Photo: Alexandria Sands/Axios
Sip City Market & Bottle Shop is opening Saturday in a long-vacant building along Central Avenue, between Two Scoops Creamery and Seventh Sin Tattoo Company.
Why it matters: The business shines a spotlight on local and regional products. It’s the newest family- and dog-friendly hang-out spot in the growing Plaza Midwood-Elizabeth area.
- It’s housed in a 1937 building that’s been vacant since at least 2015. The Nichols Company purchased the property in 2022 and renovated the space, Queen City Nerve reported.
What to expect: “Anything related to sipping a drink,” owner Yazan Humaideh tells me, from draft beers to cocktail mixers. Customers can stop in for a draft beer or wine by the glass. Three taps are dedicated to Lower Left Brewing Co., one of the owner’s favorite spots, while the other three are rotating.
- You’ll also find carefully selected regional and local wines, plus gifting options.
- Fridges around the shop keep craft beers, kombuchas, sodas, energy drinks and other specialty beverages chill.
- Shoppers can browse charcuterie boards, home decor, customizable mugs and tumblers, party supplies, Charlotte-themed apparel and plants by Grounded Plant Services.
Photo: Alexandria Sands/Axios
What’s more: Sip City also sells gourmet foods like cheeses and bakery items.
We tried: The Lemontation, a sour from Lower Left Brewing Co.
- Among the desserts, the owner’s mother, a Syrian woman, has baked a pistachio puff pastry that’s bound to be a hit.
Photo: Alexandria Sands/Axios
Zoom in: Humaideh moved to the U.S. from Syria in 2010 when he was 16 — just before the Syrian civil war started. He climbed the corporate ladder, starting as a bag boy at a grocery store, then as a food and beverage coordinator for Target.
- In his prior roles, also at Harris Teeter and Publix, he says he gained an understanding of how to sell at a good price.
- Beers at Sip City start at $3.99 for a 12-ounce. A 5-ounce wine starts at $4.99.
Humaideh aspired to open his own business for years but says he always gave in too soon. He finally took the leap, leaving his comfortable corporate position to launch Sip City. Photo: Alexandria Sands/Axios
Of note: Parking is scarce, but customers who walk, ride share, bike or use another transportation method besides a car get a 5% discount.
Details: Sip City is open 2pm to 12pm, Sunday–Thursday and 12pm to 2am Friday and Saturday.
- It’s located at 917 Central Ave.
Photo: Alexandria Sands/Axios
