In the (almost) two years since launching this site, I’ve followed several early-stage food and beverage businesses from pop-up concepts to permanent brick-and-mortar shops. Joe’s Doughs, HEX Coffee and Move That Dough Baking Co., for example, all started out selling their goods at events, festivals, breweries and other local businesses.
But it didn’t take long for them to build up the loyal followings (and capital) necessary to put roots down in one place.
Today, Joe’s Doughs has its own bakery in Optimist Park, HEX built out its own espresso bar inside Good Bottle Co. and, most recently, Move That Dough has settled in to a dedicated space at Area15.
Joe’s Doughs in Optimist Park
Who will be the next pop-up-to-permanent food concept in Charlotte? Here are three to watch…
Drip Cake Bar
This local cakery creates show-stopping custom cakes with bright frosting, elaborate garnishes and its signature icing drip. Catch them around town at local breweries or place an order for custom cakes, cupcakes and cake pops.
How to get it: Follow social profiles below for pop-up event updates or email [email protected] for custom orders.
via Instagram
Craft Cakes CLT
This micro cake shop has popped up at brewery events and Atherton Market, but you can also place custom orders for pick up or delivery. Johnson & Wales culinary grad Brigitte Oger specializes in minimally-refined, vegan-friendly batters, whole-butter creams and hand-made garnishes.
How to get it: Follow the social profiles below for pop-up event updates or submit custom orders online.
via Instagram
PepperBox Doughnuts
You’ll find this unique, mostly vegan doughnuts on rotation at places like Red Clay Cider and Tip Top Daily Market in Charlotte and Luna Hombre in Belmont. Look for inventive flavors like black cocoa cabernet, cherry pie and more.
How to get it: Follow social profiles below for pop-up event updates or email [email protected] for custom orders and catering.
via Instagram
Header photo of PepperBox Doughnuts via Instagram
