Donatos Pizza
Ohio-based Donatos Pizza signed multi-unit franchise agreement for Charlotte area. Franchisee Mitch Bratton plans to bring location to Huntersville area by end of year, with additional locations planned throughout Charlotte market from Mooresville to Waxhaw and SouthPark.
Amelie’s L’Express
New smaller prototype location for Amelie’s French Bakery, under 300 sq ft with no seating, focusing on pastries, coffee, and grab-and-go options. Will be the sixth Amelie’s location in Charlotte.
Epilogue Books & Wine
Independent bookstore by day that transforms into an intimate wine bar by night. Will serve charcuterie, tinned fish, and sandwiches alongside curated wine and beer selection. Lease not yet finalized but owner actively working to secure the 2,300-square-foot space.
Boston Harbor Distillery
Boston Harbor Distillery taking over former Trillium Garden space on Rose Kennedy Greenway. Will be a family-friendly beverage garden serving cocktails, mocktails, beer, wine, and locally sourced snacks. Features signature drinks and bottle sales of their spirits.
Zavodny Food Court
Food court with mobile food trailers planned for the Jerry Fay Wilhelm Center for the Performing Arts. Construction estimated at $189,000.
East of Texas
Triad-based barbecue spot expanding to second location at American Tobacco Campus in Durham. 5,600-square-foot space offering smoked meats, barbecue sandwiches, Tex-Mex and tacos with full beverage program.
Dear Dad’s
Dear Dad’s is expanding with a second location in Greensboro in a 1,850-square-foot space. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner including avocado toast, burgers, pasta, and handcrafted coffee beverages. Owners are Haras Sajjad and Sage Sajjad.
Urbana Cafe
Urbana Cafe is temporarily moving to the Cincinnati Contemporary Arts Center for about a year-and-a-half while their Atlas Building location undergoes renovation. The cafe will serve coffee, espressos, and small bites like croissants and breakfast sandwiches in the arts center lobby.
Narco Burger
Second location of popular smash burger restaurant. Owner hoping to open by end of February 2026. Space formerly occupied by Dayton Street Eats, located next to Bee-Gee’s Market.
Pine Coast Cafe
Third location of Pine Coast Cafe opening in former Dad’s Coneys and Wraps space in Clintonville. Features gourmet sandwiches, burgers with Halal meat, and specialty items like kimchi cheesesteak. Staff already moving into location.