The Official Charlotte, NC Discussion Thread

[Responsible Allen Iverson]

Black-owned brewery and burger joint coming to NoDa


Black-owned brewery and burger joint coming to NoDa

By Laura Barrero | December 17, 2021

Atlanta-based Hippin Hops Brewery is coming to NoDa in the summer of 2022.
Why it matters: It’s Georgia’s first Black-owned brewery and it’s expanding to Charlotte, which hasn’t had a Black-owned business making and selling beer since Three Spirits closed in 2019.

• Next year Charlotte will have two, with Weathered Souls Brewery Co. opening in April.

Context: Owner Clarence Boston is a born and bred North Carolinian, and has ties to the cities dating back decades.

• He once owned Boston’s Mortuary on Statesville Road, and he lived in NoDa for about five years before moving to Atlanta.
• “We just really missed Charlotte,” he told me when I asked him about the expansion.
• Boston also co-owns Firehouse Bar & Lounge, and Recess in Plaza Midwood.

Flashback: Boston says he got his drink-making skills from his great-grandmother, who used to make fruity wine out of muscadine, peaches and green apples. “But we didn’t really like wine so they bought me and my brother a home brewing kit and we started making beer,” Boston said.
Now it’s 22 years later, and Boston has a successful brewery, a distillery, and an oyster bar — and he’s bringing those skills to Charlotte.

Details: Hippin Hops will open at Bainbridge NoDa on North Davidson Street. It’s at 2509 North Davidson, across from the original Amelie’s location.

• It’ll have indoor and outdoor space, totaling 3,900 square feet.
• They’ll also serve gourmet burgers.

As for their beers, Boston tells me they specialize in sours, IPAs, wheat beers and stouts. Their “So Peachy” is their best seller.

• “We’re trying to open it up to people who don’t really drink beer,” Boston said.

 

[Responsible Allen Iverson]

Mini-golf concept backed by Rory McIlroy now open in South End


Mini-golf concept backed by Rory McIlroy now open in South End

Puttery's "Library" course. Photo: Symphony Webber/Axios

By Symphony Webber | September 21, 2021

South End’s newest, swanky mini-golf concept, Puttery (backed by Rory McIlroy) is now open.
Why it matters: Dallas-based golf-entertainment Drive Shack Inc., CEO Hana Khouri explains that Puttery is a 21+, immersive experience that puts a contemporary spin on putting.

• One of Puttery’s financial backers includes Rory McIlroy, a lover of Charlotte who won this year’s Wells Fargo Championship.
• Puttery’s first location in Dallas opened in September of this year. The brand has other locations planned in Houston, Miami, Philadelphia and D.C.

What to expect: Puttery’s South End location is 15,000 square feet and has two uniquely designed, nine-hole courses.

• One is called Conservatory which is a desert-themed course with giant redwoods and cacti.
• The second course is called Library and allows players to golf among bookshelves and ancient artifacts.

Pricing: Game reservations are $18/person and tee times are available in 90-minute time windows.

Take a break and lounge at one of Puttery’s two bars or additional seating areas. There are also garage-style doors that open to a patio.

• The menu consists of a curated selection of shareables plates as well as inventive craft cocktails.

Menu: Choose from a curated selection of shareable plates and inventive craft cocktails.

When choosing where in Charlotte to plant Puttery, Khouri says that South End fit the target demographic. “With its vibrant nightlife and focus on entertainment, we know Puttery will be complementary to South End’s existing lineup of options, and a choice destination for locals and visitors alike.”

Location/hours: Find Puttery at 210 Rampart St., right near Sycamore Brewing. Hours are still being adjusted but are currently noon to 2am, depending on the day.

Here’s a look inside Puttery Charlotte:

The view when you first walk into Puttery. Photo: Symphony Webber/Axios

This is the main hallway that leads to the two mini-golf courses. Photo: Symphony Webber/Axios

Navigate around cacti and Redwood trees on the Conservatory course. Photo: Symphony Webber/Axios

Puttery’s “Library” course. Photo: Symphony Webber/Axios

Quite the food spread. Photo: Symphony Webber/Axios

Sliders, anyone? Photo: Symphony Webber/Axios

Puttery’s house margarita. Photo: Symphony Webber/Axios

Both courses have themed cocktails to go along with the setting. Pictured here is the ‘Proper Old Fashioned’ which is a specialty on the Library course. Photo: Symphony Webber/Axios

This is one of Puttery’s many lounge areas. Photo: Symphony Webber/Axios

Photo courtesy of Puttery.

 

[Bryan Danielson]

 

[Responsible Allen Iverson]

Black-owned food truck opens brick and mortar

Romeo's Vegan Burgers opened their restaurant on Saturday, December 18th. Located on South Blvd., near the Costco, opening day saw hundreds in line 3 hours before the ribbon cutting at 1pm.

Charlotte rapper, Tigo B, and his manager Lamont Heath opened Romeo's food truck just over a year ago.

Romeo's servers burgers, fries, milkshakes and more. The restaurant allows customers to eat inside or use the drive-through. Follow Romeo's on Instagram to learn more about the new restaurant.

 

[Responsible Allen Iverson]

Cuzzo's Cuisine is coming back to University

https://www.charlotteobserver.com/charlottefive/c5-food-drink/article256911887.html

 

[Responsible Allen Iverson]

@Bryan Danielson

There's an AEW show coming here on Saturday but due to the COVID outbreak and the fact that wrestling fans don't wear masks, I think I will sit this one out

 

[Bryan Danielson]

Cuzzo's Cuisine is coming back to University

https://www.charlotteobserver.com/charlottefive/c5-food-drink/article256911887.html

Oh that’s great to hear!!
Cuz they old spot was too far from me and I used to have to go across town.

I used to be cool with some of the folks that worked there as a company I worked for in the past did a lot of business with them.

Not to mention occasionally they have they food truck on Tryon a block from my office and I would stop to eat there.

Definitely great news

 

[Bryan Danielson]

@Bryan Danielson

There's an AEW show coming here on Saturday but due to the COVID outbreak and the fact that wrestling fans don't wear masks, I think I will sit this one out

I already got my tickets weeks ago….. it is what it is. I know I have a aisle seat

 

[Tribal Outkast]

@Bryan Danielson

There's an AEW show coming here on Saturday but due to the COVID outbreak and the fact that wrestling fans don't wear masks, I think I will sit this one out

Damn it’s on Saturday??? I want to go

 

[O.iatlhawksfan]

Y’all know any apartment that don’t do background checks?

 

[charknicks]

Damn it’s on Saturday??? I want to go

Ive got a pair of Floor seats ($60 each) as well as a pair of tickets in the lower bowl ($35 each) for sale.

I had people who wanted me to buy tickets for them pull out of going after the fact.

 

[Bryan Danielson]

Y’all know any apartment that don’t do background checks?

You cool with living off Beaties Ford or West Charlotte or near Albermarle Rd?

 

[O.iatlhawksfan]

You cool with living off Beaties Ford or West Charlotte or near Albermarle Rd?

It’s not for me it’s for a friend she a chick so prolly not

 

[Tribal Outkast]

Y’all know any apartment that don’t do background checks?

In Charlotte? That’s hard to find. Might be better off trying areas around Charlotte or like my guy said the hood

 

[Responsible Allen Iverson]

https://www.charlotteobserver.com/charlottefive/c5-food-drink/article257065237.html


A restaurant named for mac & cheese opens soon in the Charlotte area
By Ebony L. Morman

Updated January 06, 2022 2:04 PM

The first 10 guests to make a purchase at the new Indian Land location of I Heart Mac & Cheese will get free macaroni and cheese for one year. Shown here is the Buffalo Blue Bowl. Eduardo Rangel
While I Heart Mac & Cheese is named after one of the most well-known comfort foods, its arrival to the Charlotte area also introduces more healthy options.

As the South Florida-based concept expands across the country, its new location in Indian Land, SC — franchised by Rhonda Saadat — will host a grand opening on Wednesday, Jan. 12 at 11 a.m., with a menu that promises variety and won’t totally thwart your New Year’s nutrition goals.

Best of Both Worlds sandwich from I Heart Mac & Cheese. Eduardo Rangel Photography
WHAT TO EXPECT: The fast-casual restaurant is known for its customizable, made-to-order grilled cheese sandwiches and macaroni and cheese bowls. The menu is inspired by the classic comfort food — mac and cheese — with an adult spin and approach.

WHAT TO ORDER: When you enter, you can order a signature item from the menu, or you’ll select a pasta, bread, tater tot, broccoli, quinoa or cauliflower base. Then, choose between 10 proteins, nine cheeses and 11 vegetables. Dressings and sauces include mango habanero, BBQ, sesame ginger, buffalo, pesto and more.

Build your own Burger Bowl from I Heart Mac & Cheese. Eduardo Rangel
CLASSIC MAC AND CHEESE: Those who are feeling less adventurous can classic mac and cheese option. Once cheese sauce is added to the noodles, the dish is baked before being served.

HEALTHIER OPTIONS: The restaurant’s menu includes gluten-free choices including gluten-free pasta, along with plant-based, dairy-free alternatives and vegan options.

MEAT-BASED PROTEIN: The menu includes meat-based proteins including bacon, ground beef, ham, lobster, short rib, pulled pork, pepperoni, meatball and chicken.

VEGAN BOWLS:

• The Vegan-Delight Signature Bowl includes Beyond Sausage, vegan cheese sauce, mushrooms, broccoli, scallions, tomatoes and roasted red peppers.
  
  
• The Vegan Melt is served on wheat bread with a Beyond Burger Patty, vegan cheese, tomatoes, red onion and vegan cheese sauce.
  
  
• Protein options for the build-your-own mac include Beyond Beef Beefy Crumbles, Beyond Sausage and a Beyond Burger Patty.
  

Build your own veggie bowl from I Heart Mac & Cheese. Eduardo Rangel