Big Papa’s Empanadas
Hip-hop themed counter-service empanada restaurant opening in Charlotte’s Historic West End. Serving half-pound savory and sweet empanadas with creative fillings (bacon gouda cheeseburger, Cajun crab mac and cheese, Caribbean oxtails), street tacos, grilled chicken wings, and hand-cut fries. Small outdoor patio available. Founded by chef Jonathan Leonard, a Johnson & Wales alum. Also plans to […]
Raíces
Regional Mexican restaurant inspired by Jalisco and Oaxaca, opening at the RailYard in Charlotte’s South End. Owned by husband-and-wife team Alfonso Bravo and Amalia Macias, who operate five restaurants in South Carolina. Chef TJ Steele will lead the kitchen, focusing on handmade tortillas, mole, pozole, and campo-style cooking. Agave spirits and Mexico City-inspired cocktails anchor […]
Slava
Chef Svitlana Eadie is opening Slava, a Ukrainian café and bakery in downtown Asheville, NC. The concept features traditional and modern Ukrainian food, beverages, and baked goods. Eadie previously operated a catering company called Svitlana’s Kitchen. This will be her first brick-and-mortar location.
Yakitori Bar (by Bento Box owner)
Chef Lee Grossman, owner of The Bento Box, plans to open a new Japanese pub/yakitori bar concept in Wilmington, NC. Article is dated June 11, 2026. Full details limited due to partial article content.
The Gables
18-room boutique hotel restored from a 1920s roadside motel (Gables Motel Lodge) on Wake Forest Road in the historic Mordecai neighborhood. Co-owned by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Tift Merritt, developer Daniel Robinson, and Sarah Yarborough of Heyday Studios. Design merges historic character with Southern travel inspiration, targeting artists and wanderers. Reservations open now for bookings beginning September […]
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 […]