A new west side hangout is in the works in an old 1950s-era filling station not far from the intersection of Rozzelle’s Ferry Road and W. Trade Street.
The building, which has been vacant for upwards of twenty years, is the future home of Toucan Louie’s, a Common Market- / Rhino Market-style neighborhood deli and cafe targeting an opening in the next two weeks.
Toucan Louie’s will feature a deli counter serving breakfast and lunch, a full espresso bar and a retail market with to-go items and other local provisions.
They’ll be roasting their own coffee on site and, according to owner Marc Kieffer, 95% of all ingredients used and products sold in the market will be sourced locally.
That means everything from the bottled water and energy drinks to the potato chips, deli meats and cheeses will come from North Carolina vendors.
We’re talking Midas Spring Water out of Huntersville, Durham-based MATI and Winston Salem-based Sunshine energy drinks, Carolina Kettle Chips, local Charlotte honey and even house-made peanut butter ground from eastern North Carolina peanuts.
The menu runs the gamut from hangover-approved bacon, egg and cheese breakfast sandwiches to lighter options like cold-pressed green juices, smoothies and house-made granola with local yogurt.
They’ll be working with some ancient grains, including a freekeh grain salad and a coconut congee breakfast bowl made with millet cooked in coconut milk and topped with roasted sweet potatoes, maple syrup and pistachios.
Yes, please.
Kieffer says cafe’s tropical name and logo, which is actually just a combo of his dog’s name and his kids’ favorite children’s book, has misled some to assume it will be a taco joint. While that won’t be the case, they are taking a Caribbean twist on their barbecue sandwich with jicama slaw, pineapple mint relish and house chimichurri sauce.
Toucan Louie’s is shooting for an opening in the next two weeks.
That, of course, is pending inspections and could change. Follow their social profiles for opening updates. Find it at 2753 Rozzelle’s Ferry Road.
Connect with Toucan Louie’s
