Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort (signature steakhouse and Italian restaurant)
The full Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort complex is projected to open spring 2027. The complex will include 11 restaurants, a marketplace with six venues, a café, and a grab-and-go outlet — all tribal owned and operated. Specifically mentioned: a 250-seat signature steakhouse and a 200-seat signature Italian restaurant on the 6th floor. The Italian […]
No Knife Chicken & Waffles
Rapper DaBaby is launching No Knife Chicken & Waffles, a brunch/late-night fast-casual restaurant with an upscale diner vibe, located at 700 Atando Ave. off North Graham Street in North Charlotte. Menu features chicken and waffles plates plus a full bar with hours extending past midnight. A patio is planned for a later phase. Opening targeted […]
Four Restaurants (unnamed) at South Main Street Development
A new building under development on South Main Street in downtown Waynesville will house four restaurants and an AT&T store. The building is set to be completed later in 2026. Restaurant names have not been announced. Town Development Services Director Elizabeth Teague expressed excitement about the project.
Whataburger
Whataburger is expected to open a new location at 13721 Mallard Creek Road in Charlotte, NC in late July 2026. This will be an additional location as the chain continues expanding across the Carolinas. A second Raleigh location is also expected to open in fall 2026.
Vavela Cafe
Vavela Cafe and Chex Grill & Wings are both expanding to 555 Mangum St in Durham, leasing two separate suites totaling ~9,500 sq ft. Both locations expected to open by end of 2026. Vavela is a Turkish-inspired concept serving specialty coffee, pistachio lattes, paninis, frappes, kunafa, and desserts. Co-owned by Khaled Shamma and his brother. […]
Harriet’s Hamburgers
Retro-inspired smashburger chain opening its fifth Charlotte-area location at the revamped Sadler Square Shopping Center in Davidson, NC. The 2,000-square-foot restaurant seats up to 38 guests with a large outdoor patio. Opens Friday, July 3 at 11 a.m. daily. Menu features Angus beef smashburgers, Beef Butter Fries cooked in beef tallow, cheese curds, craft sodas, […]
Sip & Brick
Interactive brick-building café concept co-founded by Lauryn Wooding and Stone Fentzlaff. Guests can enjoy free-building opportunities and brick kits alongside a menu of house-made baked goods, sandwiches, charcuterie-style small bites, espresso drinks, craft cocktails, local beers, wine, and mocktails. Soft opening tentatively planned for mid-July 2026. Renovations are approximately 90% complete after permitting delays. Plans […]
Thunder Burgerz West
Thunder Burgerz West is preparing to open at 521 Haywood Road in West Asheville, NC. Founded by Roy Trantham, this is a direct expansion (not franchise) of the original Thunder Burgerz Grill on Smokey Park Highway. Menu will include burgers, chicken tenders, hot dogs, pizza, salads, baked potatoes, ice cream, milkshakes, and daily specials. The […]
Danny’s Cafe
Danny’s Cafe is relocating from 110 W. Front Street to a larger 7,000-square-foot space at 2461 S. Church Street, formerly occupied by Michelle’s Kitchen & Table. The new location will unite the restaurant, catering, and event operations under one roof. New offerings will include a juice bar, coffee bar, and mocktail menu alongside breakfast, lunch, […]
Southern Grounds & Co.
Florida-based Southern Grounds & Co. (hybrid coffee shop, bakery, and restaurant concept) is planning two first-ever North Carolina locations in Charlotte’s Dilworth and Plaza Midwood neighborhoods. Founder Mark Janasik confirmed letters of intent have been signed for both sites, though leases are not yet finalized. No specific addresses or opening timelines have been announced. The […]