but it’s making its way into an area of the Carolinas where Indian cuisine is not only thriving, it’s growing.
Heidi Finley is a writer and editor for CharlotteFive and the Charlotte Observer. Outside of work, you will most likely find her in the suburbs driving kids around, volunteering and indulging in foodie pursuits. Support my work with a digital subscription
After 38 years in business, Jing Jing Gourmet, Palo Alto’s much-loved Szechuan and Hunan restaurant, is set to close its doors this Sunday, May 19.
“The expenses are too much for us,” said restaurant manager Betty Tsai, daughter of restaurant owner Susan Tsai.
In recent years, the cost of rent, labor and materials increased while customers’ dining habits shifted, as fewer people commuted to work nearby, she says.
The restaurant’s lease ends at the end of May. The plan is for the business to find a new location nearby — potentially in Mountain View, Sunnyvale or Santa Clara — and focus on takeout, delivery and catering services, Tsai says.
“We want to express our deepest thanks for your patronage over the years,” the Tsai family announced on the restaurant’s website. “It has been an honor serving this community for 38 years, and we are so grateful for your support and friendship.”
You have just a few days left to enjoy the restaurant’s signature dishes, from tea-smoked duck ($24.50) to kung pao chicken ($17.95), won tons ($12.50), barbecue pork buns ($3) and yuzu citrus cheesecake ($3.50 per slice). Other specialties are the restaurant’s dan dan sauce and candied pecans, according to Tsai.
Details: Open for lunch through Friday. The last day of dinner service will be Saturday at 443 Emerson St. in Palo Alto; jingjinggourmet.com.
The owners of Erewhon have filed an environmental lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles, the latest attempt by the upscale supermarket chain to stop the planned demolition of Sportsmen’s Lodge hotel in Studio City to make way for a new apartment complex.
Erewhon operates a store next to the defunct hotel and previously joined with local residents, union officials and others in opposition to a 520-unit residential mixed use development planned to replace the inn that was known to generations of San Fernando Valley residents.
Plans for the new development took a leap forward last month when the City Council voted 13 to 1 to deny an appeal of the project filed by Erewon’s owners and others, clearing the way for Midwood Investment & Development to demolish the aged hotel at Ventura Boulevard and Coldwater Canyon Avenue.
Midwood is Erewhon’s landlord, having built in 2021 the Shops at Sportsmen’s Lodge, an outdoor mall where Erewhon is the anchor tenant among other stores, restaurants and an Equinox gym. The mall replaced a banquet facility that served as a local social center where couples got married and families shared big occasions such as bar mitzvahs.
The event center and a restaurant opened in 1946 and the hotel in 1962. The hotel permanently closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The landlord got city permission to knock down the 190-room hotel and build the Residences at Sportsmen’s Lodge, which would have 520 apartments, including 78 units of subsidized affordable housing. It would include ground-floor stores and restaurants intended to meld with the Shops at Sportsmen’s Lodge.
Prior to the recent City Council vote, Erewhon, the Studio City Residents Assn. and Unite Here Local 11, which represents hotel workers, sought to stop the project by appealing aspects of the city’s review and approval process.
Some opponents argued that the hotel should be preserved. It was one of the first to unionize in the San Fernando Valley and one of the first union hotels in Los Angeles. Others were concerned about the project’s 97-foot height, the construction noise and the environmental impact.
After the appeals were rejected, Erewhon’s parent company last week filed a lawsuit in Superior Court demanding that the project approvals be rescinded because the city allegedly failed to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act as well as other state and local laws. The environmental law in part is intended to increase the public’s awareness of the potential environmental effects of proposed developments and other projects.
The city violated the act by forgoing an exhaustive Environmental Impact Report, or EIR, in favor of a less rigorous assessment, the lawsuit said.
Proponents of the development say it would bring housing to this section of Studio City, which is being targeted for a flurry of new development. Across the river, private school Harvard-Westlake is planning to build an extensive athletic facility.
Representatives of Erewhon and Midwood didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.
White Duck Taco Shop’s remaining Charlotte-area location, which has been closed since an overnight fire last July, is reopening this week.
The downtown Matthews restaurant has set its reopening for Thursday, May 9 from 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
“That’s right folks, we’re back and better than ever! Bring your friends and come enjoy some tacos, bevs, and chips & dips! We will see you soon!,” the restaurant team posted via Instagram.
The path to reopening the restaurant look longer than expected, and the closure of White Duck Taco Shop’s Belmont location took place in the meantime, leaving Charlotte without the restaurant’s fusion flavors for months.
“It’s been a long strange trip of insurance, bureaucracy, set backs, and now joy,” the team had posted back in March as plans fell into place for the reopening.
The Asheville-based taco restaurant offers snacks and sides to pair with tacos that come in flavor-packed options such as Thai peanut chicken, chicken tikka masala and mole roasted duck.
This story was originally published May 8, 2024, 11:58 AM.
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Heidi Finley is a writer and editor for CharlotteFive and the Charlotte Observer. Outside of work, you will most likely find her in the suburbs driving kids around, volunteering and indulging in foodie pursuits. Support my work with a digital subscription
The Downtown Raleigh restaurant Oak City Meatball Shoppe has closed on Davie Street after 11 years in business.
jdjackson@newsobserver.com
Drew Jackson
The ball has stopped rolling at a popular downtown Raleigh restaurant.
The Oak City Meatball Shoppe announced that it has ended operations after 11 years in business. The meatball spot’s last day was May 1.
Oak City Meatball was a cheeky kind of specialty restaurant, popular with the Raleigh lunch and after-work crowd. The restaurant opened in late 2013, serving specialty meatballs, pastas and sandwiches, plus a popular version of mac and cheese.
Raleigh’s Meatball Shoppe was owned by restaurateur Ken Yowell, whose other projects over the years have included longtime hotspot Calavera Empanadas and the ramen bar Kaiju, both of which are now closed.
The closing of Oak City Meatball Shoppe was announced on the restaurant’s social media accounts.
“Today is a sad day in meatball land,” read the post, signed by Yowell and co-owner Hans Huang. “We always have a lot of ideas, hopes, and goals when opening any business, especially a restaurant. You hope people enjoy what you’ve built and you’re over the moon when someone loves the meal you’ve prepared. A restaurant can be a background player in so many moments and celebrations. Over the last 11 years we strived to make our guests’ nights special and we welcomed the opportunity. As of May 1st we’ve balled our last ball and served our last drink.”
Related stories from Raleigh News & Observer
Drew Jackson writes about restaurants and dining for The News & Observer and The Herald-Sun, covering the food scene in the Triangle and North Carolina.
DESTIN, Fla., May 7, 2024 (Newswire.com)
– The heart of Destin’s Harbor was deeply shaken by the recent fire that engulfed Tailfins, a beloved restaurant known for its iconic status and warm hospitality. The fire, which occurred on April 27, left behind significant damage, but it also ignited a powerful sense of community support and resilience.
Tailfins, a cherished establishment nestled along the waterfront, has been a staple in the Destin community for years. It served as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, offering not only delicious seafood but also an atmosphere of camaraderie and connection.
The recent fire, however, threatened to disrupt the sense of normalcy and warmth that Tailfins had come to represent. Yet, in the face of adversity, the community rallied together to show its unwavering support for the restaurant and its dedicated staff.
“We were devastated to see Tailfins engulfed in flames,” said Mike Weber, a longtime patron of the restaurant. “But what’s truly inspiring is how the community has come together to support the staff and help rebuild what was lost.”
In response to the outpouring of support, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to aid the Tailfins staff during this difficult time. The campaign aims to provide financial assistance to the employees who have been affected by the fire, offering a lifeline as they navigate through the challenges of rebuilding.
As the cleanup and rebuilding efforts begin, the spirit of Tailfins lives on in the hearts of its patrons and employees. The restaurant may have suffered physical damage, but its legacy of warmth, hospitality, and community spirit remains intact.
Herons in Cary was named one of the nation’s best places to eat brunch.
Juli Leonard
2009 News & Observer file photo
From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina has no shortage of places to indulge in French toast, mimosas and other brunch favorites.
And now, seven of those dining spots rank among the nation’s “Top 100 Brunch Restaurants.” Here are the North Carolina destinations that earned recognition from the reservation website OpenTable:
To create the list of best brunch spots, OpenTable studied more than 14 million “verified” reviews that customers left across the country between Feb. 1, 2023, and Jan. 31, 2024. Analysts focused on brunch-related comments and other factors, according to an April 30 news release.
“Restaurants with a minimum threshold of diner reviews were considered and evaluated by a compilation of unique data points, including diner ratings, the percentage of five star reviews, the number of alerts set, the percentage of reservations made in advance and direct searches,” OpenTable wrote.
What makes the NC brunch restaurants stand out?
In Western North Carolina, Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden in Highlands received praise on OpenTable for its customer service and views. The restaurant, located at the Old Edwards Inn, serves breakfast only for hotel guests and members but opens to the public for lunch, according to its website.
In Pilot Mountain, customers also couldn’t get enough of the scenery and the food at JOLO Winery and Vineyards, reviews show.
Roughly a 55-mile drive to the southeast, Greensboro was home to two top-ranking brunch spots. The O.Henry Hotel’s afternoon tea experience and the nearby Green Valley Grill both boasted the label “Great for brunch” on OpenTable.
And north of Charlotte, fans said they craved the mid-morning options at On the Nines in Mooresville. Favorites included the restaurant’s deviled eggs and shrimp and grits dishes.
To the east, the other ranked brunch restaurants were in the Triangle and near the coast. Herons, at the Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, earned high scores for its ambiance. And in Wilmington, OpenTable users raved about the seafood options at Seabird.
The top 100 restaurants, which weren’t shared in ranking order, were announced after Yelp created a similar list of the best places to eat brunch. Restaurants in Greensboro and Winston-Salem were honored on that nationwide list, McClatchy News reported.
The rankings were announced before Mother’s Day, which falls on May 12 this year.
Last year, OpenTable said its data showed the holiday was the most popular day for dining out.
Simone Jasper is a reporter covering breaking stories for The News & Observer and real-time news in the Carolinas.
A long-abandoned building in the Cass Corridor is now a high-end Modern Mexican eatery serving the traditional flavors of Mexico City and Oaxaca.
Vecino, which means “neighbor” in Spanish, opened on April 19 and is unlike anything in metro Detroit.
Using organic, heirloom corn from Mexico, Vecino makes tortillas, quesadillas, tostadas, sope, and tlayuda through a centuries-old process known as nixtamalization. The result is soft, warm, tender, and flavorful dough.
The menu focuses on seasonal, Michigan ingredients, sourced from local farmers, with the spices and flavors of Mexico. It features bone-in ribeye steak, red snapper, chicken, and vegetables cooked in the kitchen’s wood-fire hearth. Guests also can share carefully prepared plates that include seafood options, mesquite beets, duck confit, and fresh fruit.
The bone-in ribeye is cooked in a wood-fire hearth at Vecino.
The bar features an eclectic collection of agave-based spirits, including small-batch and artisanal tequilas, wine from Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries, and plenty of non-alcoholic options.
The kitchen is led by executive chef Ricardo Mojica, a Michigan native who previously worked at Sava’s in Ann Arbor and was the youngest head chef in the history of the nationwide chain P.F. Chang’s when he was 19.
He’s joined by head chef Stephanie Duran, a Culinary Institute of America alum who hails from Texas and cooked at several renowned restaurants in Mexico City and Chicago.
The heart of the kitchen at Vecino is an open-fire hearth.
Co-owners Adriana Jimenez and her husband Lukasz Wietrzynski dreamed up the restaurant in 2019, but the COVID-19 pandemic put their plans on hold. They had grown bored with their jobs — Wietrzynski was an attorney and Jimenez worked at Industrial Automation — and wanted to do something new and exciting while they’re still young.
Jimenez, a Mexico City native, grew up around restaurants. Her parents owned two Mexican eateries in Waterford and Highland.
“My parents would pick us up from school and we’d go straight to the restaurant, do our homework there and fall asleep there and wake up at home,” Jimenez tells Metro Times. “It was pretty tough on us, but if my parents didn’t have the restaurants, they wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do well in life.”
When the couple was searching for a location for their restaurant, they were enamored with their current spot — a corner building on Third and Alexandrine that was built in 1926 and once served as a grocery store and later a pharmacy. The building was missing windows and a roof, but they could see the potential.
“We fell in love with the building,” Jimenez says. “We wanted a corner building. We picked the most difficult building, but we were in love with it.”
They teamed up with Detroit-based designer Colin Tury, who also has a stake in the restaurant.
Inspired by the ambience of restaurants in Mexico City, the minimalist interior is warm and inviting, with earthy tones, terracotta, ceramic tiles, and hand-blown glass light fixtures hanging from the high, angled ceiling. They used local companies, including Donut Shop for the bar stools and custom hooks, and GANAS Manufacturing for the custom millwork and fixtures.
The restaurant seats 66 people and includes a bar with space for an additional 16 people.
A Winston-Salem restaurant ranks among the nation’s best places to eat brunch.
Screengrab from @youngcardinalws on Instagram
Two North Carolina restaurants serve classic brunch dishes — and customers can’t stop craving them.
So much so, the restaurants made it onto a list of the “Top 100 Brunch Spots in 2024.”
Young Cardinal Cafe & Co. in Winston-Salem ranks No. 64 and The Sage Mule in Greensboro is No. 72 on the nationwide list from the review website Yelp, according to results published Monday, April 29.
To create the rankings, Yelp said it studied U.S. restaurants that garnered several reviews related to brunch and Mother’s Day. It then “ranked those spots using a number of factors including the total volume and ratings of reviews mentioning those keywords in the past three years.”
Why are the NC restaurants fan favorites?
Of the two North Carolina restaurants on the list, Young Cardinal Cafe in downtown Winston-Salem ranked the highest. The breakfast and lunch restaurant said its “menu is back to the basics with modern twists and fresh ingredients.”
On Yelp, several people raved about the food, including the fan-favorite hot honey chicken served on salads, sandwiches and in an eggs Benedict dish. Customers also enjoy the restaurant’s service and outdoor seating area.
In Greensboro, The Sage Mule also earned a spot on Yelp’s brunch list. On its website, the restaurant said its food is “unassuming, yet always made from scratch with the highest quality ingredients.”
Some Yelp users were fans of the sauce-covered chicken and waffles at The Sage Mule, which is open for breakfast, lunch and a weekend brunch. Though the restaurant’s waitlist can last hours, fans said it’s worth sticking around.
The two North Carolina restaurants earned more than four out of five stars on Yelp. Across the country, the No. 1 restaurant was Toasted Gastrobrunch in Las Vegas.
The results were released ahead of Mother’s Day, which falls on May 12. Yelp warns the holiday is one of the year’s busiest times for restaurants, so make your plans in advance.
“In 2023, reservations for Mother’s Day jumped 79% from the Sunday before the holiday,” the website wrote.
Simone Jasper is a reporter covering breaking stories for The News & Observer and real-time news in the Carolinas.
The dining room facing South Tryon Street at Summerbird in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022.
Alex Slitz
alslitz@charlotteobserver.com
For a little less than two years, all one had to do to find endless summer was to stop into SummerBird, a fast-casual restaurant in Charlotte’s South End.
But now, there are no more Sun-Kissed salads or Sweet Carolina sandwiches: SummerBird announced its sudden closure on Thursday, April 25.
“Announcing with a heavy heart, Summerbird will be closing its doors starting Thursday, April 25th at 2 p.m.,” the restaurant posted on Instagram.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to our incredible team and cherished guests whose unwavering support has fueled our journey,” the post stated. “We are profoundly grateful for how each of you has brought our summer dreams to life. For us, summer will always be a state of mind and we hope you will remember us that way as well!”
Summerbird’s dining room facing South Tryon Street played off the summer theme at the fast-casual restaurant in Charlotte’s South End. Alex Slitz alslitz@charlotteobserver.com
Summer all year
SummerBird opened in August 2022 at The RailYard in South End. It was owned by former NASCAR CEO Brian France and his investment company, Silver Falcoln Capital.
The fast-casual cafe celebrated summer year-round with its themed decor and menu, which combined the indulgent (such as the Sweet Carolina chicken sandwich) with the healthy (the restaurant’s salads were among this writer’s favorites!).
“We wanted somewhere (that) felt like you were having a backyard barbecue with your friends that harkened to nostalgia and the old days of summer,” managing partner Austin Tate told The Charlotte Observer ahead of the restaurant’s opening.
The Sun-Kissed Kale salad with kale, shaved bussels sprouts, radish, parmesan, lemon zest and citrus dressing was one of four salads on Summerbird’s menu in South End. SummerBird
Regular customers expressed sadness and shock at the restaurant’s closure:
“We will miss you! Loved having you in the neighborhood the past couple of years!, wrote Katey Daniels.
“No!! A place that sells some of the world’s best food ever!! With some of the nicest servers ever!,” Reign Hudson stated.
“Nooooooo! We will miss you all – such a beautiful restaurant and great team :(,” Dan Bejmuk said.
Summerbird was owned by former NASCAR CEO Brian France and his investment firm Silver Falcon Capital. Alex Slitz alslitz@charlotteobserver.com
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Melissa Oyler is the editor of CharlotteFive. When she’s not writing or editing, you’ll find her running, practicing hot yoga or snuggling with her rescue dog, X. Find her on Instagram or Twitter: @melissaoyler. Support my work with a digital subscription
As new restaurants open every day in Charlotte, it’s easy to forget about the old standbys, the places that have grown up alongside the Queen City. Our Charlotte’s Classic Eats series highlights the places that you have frequented for years, reminding us why they have stood the test of time.
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Charlotte’s oldest restaurants are quickly becoming relics. When deciding where to eat, how do we balance the excitement of new restaurant arrivals with our support of its classic establishments?
In a 2017 article, The Charlotte Observer’s Kathleen Purvis listed Charlotte’s 11 oldest restaurants. Seven years later, only five of those places to eat are still open. With so many of our city’s classic restaurants closing, which of our longtime favorites remain? Earlier this month, Purvis mentioned some of our oldest restaurants in a Facebook post, which reminded us to update our list. (We spent the past few weeks going even deeper into the archives to pull out some more old photos this time!)
Here are the 20 oldest restaurants in Charlotte — consider one of these the next time you’re looking for a place to dine:
What to order: Famous Philly sub — your choice of steak or chicken — served with provolone cheese, mushrooms, peppers and onion.
“The House of Pizza harkens to a day, not so long ago, when most of Charlotte’s Italian restaurants were neither Southern nor Northern Italian but Mideast Italian — as in, Greek,” wrote Charlotte Observer’s Helen Schwab in 1995 about the no-frills restaurant. “Greek owners, Greek-flavored versions of Italian dishes and a few actual Greek items sprinkled among the Italian on the menu.”
What to order: The easy answer is a Cajun Filet Biscuit or Sandwich combo, complete with seasoned friends and iced tea, but the magic of Bo’s is its variety. Whether it’s breakfast all day, dirty rice or a Bo-Berry biscuit, everyone has their go-to order here.
Everyone in the South (and soon to be, the West Coast) knows fast-food chicken and biscuit restaurant Bojangles. But if you’re a newcomer to Charlotte, you might not know that it was founded right here in Charlotte in 1977. The original location, at 300 West Boulevard in Wilmore, is still in operation today and recently underwent a renovation.
What to order: Nakato’s Delight is a Hibachi feast of chicken, shrimp and your choice of NY strip or filet mignon.
Nakato Japanese Steakhouse opened its first Charlotte location on Independence Boulevard, near the old Charlotte Coliseum. It opened the University location in 2004.
What to order: The daily special (chuckwagon cheese steak, baby beef liver, spaghetti with housemade meat sauce could all be on the menu).
Carolina Family Restaurant is at 4600 Wilkinson Blvd., near Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Philip Freeman CharlotteFive
After owning and operating Eat Well Grill on Trade Street in the 1950s and Pete’s Grill on South Boulevard in the 1960s and ’70s, Maria Kotros and Gus Garvrilis’ father purchased the building at 4600 Wilkinson Boulevard to open Carolina Family Restaurant. The brother and sister duo still run the restaurant today.
Owner/founder: Founded by the late Calvin “CT” Brooks Jr., now run by his son David Brooks. David’s twin brother, co-owner Scott Brooks, was killed in 2019 while trying to open the restaurant for the day.
What to order: Double cheeseburger all the way, with chili cheese fries and a side of slaw.
Brooks’ Sandwich House has been open since 1973. Melissa Oyler CharlotteFive
Brooks’ Sandwich House is a Charlotte icon: The unassuming red building tucked on a corner in NoDa has been drawing crowds since 1973. This family-run spot makes great burgers, dogs and chili — but what it really serves up is heart. When you’re here, you’re home.
What to order: Swiss & Mushroom Burger, with Swiss cheese, sautéed onions, mushrooms, lettuce and tomatoes served on a toasted bun. Add on the soup of the day.
Arthur’s Wine Shop opened on Church Street in 1972 after owner Steve Balsley and his two brothers purchased the existing Arthur’s Gourmet Shop. A year later, the shop moved to the basement of Ivey’s. In 1974, it moved with Ivey’s to SouthPark Mall before finally settling in the basement of Belk in 1990.
What to order: The Original Smash Pot, with tomatoes, cheese, onions, peppers and potatoes.
You’ll step back through time when you visit Kopper Kettle, with the restaurant’s original swivel stools still perched at the counter of the restaurant that has been serving Charlotte comfort food for more than 50 years. George and Penny Karnezis moved here from Greece in 1966 and opened the restaurant in 1971.
The second-generation, family owned Italian restaurant has been serving Charlotte customers since 1962. Go simple with pizza and wings or treat yourself to a build-your-own pasta dish (you pick the pasta and the topping).
Owner/founder: Opened by Charlie Psomadaski and Jack Law. Sold in 1972 to Pete Giannikas. Now owned by Pete’s brother, Steve Giannikas, and George and Gus Karapanos.
What to order: Fried chicken dipped in barbecue sauce, with a side of fresh onion rings.
Bar-B-Q King has been a Charlotte staple since 1959, and it got some national fame after a visit from Guy Fieri on Season 1 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. He was looking for America’s Best BBQ, but we think the hidden secret here is the fried chicken (in barbecuse sause, of course).
Bar-B-Que King has been open since 1959, serving customers in its drive-thru. Alex Cason CharlotteFive
What to order: Your favorite cut of beef, cooked to order — top it with bleu cheese crumbles, brown mushroom gravy or horseradish. The build-your-own-salad at your table is a nice change of pace in this incredible time warp.
The original owner of Beef ‘N Bottle, George Fine, opened a restaurant in 1958 with his wife called The Amber House. In 1960, they sold it and opened House of Steaks in uptown. In 1978, Fine moved his restaurant to its current spot — once a house — and changed its name to Beef ‘N Bottle.
Beef and Bottle hangs on to a classic steakhouse vibe. Alex Cason Photography CharlotteFive
What to order: The F-150 is a great breakfast choice — two eggs any style with country fried steak smothered in gravy, choice of grits or hashbrowns, toast or biscuit. Breakfast is served until 11 a.m. on the weekdays and noon on Saturday.
Shuffletown Grill opened in 1957 and is located in the Mountain Island Lake area. You’ll feel like you stepped right into the 1950s with the retro diner motif, right down to the red stools and tabletop jukeboxes.
What to order: Fried filet trout plate with fries and tartar sauce (it’s discounted on Wednesday and Friday). If you’re still hungry, go for the onion rings.
Nothing lets you take an instant step back in time like Charlotte’s Classic drive-ins, and South 21 will take you right back to the 1950s. The “home of the Super Boy” has been at its Independence Boulevard location since 1959. We wonder if our grandparents took the kids for meals there?
South 21 Drive-In moved to its Independence Boulevard location in 1959. Alex Cason CharlotteFive
What to order: Go for the Ribeye Steak and Eggs for breakfast (served until 11 a.m. during the week and all day on Saturday). You get two eggs any style with an 8 oz. Ribeye steak, grits or hash browns, toast or biscuit.
Circle G is a meat-and-three restaurant that has been serving up Southern charm since 1954. It recently made the small screen during its appearance on the new SNL movie “Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain”. (It’s the diner where John runs into Ben and Martin towards the end of the movie.)
What to order: Fried chicken or burgers — and you can’t go wrong with the most popular dish: An order of whole wings without sauce.
Jermaine Blackmon, owner of Original Chicken ‘n Ribs, plans to stay in his family business for the long haul. “I want to work here ’til I’m 80 or 85 if I’m healthy,” he said. Alex Cason CharlotteFive
What to order: Self-proclaimed “Ameri-Grk” cuisine covers the menu — if you’re hungry, try Andy’s Heavyweight, a sandwich with Greek marinated flank steak and grilled onions topped with baked provolone.
What to order: A Blizzard, of course. Or go for a dipped cone, a shake or a banana split.
Since 1947, the Wikinson Boulevard Dairy Queen has been an icon in Charlotte. The ice cream shop is the oldest DQ in the Carolinas. In 2022, it was listed for sale for $1.4 million. Today, the listing has come down to $1.1 million.
The Dairy Queen in west Charlotte off Wilkinson Boulevard. Hannah Lang hlang@charlotteobserver.com
What to order: Fried pork chops, sweet potato fries — and, yes, mac and cheese is a veggie here.
The James family built the Diamond Soda Grill in 1945 and sold it to Jerry Pistolis in 1982. While the building is the same, a team that included Fuller took it over in 2010 and gave the inside and the menu a spiffing up, with a retro-modern style.
The Diamond Restaurant was built in 1945 and renovated in 2010. Alex Cason Photography CharlotteFive
What to order: Grilled blackened wings and a shrimp bowl with kale and arugula, avocado, tomatoes, onion, Parmesan and honey lime dressing. Don’t miss the chili either.
The original space at Providence Road Sundries, which first opened in 1933. Alex Cason CharlotteFive
Providence Road Sundries has been around a long time — since 1933. It’s so old that we actually don’t know who opened the drugstore on Providence Road in 1933, but one thing is for sure — the addition of a soda fountain in the 1950s proved a wise move. Nowadays, locals frequent the restaurant for lunch, dinner and drinks seven days a week.
Uniquely Charlotte: Uniquely Charlotte is an Observer subscriber collection of moments, landmarks and personalities that define the uniqueness (and pride) of why we live in the Charlotte region.
This story was originally published April 23, 2024, 6:20 PM.
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Melissa Oyler is the editor of CharlotteFive. When she’s not writing or editing, you’ll find her running, practicing hot yoga or snuggling with her rescue dog, X. Find her on Instagram or Twitter: @melissaoyler. Support my work with a digital subscription
Philip’s job with the city connects him with neighborhoods all over Charlotte. Off the clock, he’s often exploring public art, playing outside or trying new food. Follow him on Twitter @philipfreeman
Obeid (left) and Zeid Kaifo prepare orders at their family’s Shish Kabob Grill, at Grant Street and Colfax Avenue, which has been drafted into Denver’s Legacy Business Program. April 17, 2024.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite
When Obied Kaifo found out that the City of Denver has a Legacy Business Program, he decided to apply for his family business, Shish Kabob Grill.
After 20 years of operating on the corner of Grant Street and Colfax Avenue, Kaifo thought well, seems pretty legendary.
“The term legacy program makes me think that somehow being here for 20 years is a legacy, which I hope so,” Kaifo laughed. “Being on Grant and Colfax, in Capitol Hill, through 2008, through Covid, through turmoil, protests, it’s actually no short of a miracle that we’re still around… We’ve seen every Broncos parade, every Nuggets parade, all the opening days. But it’s been good. It’s certainly a legacy.”
Recognition and celebration
The Denver Legacy Businesses program, run through the Economic Development & Opportunity, is all about recognizing and celebrating local businesses that have made an impact on the city for more than 10 years.
It’s a pilot program that began this year, starting with about 13 businesses including Lucero’s Mexican Food, Athmar Mart and Truong An Gifts.
Shish Kabob Grill, at Grant Street and Colfax Avenue, has been drafted into Denver’s Legacy Business Program. April 17, 2024.Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite
DEDO recently announced the addition of 37 more businesses into the program including Shish Kabob Grill.
“When the city recognizes the businesses that have been around long enough, there’s a reason for that,” Kaifo said. “There’s a reason why these businesses have been around for 20 years, other than customers showing up. When municipalities actually recognize it, it gives it a different feel. Like it’s if someone were to shout you out on Twitter or something.”
And that’s the main goal of the program, a shout-out.
The idea of the program stems from similar ones in San Francisco and Austin. The goal is to provide public recognition, marketing support and networking opportunities.
Once in the program, the businesses are placed in the Denver Legacy Business Registry. The database lets visitors know what neighborhood and Council District the businesses are in, what type of service they provide and when they were inducted into the program.
Shelby Morse, a spokesperson with DEDO, businesses are given branding toolkits to further display the businesses’ significance to the city. Morse adds that through the registry the city can push businesses on the city’s social media channels and ultimately, “encourage and push people towards these businesses.”
Kaifo said the recognition is vital for businesses because being forgotten is the worst thing that can happen.
Juneid Kaifo finishes up an order at Shish Kabob Grill, his family’s restaurant at Grant Street and Colfax Avenue, which has been drafted into Denver’s Legacy Business Program. April 17, 2024.Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite
“The fear in businesses, especially restaurants, is that you’ll forget about us because you don’t always come by,” Kaifo said. “Hearing ‘Oh, I haven’t been there in a while, that’s the worst word for a restaurant. Because in that while, businesses could shut down… Small businesses really need the consistency of a community.”
With the program providing that extra word-of-mouth or just another platform to be seen, Kaifo said he can see the program elevating businesses over chains that have the money for commercials and massive marketing measures.
Rachel Lyons, the program director, said businesses also have access to customized support and training opportunities. There aren’t any grants associated with the program but Lyons said being recognized essentially puts businesses on DEDO’s radar so if they are in need, they can be pointed to grant opportunities within the city organization, such as the Family Business Preservation Program.
The community aspect the program provides through possible peer networking and city networking was a big appeal to Masaru Torito, owner of Kokoro in University Hills.
Torito said there’s no telling what being in the program could do for Kokoro, which celebrated 38 years of business in January, but being able to connect with other businesses, being together in a registry and being pushed forward could mean longevity for everyone involved.
“Maybe [a businesses] becomes part of the program and they get those extra five customers a month they need to stay afloat,” Torito said. “My hope is that it goes beyond achieving anything for, just necessarily us, but it really helps make Denver understand and the people in the community understand that us long term, small businesses are really vital to the success of our communities.”
Late afternoon at Kororo, in University Hills, which has been drafted into Denver’s Legacy Business Program. April 17, 2024.Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite
How to apply
To be in the program, businesses have to either apply or be nominated.
Businesses have to be a brick and mortar located in Denver, been in operation for at least 10 years and have a gross revenue between $30,000 to $5 million (or $10 million for manufacturers).
Lyons said another big requirement is being a community provider or a third space for residents. And that’s clear with the list that ranges from Little Man Ice Cream Factory, The Hornet Restaurant, Hooked on Colfax to Precision Kutz and Stylze, Merkato Market and Myxed Up Creations.
Tony P’s Bar and Pizzeria, in Highland, has been drafted into Denver’s Legacy Business Program. April 17, 2024.Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite
They are all places Denverites know and the city says with the program, they are hoping people continue to frequent. Kaifo and Torito said they are both looking forward to another 10 years of serving their extended family of Denverites.
“Programs like this…that recognize how long you’ve been around … are helpful,” Kaifo said. “Small businesses have such a hard time. Mom-and-pop shops have such a hard time maintaining certain quotas, maintaining certain bills that if they’re gone, they’re just gone and you lose a third place that way. We just hope to be able to stay where we are and be able to serve the community as best we can.”
Here’s the full list of businesses in the Denver Legacy Businesses program:
Chef Mona Sang is deep into preparations ahead of the hotly anticipated returnof her lauded Cambodian restaurant, Khmai, in a larger and more modern space. Quietly, she’s been working on a complementary concept, adding to the fervor around Khamai’s May reopening. Kaun Khmai, a casual sister restaurant that specializes in Cambodian street food will share the Rogers Park location near Loyola University’s campus.
Sang’s new restaurant within a restaurant — Kaun Khmai, or “child of Khmai” in Khmer — will offer a livelier atmosphere, cocktails with mixers like mango and lychee juice, and a street food menu that reflects staples from roadside vendors found throughout the Southeast Asian country.
The menu will feature skewers — like grilled beef, chicken, or squid — plus smoked chicken wings, and frog legs stuffed with ground chicken or pork, vermicelli, wood ear mushrooms, and lemongrass. Frogs are a popular and versatile street food favorite in Cambodia, often transformed into sausage or barbecued whole. Sang also teases options like Cambodian rib tips marinated in lemongrass, shallots, and palm sugar; a smash burger made with twa ko (spicy and sour Cambodian sausage); and Cambodian desserts like noum kon (a relative of the doughnut made with rice flour and caramelized brown sugar).
Khmai owner and chef Mona Sang.Jack X. Li/Eater Chicago
Kaun Khmai provides an on-ramp for younger Loyola students and locals unfamiliar with Khmer cuisine — potential customers who may be reluctant to invest in an upscale dinner at Khmai. She’s noticed her children and their peers sometimes shy away from the unapologetically funky flavors. She’s hopeful that without Americanizing anything, that Kaun Khmai’s fun street food will serve as a gateway toward traditional Khmer flavors. “For newer generations wanting to know what Cambodian food and culture is all about, we want to introduce it slowly,” says Sang.
The restaurant will seat around 40 inside and another 30 on an outdoor patio, is scheduled to open simultaneously with Khmai in May at 6580 N. Sheridan Road on the ground floor of the Hampton Inn. The space, previously home to Onward Chicago from ex-Grace and Yugen owner Michael Olszewski, is divided into discrete bar and dining room sections, thus lending itself to Sang’s dual-restaurant strategy.
Sang’s source of inspiration is her mother, Sarom Sieng, 80, a survivor of the Cambodian genocide — the totalitarian Khmer Rouge’s systematic murder of between 1.5 and 2 million people between 1975 to 1979. In 2023, Khmai earned a semifinalist nod from the James Beard Foundation. When the restaurants open, Sang’s daughter will join the two and work in her spare time ahead of her freshman year at Loyola in the fall.
Kaun Khmai, 6580 N. Sheridan Road, scheduled to open in May.
SAN JOSE — The decision by two tenants to exit downtown San Jose might worsen the maladies that already afflict the urban core’s economy in the wake of the coronavirus.
PwC, a professional services titan, and its recently purchased tech company, Surfaceink, are poised to leave downtown after PwC signed a lease for a big chunk of space in a new office building at Santana Row in west San Jose.
The prospect of tenant departures comes at a time when downtown San Jose already struggles with office vacancy levels that have soared to worrisome heights.
“This is going to raise the vacancy rate in downtown San Jose,” said David Taxin, partner with Meacham Oppenheimer, a commercial real estate firm. “With the amount of vacancy downtown, this won’t help the cause.”
At the end of 2023, downtown San Jose’s office availability rate was at an all-time high of 35.7%, according to a report from Savills, a commercial real estate firm. Office availability measures the combination of empty office space offered directly by building owners and space that tenants are offering through sublease.
As further evidence of a feeble real estate market in downtown San Jose, within the last four months, two large office properties were sold at a big loss compared with their prior sales.
In December 2023, an office tower at 303 Almaden Boulevard was bought for slightly under $23.8 million — which was 70% below the price paid for the highrise at the time of its prior sale in 2017 for $80.2 million.
In February 2024, a two-tower office complex at North Market Street and West St, John Street was bought for $34.2 million — a nosedive of 77% compared with the $141.4 million paid in 2019 for the highrises.
While the price declines are jaw-dropping, experts such as David Sandlin, an executive vice president with Colliers, a commercial real estate firm, point out that the newly established prices at least set a current value for office buildings for office buildings in downtown San Jose.
“We now know the price that a Class A building in San Jose will trade for,” Sandlin said in a prior interview with this news organization on the topic.
The price for the 303 Almaden tower worked out to $151 a square foot while the price for the 111 Market Square tower was $105 a square foot. Some experts note that the 303 Almaden highrise is deemed to be of greater quality than the two-tower office complex.
Also of interest with these deals is that the buyers of each of the office properties are separate groups that both are headed up by George Mersho, chief executive officer of Morgan Hill-based retailer Shoe Palace.
PwC, as a result of its decision to move to Santana Row, a destination mixed-use neighborhood in San Jose, will also shift its new subsidiary, Surfaceink, into the same One Santana West office building near the corner of South Winchester Boulevard and Stevens Creek Boulevard.
“The great thing about the PwC deal is that they stayed in San Jose,” said Bob Staedler, principal executive with Silicon Valley Synergy, a land-use consultancy. “With the amenities at Santana Row, it’s understandable why PwC would go there.”
About 1,200 PwC employees will be located at the One Santana West office building. That move is slated to occur in 2026.
Still, downtown San Jose appears more than capable of being a vibrant host for office tenants and conventions.
The recent Nvidia artificial intelligence convention, in addition to compelling keynotes and packed events, was also the catalyst for lively crowds that poured into the downtown in search of meals, drinks, or entertainment.
“The activation of downtown San Jose and the energy downtown is what is going to appeal to companies with younger employees,” Staedler said. “Having a constant stream of events and activities such as jazz festivals, live performances and other exciting events is the way to attract companies to downtown San Jose.”
PwC is expected to vacate 80,000 square feet at an office tower in downtown San Jose, property experts say. Surfaceink leased 7,000 square feet on Stockton Avenue on the western edges of the downtown.
“You could get a new AI company or software company that wants to be in an urban environment in the PwC spaces,” Staedler said.
Political and city leaders will need to adjust their thinking regarding the downtown in order for the city’s urban core to truly rebound.
“Antiquated dreams of a Trader Joe’s or a Safeway in the heart of downtown are days gone by. They are over,” Staedler said. “Downtown needs to focus on vibrancy.”
Chicago has reached the point in its annual cycle when locals suddenly recall that a four-season framework simply does not apply to this city — a place where one can identify as many as a dozen seasons in each calendar year. Temperatures are up and down; a sunny, temperate day might be immediately followed by dreary rain. It’s hard for restaurants to lure customers out of their homes when the weather is so unpredictable, exacerbating the already razor-thin margins of many local restaurants.
Below, Eater is cataloging both temporary and permanent restaurant closures in Chicago. If you know of a restaurant, bar, or another closed food establishment, please email chicago@eater.com. We will continue to update this post.
Kenwood: Fast-casual Chinese restaurant De Rice Asian Cuisine permanently closed in January at 918 E. 47th Street after nearly three decades in business, according to the Hyde Park Herald. Owner Francis Lee, a Hong Kong native who immigrated to Chicago in 1989, originally opened the restaurant on the city’s North Side before relocating in 2003 to work closer to his two sons, then students at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. Chicago restaurateur Racquel Fields (14 Parish Restaurant & Rhum Bar, Dawn) is slated to take over the space, but her plans are not yet public.
Lakeview: CRMD, an Ohio-based chain of ice cream shops that wraps its sweet treats in bubbly egg waffles, has closed its sole Chicago outpost after more than a year and a half at 2951 N. Broadway. In late March, an eye-eyed Lakeview resident spotted workers moving equipment out of the space in the wee hours of the morning. The brand has two remaining locations, both in Ohio. CRMD had taken over for Bobtail Ice Cream back in 2018.
Lincoln Park: Neighborhood sandwich shop Branko’s, a staple among DePaul University students and faculty, is closed after nearly half a century at 1118 W. Fullerton Avenue, according to Block Club Chicago. Founded in 1976 by late Yugoslavian immigrant spouses Branko Jordanovski and Jelica Jordanovska, Branko’s opted to focus on serving sandwiches that appealed to college students like Italian beef but wove in a strain of Balkan culinary culture with pickled banana peppers, tomatoes, and herbs from the family’s backyard garden. Other favorites included Balkan bean stew, gyros, and pizza puffs. Gordana Jordanovska, one of the founders’ daughters, took over the shop after her parents deaths in the early 2020s. Jordanovska tells reporters that she still hopes to keep the Branko’s name alive and is looking for a business partner to help find a path forward.
Arlington Heights: Suburban Thai restaurant Bangkok Cafe is permanently closed at 17 N. Vail Avenue after 30 years of business, according to the Daily Herald. Owner Kim Cho, who opened the restaurant in 1994 with her six sisters, tells reporters that the closure resulted from both a downturn in dine-in business following the early years of the pandemic and a series of health issues in her family, including the death of one of her sisters, who was Bangkok Cafe’s head chef. Village officials are reportedly reviewing a proposal for a microbrewery that aims to move into the space.
Evanston: Jennifer’s Edibles, an all-day suburban restaurant featuring American and Jamaican dishes, is permanently closed after seven years at 1623 Simpson Street in Evanston, owner Jennifer Eason announced on Facebook. Eason tells Evanston Round Table that the logistical and financial stresses of running the restaurant weighed on her for some time, so she decided not to renew her lease on the space. She’s since moved on to work in the kitchen at nearby barbecue hit Soul & Smoke, which aims to launch dine-in service this summer at its flagship location in Evanston.
OLD CHATHAM, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Jackson’s Old Chatham House, located at 646 Albany Turnpike in Old Chatham, is under new ownership. After 81 years, the restaurant is no longer owned by a member of the Jackson family.
As of April 1, Dina and Iggy Vardi are the new owners. This is the Vardi’s first venture into the restaurant industry. Originally from New Jersey, Iggy Vardi was previously an executive at a multinational paper and packaging company.
“While the building and restaurant have a long and colorful history, I have realized these past few months working here, that almost every regular customer has their own history with Jackson’s,” said Iggy Vardi. “Because of that, our goal is to keep everything the same, from the menu to the décor and the excellent staff.”
New owner Iggy Vardi in front of Jackson’s Old Chatham House (photo courtesy: Jackson’s Old Chatham House)
The Jackson’s Old Chatham House menu features salmon, ravioli, seafood pasta, Black Angus sirloin, fish fry, chicken sandwiches, burgers, and more. You can view the full menu on the restaurant’s website.
“This is more than just a business opportunity for us,” said Dina Vardi. “My family and I have been dining here for over 30 years. I grew up coming to Old Chatham, and our daughters have spent numerous summers and vacations here as well.”
The restaurant was owned and operated by three generations of Jacksons for over 80 years. Outgoing owners Barry and Leya Jackson welcome the Vardi’s as new owners.
“Their passion for this establishment and dedication to upholding its traditions while also seeking to invest in the restaurant, make them the perfect people for this beloved restaurant,” said Leya Jackson.
When Optimist Hall first debuted, only six tenants were fully operational on opening day. Now, this Charlotte food hall rings in at more than two dozen tenants, serving everything from bao buns to craft cocktails and gooey grilled cheese.
And while the food draws visitors, the rich history of the building adds to the experience. The 147,000 square-foot space — a turn-of-the-century textile mill involved in the manufacturing of the first Spanx shapewear — was originally owned by Highland Park Manufacturing Company. When Paces Properties and White Point Partners purchased the building, they retained many of the property’s original, 120-year-old elements. In addition to the hardwood floors, the 14-foot ceilings and industrial bricks and beams were preserved.
Now, with a few new changes in the works, Optimist Hall is well on its way to carving a new space in the building’s history. It’s a space where ethnic dishes and comfort food favorites live side-by-side to bring together the community.
By car: Uber and Lyft are highly recommended, but if you’re driving, look for designated signs that point to parking. Charges for parking more than 90 minutes are in effect.
By light rail: Take the rail and exit Parkwood Street Station, then turn right. It’s a .3 mile walk from the station.
By bike: From uptown, take the Rail Trail pathway past the 9th Street Station. After you bike under 277, turn right onto 12th Street alongside Alpha Mill Apartments and then left on Brevard Street. You’ll follow the bike path the whole way. Head straight to Optimist Hall. Bike racks are available on site.
If you’ve been to the Ponce City Market in Atlanta, you’ve likely strolled by this stationery and gift retailer inspired by the sport of archery. Look for greeting cards, desk supplies, pencils, art prints, gift wraps and books.
Find greeting cards, desk supplies and more at Archer Paper Goods. Andy McMillan
Having found success in Tampa’s Armature Works food hall (a similar restored, mixed-use space), this Italian concept serves hot-from-the-wood-fired-oven pizza made with fine Italian flour and hand-prepared dough.
Restaurateur Bruce Moffet and chef Larry Schreiber teamed up to offer Asian street food recipes, featuring everything from steamed buns and ramen bowls to sweet macaroons.
Order a steamed bao or ramen bowl from Bao + Broth. Alex Cason Photography CharlotteFive
Known for its classic drinks, this award-winning, Chicago-based cocktail bar blends vintage spirits with a culinary approach to flavor to create a rich sip for food-hall-goers.
Dedicated to preserving cooking traditions and authentic cuisine, Botiwalla serves authentic Indian street food like kebabs and rolls wrapped in hot, buttered naan. There are even options exclusive to the Optimist Hall location, including butter chicken and saag paneer.
Botiwalla’s Desi Salad is shredded white and red cabbage, carrots, scallions and roasted cashews topped with toasted sesame seeds, cilantro, and crunchy chickpea noddles. It’s served with a cumin-lime vinaigrette. This one is topped with Paneer cheese. Melissa Oyler CharlotteFive
This Charleston-based fried chicken joint opened its fifth location in Optimist Hall, where you’ll find everything from The Boxcar (pimento cheese, peach slaw, house pickles, spicy mayo) to the Chicken “Not So Waffle” (bacon jam, maple syrup, pimento cheese, tomato). Vegetarian options are available, as well.
Boxcar Betty’s is dedicated to serving a high-end fried chicken sandwich. Courtesy of Boxcar Betty’s
If you love old-fashioned candy, look no further. Collier Candy Company offers nostalgic treats including Chick-O-Sticks, Charleston Chews and Bubble Gum Cigars. Of course, you can also find classic favorites such as M&Ms and gummy bears. But don’t wait too long: The candy shop will be closing in late 2024 to make way for ESO Artisanal Pasta.
Feel the joy of stocking up on classic and old-fashioned candy at Collier Candy Company. Courtesy of Collier Candy Company
A new Spanish tapas concept from the team at Customshop is slated to open this summer at Optimist Hall. Chef Andres Kaifer will bring his family recipes to the table at the food hall, where the still-unnamed spot between Boxcar Betty’s and Village Juice will be putting out sandwiches, shareables, patatas bravas and Kaifer’s famous flan.
Serving traditional Sichuan family recipes, this popular food truck’s owner serves authentic, locally-sourced dumplings, noodles and Sichuan street food. A South End location opened last year, too.
The Dumpling Lady first garnered success with a food truck, and now serves authentic Sichuan street food at Optimist Hall. Alex Cason Photography CharlotteFive
This Greenville-based, all-day Mexican cantina offers everything you need for a fun night out, including authentic cuisine, craft cocktails and upscale gaming and entertainment. Look for weekly specials, including half-price margaritas on Mondays, $5 nachos on Thursdays and tableside tequila service on Fridays and Saturdays.
It’s always a party at el Thrifty Social Club. Alex Cason Photography CharlotteFive
Enat Ethiopian opened at The Plaza in Charlotte’s Shannon Park neighborhood and an Optimist Hall location followed, specializing in traditional East African food with a modern flair such as the stuffed pastry Sambusa, the stir-fried meat and veggies Tibs and the spongy bread Injera. There also are vegan and vegetarian options, sandwiches and family platters.
Enat restaurant in Charlotte puts traditional Ethiopian tibs, a rich meat-and-gravy dish, on an American hoagie roll. Enat Ethiopian
Freshly made pasta, arancini and polpette will be available at Optimist Hall later this year, when ESO Artisinal Pasta moves into the Collier Candy Company space next to Schreiber’s on Rye and Zukku Sushi. If the name sounds familiar, you may recognize it from Food Network. The pasta shop’s owners — now-married chefs AJ Sankofa and Kristina Gambarian once took their Italian cuisine on the road with “The Great Food Truck Race.”
Expect freshly made pasta and sauces from ESO Artisanal Pasta. ESO Artisanal Pasta
Dedicated to individuals “committed to carbs,” Felix Handmade Empanadas became a food truck staple in Charlotte by serving unique, homemade empanadas (think: pepperoni pizza, shepherd’s pie). Now, you can enjoy these same flavors at the Optimist Hall location, crafted with Peruvian, American and British influences.
Craving a savory or sweet empanada? Felix Empanadas has plenty of options. Alex Cason Photography CharlotteFive
It wouldn’t be a Charlotte party without a brewery in the mix, and North Carolina-based Fonta Flora Brewery serves brews inspired by English and Belgian traditions.
Papi Queso and The Plaid Penguin teamed up to serve old-fashioned hamburgers from a ‘50s-style diner stall. After much research and testing, this spot is said to serve the “perfect” hamburger with a mission to “just be good.”
Order a “perfect” burger at this mashup between The Plaid Penguin and Papi Queso. LunahZon Photography
The result of three friends’ passion project to “Be Sweet,” Honeysuckle Gelato serves scoops, pints, sandwiches and shakes with Southern-inspired flavors like Brown Butter Crunch, Lemon Raspberry Crumble and Bourbon Pecan Praline.
Honeysuckle Gelato offers unique, refreshing flavors and baked goods. Andy McMillan
Atlanta-based stationery and gift shop The Merchant offers candles, coffee table books, tea towels and other items you can mix and match to create the perfect gift or make your own home a little more cozy.
You can build your own twist on the “mezze” experience at Mezeh. All food is made in-house, from scratch and can be crafted into a bowl, flatbread wrap or pita pocket.
Mezeh Mediterranean Grill’s Charlotte location is now open at Optimist Hall. Courtesy of mezeh mediterranean grill
The Charlotte barbecue restaurant’s stall is cranking out smoked meats. You’ll find Chopped Cheshire Pork, Creekstone Farms Beef Brisket and Turkey and sides such as Pan-Fried Green Beans, Slaw (Eastern and Western), Zack’s Collards and Mac & Cheese.
The wildly popular, cheese-inspired food truck and “streatery” now serves fan favorites from its brick-and-mortar location, including the gooey grilled cheese sandwiches as seen on “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.”
Papi Queso serves the ultimate gooey comfort food at its brick-and-mortar location. Courtesy of The Plaid Penguin
Shop succulents, grab a house plant to brighten your desk or take a class at Paradiso Plant Shop. The store also sells pots, cards and everything else you need to take a plant home or give one as as a gift.
You may recognize this all-natural pet food brand from local pop-ups. It offers retail options to purchase slow-cooked, small-batch food for your furry friend.
Bring home something from Pet Wants for your furry friend. Andy McMillan
New York-style deli Schreiber’s on Rye took over the space that was formerly home to Xiao Bao, between Boxcar Betty’s and Collier Candy Company. You can expect to find Jewish and Italian influences in its sandwiches, hot dogs and matzo ball soup.
Schreiber’s on Rye serves deli-style sandwiches, hot dogs and matzo ball soup. NiceDay Creative
This “2.0 concept” from Suárez Bakery offers popular favorites such as pastries and doughnuts supplemented by a Cuban menu. Savory items include sandwiches, snacks and bowls.
Based out of Winston-Salem, this family-owned concept couples the idea of healthy eating with a bounty of flavor and color. Look for cold-pressed juices, nut milks, smoothie bowls and dishes crafted with organic ingredients.
Village Juice Co. fuels Charlotte with healthy bowls, salads and cold-pressed juice. Courtesy of Village Juice Co.
Enjoy hamburgers, butter chicken, gelato, craft cocktails and more at Optimist Hall. Alex Cason Photography CharlotteFIve
This story was originally published April 1, 2024, 6:00 AM.
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Jessica is a writer fueled by coffee, cookies and long walks in the Magic Kingdom. She’s often found exploring the culinary scene (mostly pasta) and traveling. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @jessicaswannie.
Heidi Finley is a writer and editor for CharlotteFive and the Charlotte Observer. Outside of work, you will most likely find her in the suburbs driving kids around, volunteering and indulging in foodie pursuits. Support my work with a digital subscription
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – A fire broke out early Monday at a popular New Smyrna Beach restaurant.
The fire started just after 1 a.m. Monday at Pappas Drive-In on North Dixie Freeway. Crews say the fire was in the attic area towards the back of the building when they arrived. New Smyrna Beach’s fire chief says it took six engines and 25 crew members to get the fire under control, and hours to knock it down.
“These older buildings are stubborn, heavier timber, heavier conventional lumber layers of roofing material, they are really stubborn to put out,” Fire Chief Shawn Vandermark said. “We’ve been here 8 hours and you can see there’s still spots we’re having to go back and put out just to get them totally extinguished.”
No injuries were reported.
Firefighters with the New Smyrna Beach Fire Department are investigating what caused the fire, but the building is likely a total loss.
Pappas Drive-In opened in 1970 and is known for its famous burgers and fried chicken.
“It was a great place to be and we’re gonna miss not being able to go to it,” said customer Betty Dysterhouse. “And I feel for the owners and all the workers because they worked their buns off and really tried to make people happy.”
Customer Mary Timmerman says she hopes the owners are able to rebuild.
“I am very sad about this, we were just here for breakfast a couple days ago with our granddaughter and it’s just hard to believe and sad,” Timmerman said.
A GoFundMe for the restaurant was set up to help the 35 employees — some of whom have worked for the restaurant for decades — as they deal with the aftermath of the fire.
The team from Chicago’s only Michelin-starred Indian restaurant, Indienne, is opening a cafe where customers can sip fresh-brewed masala chai. Swadesi Cafe should open next week in the West Loop with unique pastries like samosa chaat croissants stuffed with spicy potatoes and a pleasant hint of tart tamarind. The menu also includes chicken tikka toasties with chicken, cheddar, cilantro, and mint.
Indienne chef Sujan Sarkar worked on the food alongside chef Sahil Sethi, his collaborator who oversees Sifr (ownership’s Middle Eastern restaurant in West Loop). But the man in charge of day-to-day operations at Swadesi is Yash Kishinchand. He’s a recent graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Napa where students run a cafe. That’s where Kishinchand received his only barista training.
Sarkar has toyed with the idea for a cafe for years. Kishinchand moved from Columbus, Ohio to Chicago to open St. Regis Chicago — the luxury downtown hotel that now houses Tre Dita and Miru. After he left the hotel, Sarkar offered him a chance to open Swadesi inside the former Ruin Daily at 328 S. Jefferson Street.
Kishinchand who enjoys brandishing a chef’s torch — he keeps a shiny gold-colored one handy for the finishing touches on treats like jaggery chocolate chip cookies — is trained in French cooking, and says he wasn’t as familiar with Indian ingredients and he received an education from chefs Sarkar and Sethi when creating Swadesi menu. The cafe’s name is derived from “desi,” a term that often refers to Indian Americans. The menu intends to reflect their tastes in combining cultures. How else would you explain the cheesy potato tikki tots? And it’s not just South Asian, a carrot halwa cake gives a taste of the Middle East.
This bakery approach isn’t that different from Kasama’s where pastry chef and co-owner Genie Kwon combines her husband’s Filipino culture and her Korean heritage with French pastry. In Lincoln Park, Indian native Arshiya Farheen has slipped in subcontinental influences in her pastries at Verzenay Patisserie.
There’s been a wave of interest in Indian egg sandwiches. Mini chain Eggoholic helped popularize them locally, and places like Superkhana International have taken them to another level. Swadesi will offer its own with avocado on a spiced potato rosti — yes, the Swiss get a say. There’s also a butter chicken croissant with burrata.
Finding the literal sweet spot for masala chai in Chicago has been a challenge. Swadesi will allow customers to customize the sweetness levels with sugar, and down the line, alternate sweeteners may be offered. For now, the masala chai is made to order whole milk, but an oat milk ready-to-go version is available. These drinks fundamentally differ from the chai lattes most coffee shops serve made from concentrate. Masala chai specialists, ones who brew black tea with South Asian spices (Swadesi uses ginger, rose, and cardamom), aren’t frequent in Chicago. Chiya Chai and Superkhana in Logan Square are locals’ best bets. Along Devon, Sukhadia’s Sweets and Snacks is a popular and quick option. Some Indian restaurants don’t offer the beverage. In Avondale, Thattu, which specializes in cuisine from the southern state of Kerala, serves South Indian filter coffee. Brewing masala chai takes time, but so does preparing pour-over coffee, so there’s a labor precedent if a demand emerges.
But it’s not just about tradition. Swadesi also plans to serve a cold nitro masala chai.
Eventually, Swadesi will extend hours and Kishinchand says they’re hoping to sell beer and liquor. The focus is on morning and evening service, but dinner pop-ups are a possibility.
Swadesi, 328 S. Jefferson Street, opening Monday, March 26.
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