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 […]
Dave’s Hot Chicken
Dave’s Hot Chicken is expanding in the Charlotte area with four additional future locations planned for Pineville, High Point, Mooresville, and Indian Land (SC). The Steele Creek location at 13415 Rigsby Road opened May 28, 2026 (past). The four remaining locations have no confirmed opening dates yet. Franchise co-owned by Nick and Nicole Smith.
Bourbon Steak
Stephen and Ayesha Curry, alongside Michelin-starred chef Michael Mina, are opening three restaurants within uptown Charlotte’s Ritz-Carlton Hotel in 2026: Bourbon Steak (steakhouse), The Eighth Rule (bourbon-forward cocktail lounge and social dining destination), and Sweet July Cafe (lifestyle-forward café).
Botiwalla
Indian street food restaurant from chef Meherwan Irani (of Chai Pani fame), opening as the fifth Botiwalla location. 4,000 sq ft with 80 indoor seats and 30 patio seats. Menu features okra fries, lamb burgers, kebab rolls, rice bowls, chai, lassis, and fizzy drinks. Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm.
Little Alley Steakhouse
Atlanta-based steakhouse concept (operated by F&H Food Trading Group) reviving long-discussed Uptown Charlotte location inside Hearst Tower. A $3.7M construction permit was filed for the space. Plans call for ~8,600 sq ft with private dining rooms, patio seating, and large wine display. No official opening timeline announced. Project was originally announced in 2020 but went […]
Heartbutter
Non-alcoholic cocktail and community-centered pop-up concept founded by Dre Thomas. Two pop-up events planned: June 25 at CHNO Coffee (4612 Gilead St, Lower South End) and July at Lottie’s in Uptown Charlotte. Long-term goal is a brick-and-mortar location with owner eyeing a Fall 2027 opening in Charlotte. Beverage program developed with mixologist Donnell Owens featuring […]
Fatbackzz Grill
Fatbackzz Grill is opening its first brick-and-mortar location inside Sam’s Mini Mart, targeting the first week of June 2026. The food truck will continue operating alongside the permanent location.
Heist Brewery
Heist Brewery in NoDa is preparing to reopen after a July 2024 kitchen fire forced an extended closure. The location has undergone extensive remodeling including a redesigned kitchen, expanded bar, added seating (~100 new seats), and conversion of former brew house space into dining area. Brewing operations moved to Barrel Arts location. Owner Kurt Hogan […]
Finders’ Coffee
Finders’ Coffee is a café concept focused on classic espresso drinks, matcha, and simple high-quality staples. Also features a four-ingredient cheesecake in multiple flavors. Space includes indoor and outdoor seating. Soft opening targeted for mid-July 2026, grand opening planned for mid-August 2026. Owner is H Kim.
Karak House Coffee
Karak House Coffee is a Middle Eastern-inspired café franchise preparing to open in Uptown Charlotte. The concept features signature karak tea, specialty coffees, and a menu incorporating cardamom, rose, pistachio, and saffron. Franchise owner Lythe Elhulu, a Charlotte native, is bringing the brand to his hometown. Co-founder Rohail Malik noted Charlotte’s cultural diversity as a […]