Jaggers
Jaggers burger-and-shake concept operated by Texas Roadhouse is planning to open a new location in Winston-Salem, NC, taking over the former Twin Peaks space at 1915 Hampton Inn Court near Hanes Mall Boulevard. Plans point to a later 2026 opening. Menu features burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, fries, and hand-spun milkshakes made with fresh ingredients.
Whataburger
Whataburger is planning to convert a former Popeye’s location at 275 Smokey Park Highway into its first Asheville, NC location. Permits were filed with the City of Asheville on May 18, 2026 for a complete exterior and interior conversion. Permits are currently under review by city staff; no construction timeline has been announced.
Guthrie’s Chicken
Guthrie’s Chicken is set to officially open Wednesday, May 27 at 3100 Western Blvd. Still finishing final touches inside the building. First 100 customers will receive free chicken for a year. Will employ about 60 workers including 40 full-time employees.
Palm Berries
New Palm Berries franchise location near Charlotte’s university area. Health-focused concept offering acai bowls, smoothies, and fruit-forward menu items. Will be the franchise owner’s third Palm Berries location. Targeting a mid-summer 2026 debut. Emphasis on fresh-cut fruit, quick service, and healthy food.
Palm Berries
Palm Berries is opening two new corporate-owned locations in North Carolina. The Asheville location at 33 Town Square Blvd., Suite 130 is expected to open May 30, 2026. A second location at 7808 Rea Rd., Suite E in Charlotte is targeting a June 6, 2026 debut. The brand specializes in acai bowls, smoothies, and fruit-forward […]
Burr & Berry
Local drive-thru coffee brand opening its fourth Charlotte-area location at 2905 Monroe Road near Elizabeth neighborhood, between Tipsy Burro and Smokey Joe’s Café. Targeting a late summer 2026 opening. Concept offers coffee, espresso, cold brew, chai, matcha, teas, seasonal beverages, and pastries from local bakers. Co-owned by Jason and Kelly Cowan, who launched the brand […]
Churp
Fast-casual healthy bowl concept from Tyler Helikson, founder of Happy + Hale. Opening at Olde Raleigh Village shopping center. Menu centers on customizable bowls with a dedicated kids bento box-style menu. Targeting late-summer or early-fall 2026 opening. Founder is considering future expansion depending on debut location success.
Sweet July Café
Ayesha Curry’s lifestyle café coming to the Ritz-Carlton in Charlotte. Menu features smoothies, pastries, healthy snacks, California farmers-market-inspired cuisine with Jamaican influences. Slated for July 2026 grand opening. Part of a three-restaurant collaboration with Stephen Curry and chef Michael Mina of the Mina Group.
Postino WineCafe
Postino WineCafe, an all-day restaurant and wine bar, is opening a second Charlotte-area location in the Commonwealth mixed-use development in Plaza Midwood. The 4,113-square-foot space will be open daily for lunch and dinner, featuring 30 wines by the glass, NC craft beer, cocktails, bruschetta, panini, salads, charcuterie boards and shareable plates. Expected to open by […]
The Eighth Rule
Steph Curry’s bourbon-forward cocktail lounge ‘The Eighth Rule’ is targeting a late winter opening at The Ritz-Carlton in Uptown Charlotte. Features craft cocktails, rare pours, and innovative bites. Operated in partnership with James Beard Award-winning MINA Group (Chef Michael Mina). A second restaurant by Ayesha Curry, Sweet July Cafe, is also opening at the same […]