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.
Deepwell
New Orleans-inspired steakhouse concept from Joe and Katy Kindred, with Craig Deihl as executive chef and co-owner. Features an in-house dry-aging program with Wagyu beef from NC-based W8 Ranch. Dinner service planned; reservations to become available closer to opening. Expected to open late summer or fall 2026 in a historic Main Street building.
Casa Nama
Japanese fusion restaurant from JalMex Restaurant Group, slated to open late 2026 at East End Market. Will occupy approximately 5,000 sq ft in the former Giorgios Epicurean Market space. Menu will include sushi rolls, ramen, dumplings, tacos, and ceviches. Planned as a larger, full-service counterpart to Yatai.
Drift Coffee + Kitchen
Drift Coffee + Kitchen is opening its fifth Triangle-area location at Raleigh Iron Works in the Bow Truss Building, leasing 1,963 sq ft. The cafe will serve espresso drinks, brewed coffee, breakfast sandwiches, bowls, toasts, salads, and sandwiches. Plans to open later in 2026.
Lucky Asian Fusion
Lucky Asian Fusion, a modern sushi concept operated by EAT Restaurant Partners, is planning its first North Carolina location at Ridgewood Shopping Center, 3540 Wade Avenue, in a space facing Ridge Road next to Ridgewood Wine & Beer. Expected to open by end of 2026. The restaurant will feature high ceilings, outdoor seating, a bar […]
Wake Up & Eat
Family-run all-day breakfast and lunch restaurant opening a second location in Concord, NC. Grand opening is Monday June 8, 2026. Soft preview days were June 4-5. Menu includes specialty omelettes, pancakes, waffles, wraps, sandwiches, and smoothies. Open daily 7am-3pm. Co-owner is Jenny Fuentes. Existing location in Harrisburg, NC.
Savona Food Works
Portman has announced plans for Savona Food Works, a 30,000-square-foot food hall anchoring the Savona Mill adaptive reuse project in Charlotte’s West End district. The food hall will feature 25 food stalls, a full-service restaurant and bar, coffee shop, flower market, and rooftop bar. It will be located in the historic ‘Weave building’ dating to […]