Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios
New businesses are gravitating toward Wesley Heights.
What’s happening: Twenty-Two West, Midnight Mulligan and Legion Brewing Morehead planted roots here in recent months.
Why it matters: Neighborhood change is a byproduct of Charlotte’s growth.
Yes, but: Development in the west Charlotte neighborhood is on the rise, but so is gentrification.
What’s next: Wesley Heights is on track to gain nine more restaurants and businesses by early 2023. Here’s what to expect.
Biblio
Details: The new tapas restaurant will have more than 500 wines. There won’t be a set food menu, and the tapas will be regularly changed based on what’s in season.
Location: 2001 W. Morehead
Timeline: Late summer 2022
Go deeper: Counter-, the Wesley Heights tasting menu restaurant, to expand and add new wine concept
Que Fresa
Details: This new Mexican restaurant from the owners of Que Onda will draw inspiration from Mexico’s “Gossip Girl” era in the 1980s. Expect “preppy tacos” and “ritas,” according to owner Manuel Flores.
Yes, but: “Preppy” doesn’t mean expensive, according to Flores. The majority of the taco prices will range between $3.95 to $4.95.
Location: 1500 W. Morehead St.
Timeline: Flores hopes to open by the Carolina Panthers’ pre-season this summer, but it depends on how quickly he can get the permits approved.
Go deeper: New Mexican restaurant to open in west Charlotte in former Picante spot
Restaurant Constance
Details: Named after his daughter, Restaurant Constance will open one mile from where owner Chef Sam Diminich struggled with homelessness and drug and alcohol use.
Location: 2200 Thrift Road
Timeline: Fall 2022
Go deeper: Chef Sam Diminich is opening a restaurant a mile from where he used to be homeless
Azul Tacos and Beer
Details: The spot will be serving up authentic Mexican street food.
Location: 2122 Thrift Road Unit A
Timeline: Late August 2022
The Ruth
Details: This renovated production facility-turned event space will be the third venue from the elevated event firm Beau Monde. The style of the space is 1950s glamor with a modern twist.
Location: 2122 Thrift Road
Timeline: Fall 2022
Rendering courtesy of Beau Monde
Boxcar Bar + Bites
Details: Boxcar will be a spot where you can grab brunch, lunch, dinner or a nightcap. The sports bar will have plenty of TVs for gameday viewings.
Location: 2135 Thrift Road
Timeline: Late fall of 2022
Runaway Whiskey and Wine
Details: This 1920s bar will have an atmosphere that nods to the prohibition era – combining Art Deco and midcentury modern style. Expect an extensive selection of whiskey and wine, plus specialty crafted cocktails and a variety of small plates.
Location: 2135 Thrift Road
Timeline: Fall of 2022
The Coterie Wellness Studio
Details: There will be three yoga formats: vinyasa (flow, which will be heated using infrared panels), yoga with weights and yin yoga.
Location: 2135 Thrift Road
Timeline: Winter 2022 or early 2023
Pizza Baby
Details: This New York-style pizza joint will be the third concept for Charlotte Chef Trey Wilson, who opened Customshop in Elizabeth 15 years ago and Flour Shop in Park Road Shopping Center five years ago.
- Pizza Baby will have eight-10 pizzas on the menu, plus four-six salads and vegan options. The dough itself will be vegan and will be for sale. They’ll also offer dough-making classes.
Location: 2135 Thrift Road
Timeline: Early 2023
Pizza Baby will have an open kitchen like Flour Shop, pictured here. Wilson also told Axios his fourth concept will focus on bread. Photo: Ashley Mahoney/Axios
