In addition to supporting our local, long-time favorites, it is always exciting to see new restaurants and food concepts open in the neighborhood. They are a sign of area growth and a symbol of hope for small businesses in Charlotte that have seen countless challenges over the last year. The countdown to grand opening is underway for these highly-anticipated restaurants in 28205 and we can’t wait to experience them all!
Warmack
Coming Soon to Plaza Midwood
Asian comfort food is coming to Plaza Midwood and we are here for it. The Warmack’s owner is Vietnamese and the executive chef is Japanese so they say the menu will be influenced by dishes they grew up with from shrimp crisps to sushi to bao buns with a variety of fillings. In addition to a mouth-watering dinner menu, Warmack will have a full cocktail menu, a late-night menu, and plans for a Sunday brunch– all in a sleek space with black walls, velvet upholstery, and a concrete bar top.
Address: 1226 Central Ave.
Instagram: @thewarmack
Orto
Coming Soon to NoDa
Construction is almost complete on the latest restaurant venture of Paul Verica, the owner and chef of The Stanley in Elizabeth. Orto, which is Italian for “vegetable garden”, will have house-made pastas and pizzas. We are especially excited to try the rectangular, Detroit-style pizza when this new Italian restaurant opens.
Address: 416 E 36th St.
Instagram: @ortonoda
Cheat’s Cheesesteak Parlor
Coming Soon to Elizabeth/Plaza Midwood
Cheat’s Cheesesteak Parlor is poised to make a good Philly cheesesteak that would make anyone from the City of Brotherly Love proud. In addition to the classic Philly, Cheat’s is serving the only vegan cheesesteak in the city. Clearly, Charlotte is ready for this concept because every pop-up Cheat’s has hosted since October 2020 has sold out.
Address: TBD. While the restaurant is working on finalizing its permanent home, its pop-up dining changes locations so be sure to follow Cheat’s on Instagram for details.
Instagram: @cheatscheesesteaks
Emmy Squared Pizza
Coming Soon to Plaza Midwood
Emmy Squared started in Brooklyn in 2016 and is opening its first location in North Carolina in the heart of Plaza Midwood. The restaurant may be most known for its square-shaped, Detroit-style pizza, but don’t sleep on its signature burgers when you visit. The Le Big Matt burger was even named the Best Burger in Nashville by The Tennessean.
Address: 1508 Central Ave.
Instagram: @emmysquaredpizza
Xiao Bao
Coming Soon to Optimist Park
Optimist Hall is already a dining wonderland and that reputation will only improve with the opening of the food hall’s 23rd tenant. Xiao Bao is the sister concept of wildly-popular Xiao Bao Biscuit in Charleston and will focus on Southeast Asian cuisine. Look forward to fried rice, pad kra pow (Thai basil chicken stir fry), a variety of curries, and the Charleston restaurant’s most popular dish okonomiyaki (savory Japanese cabbage pancake).
Address: 1115 N Brevard St. (Inside Optimist Hall)
Instagram: @xiaobaobiscuit
Supperland
Coming Soon to Plaza Midwood
Supperland has literally been taking shape in front of our eyes. We have a front-row seat from our GW Real Estate office window to the latest brainchild of the owners of Crepe Cellar, Haberdish, and Reigning Doughnuts in NoDa. Supperland will focus on regional Southern cuisine and it gets extra cool points that the highly-anticipated food will be served in a renovated historic church.
Address: 1212 The Plaza
Instagram: @supper.land
The Exchange at 36th
Coming Soon to NoDa
Bistro La Bon chef Kevin Samuel is bringing a small-scale grocery to NoDa. The Exchange at 36th will be a space where you can dash in for market essentials like milk and bread as well as grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, pastries, and other provisions. Plus, a bar stocked with beer and wine. There is even more to look forward to – Samuel is planning on turning the space next door into a restaurant down the line.
Address: 451 36th St.
Instagram: @theexchangeat36th
Is there another restaurant coming soon to Charlotte that is on your radar? If so, leave us a comment below so we can add it to our list!
Cover Image: Emmy Squared Pizza
