CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Ever since Lacy Walter’s iconic Dairy Queen officially closed it doors in Plaza Midwood last October, his son has been looking for their new home. They were forced to leave the location because they couldn’t get a long-term lease.
“It hasn’t gotten any easier yet, I don’t even like to go by there,” Walters said.
The family wanted to find a new location in Plaza Midwood. Instead, they’re settling for the Eastside Crossings Shopping Center, about 2 miles away.
A few business like VisArt Video have moved here from neighborhoods like Plaza Midwood and Elizabeth due to rising rents and development. Dairy Queen’s owner tells me their new leasing agreement is for 12 years and the rent is good.
Other businesses at the Eastside Crossings Shopping Center agree.
“Significantly more affordable, but mostly it was the commitment from the property owners that really got us,” Brenda Gambill, co-owner of Eastside Local Eatery said.
Eastside Local Eatery is a vegan restaurant that opened in 2018. Gambill said they have a coffee called ‘Eastside Pride,’ a slogan that’s really caught on in the community.
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“Tommy’s Pub down the way is starting live music," Gambill said. "We want to start live music. It’s starting to energize and we’re noticing everyday people coming and going,” Gambill said.
Businesses said one perk is the parking, which is hard to come by in other neighborhoods.
Walters believes this space will be a good fit.
“Just come and see us as soon as you see that sign go up,” Walters said.
The owners expect construction here to last 2 to 3 months with the goal of opening the new Dairy Queen to customers by May 1.
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