Charlotte, North Carolina, November 29, 2025
Charlotte, North Carolina’s culinary landscape is booming with new restaurant openings, innovative dining experiences, and notable closures. This week, highlights include the upcoming Italian pasta bar by B-Side Group, a rise in THC-infused dining experiences, and the Michelin Guide recognizing local eateries. Additionally, Charlotte has been named a top up-and-coming food city, showcasing its dynamic food culture and community events such as a pie-baking contest. The city is making its mark on the national culinary scene with these exciting developments.
Charlotte’s Culinary Scene: Top 6 Food Stories You Missed This Week
Charlotte, North Carolina, is experiencing a dynamic evolution in its culinary landscape, marked by new restaurant openings, innovative dining experiences, and notable closures. Here’s a roundup of the top six food stories from the past week:
1. New Italian Pasta Bar to Open in South End
The B-Side Group, known for establishments like VINYL and the upcoming Mi Cariño, is set to launch an Italian pasta bar in South End. The new restaurant will occupy the former location of Futo Buta, a cherished ramen eatery that closed last year after nearly a decade along the Rail Trail. Located at 222 E. Bland St., the 1,600-square-foot space is being completely transformed. Culinary director Vince Giancarlo will lead the kitchen, offering a seasonal menu centered around fresh pasta dishes. The decor is described as warm and moody, featuring a chef’s window and a chef’s table that offer views into the dining area. The restaurant’s name and further details are yet to be revealed.
2. Rise of THC-Infused Dining Experiences
Charlotte is witnessing a surge in THC-infused culinary experiences as more people turn away from alcohol. One standout event is “Danksgiving,” a cannabis-infused Thanksgiving-themed dinner hosted at The Goodyear House in collaboration with Crowntown Cannabis. The $125 event included four creative courses made with a total of about 50mg of hemp-derived THC, complemented by themed non-alcoholic drinks. Dishes ranged from a THC-dosed kale and green bean salad to a heavily infused smoked turkey and stuffing, finishing with cheddar ice cream over baked apples. These meals offer a buzz without the hangover, making them a growing alternative in the local dining scene.
3. Notable Restaurant Openings and Closures
Charlotte’s food scene continues to evolve with several notable openings and closures. Among the new additions are Rada Charlotte, offering upscale, modern American cuisine, and Chief’s Modern Cocktail Parlor, a new concept by Built on Hospitality beverage director Bob Peters. On the closure front, the beloved Price’s Chicken Coop, known for its fried chicken, has closed its doors after more than three decades in SouthPark. The landlord decided to demolish the building and replace it with a bank.
4. Michelin Guide Recognizes Charlotte Restaurants
Several Charlotte eateries have been highlighted in the Michelin Guide’s new American South edition. Chef Sam Hart’s tasting restaurant, Counter-, received both a Michelin Star and a Green Star. Additionally, beverage director Colleen Hughes of Supperland was honored with Michelin’s Exceptional Cocktails Award. These recognitions underscore Charlotte’s growing reputation as a culinary destination.
5. Charlotte Named a Top Up-and-Coming Food City
Charlotte has been recognized as one of the top up-and-coming food cities in the United States. The city’s culinary scene is gaining national attention, with standout experiences like Leah & Louise’s smoked catfish stew and the annual Bayhaven Food & Wine Festival. The Market at 7th Street also serves as a hub for food lovers, hosting notable establishments such as Orman’s Cheese Shop and Momo Station.
6. Community Pie-Baking Contest at Old North Farm
Old North Farm in Shelby hosted a Community Pie-Baking Contest during its anniversary party, featuring 100 participants presenting a variety of fruit, custard, and baker’s choice pies. The event highlighted the farm’s role as a community hub and its commitment to celebrating local produce.
Charlotte’s culinary landscape continues to thrive, offering residents and visitors a diverse array of dining experiences that reflect the city’s dynamic food culture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the B-Side Group’s new Italian pasta bar in South End?
The B-Side Group, known for establishments like VINYL and the upcoming Mi Cariño, is set to launch an Italian pasta bar in South End. The new restaurant will occupy the former location of Futo Buta, a cherished ramen eatery that closed last year after nearly a decade along the Rail Trail. Located at 222 E. Bland St., the 1,600-square-foot space is being completely transformed. Culinary director Vince Giancarlo will lead the kitchen, offering a seasonal menu centered around fresh pasta dishes. The decor is described as warm and moody, featuring a chef’s window and a chef’s table that offer views into the dining area. The restaurant’s name and further details are yet to be revealed.
2. What is “Danksgiving” and how does it relate to THC-infused dining?
Charlotte is witnessing a surge in THC-infused culinary experiences as more people turn away from alcohol. One standout event is “Danksgiving,” a cannabis-infused Thanksgiving-themed dinner hosted at The Goodyear House in collaboration with Crowntown Cannabis. The $125 event included four creative courses made with a total of about 50mg of hemp-derived THC, complemented by themed non-alcoholic drinks. Dishes ranged from a THC-dosed kale and green bean salad to a heavily infused smoked turkey and stuffing, finishing with cheddar ice cream over baked apples. These meals offer a buzz without the hangover, making them a growing alternative in the local dining scene.
3. What are some notable restaurant openings and closures in Charlotte?
Charlotte’s food scene continues to evolve with several notable openings and closures. Among the new additions are Rada Charlotte, offering upscale, modern American cuisine, and Chief’s Modern Cocktail Parlor, a new concept by Built on Hospitality beverage director Bob Peters. On the closure front, the beloved Price’s Chicken Coop, known for its fried chicken, has closed its doors after more than three decades in SouthPark. The landlord decided to demolish the building and replace it with a bank.
4. Which Charlotte restaurants have been recognized by the Michelin Guide?
Several Charlotte eateries have been highlighted in the Michelin Guide’s new American South edition. Chef Sam Hart’s tasting restaurant, Counter-, received both a Michelin Star and a Green Star. Additionally, beverage director Colleen Hughes of Supperland was honored with Michelin’s Exceptional Cocktails Award. These recognitions underscore Charlotte’s growing reputation as a culinary destination.
5. Why is Charlotte considered a top up-and-coming food city?
Charlotte has been recognized as one of the top up-and-coming food cities in the United States. The city’s culinary scene is gaining national attention, with standout experiences like Leah & Louise’s smoked catfish stew and the annual Bayhaven Food & Wine Festival. The Market at 7th Street also serves as a hub for food lovers, hosting notable establishments such as Orman’s Cheese Shop and Momo Station.
6. What was the Community Pie-Baking Contest at Old North Farm?
Old North Farm in Shelby hosted a Community Pie-Baking Contest during its anniversary party, featuring 100 participants presenting a variety of fruit, custard, and baker’s choice pies. The event highlighted the farm’s role as a community hub and its commitment to celebrating local produce.
Key Features of Charlotte’s Culinary Scene
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| New Restaurant Openings | Introduction of innovative dining experiences, including the upcoming Italian pasta bar in South End. |
| THC-Infused Dining | Emergence of cannabis-infused culinary events like “Danksgiving,” offering alternative dining experiences. |
| Restaurant Recognitions | Charlotte eateries receiving accolades, such as Michelin Guide honors for Counter- and Supperland. |
| Community Events | Engagement in local food culture through events like the Community Pie-Baking Contest at Old North Farm. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
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