First retailers open shop as Riverbend Village takes shape

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The first retailers are opening shop at a massive, mixed-use development in northwest Charlotte. At Riverbend Village, the Dunkin’ Donuts store is promoting grand-opening deals today, following its soft opening last week.

This location is one of about 50 new and remodeled Dunkin’ restaurants this year expected to receive the brand’s latest store design and technology features. That includes: a tap system for serving the restaurant chain’s cold drinks, from teas to nitro-infused coffee; a front-facing doughnut case that brings the display of sweet treats closer to customers; a focus on energy efficiency as well as modern materials and colors in the store’s design; and plans to soon add digital kiosks.

The Taco Bell next door is open, too, a Dunkin’ employee says. And signs are up on several other spaces — a Harris Teeter fuel station, an AT&T store and a restaurant called Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers — which appear to be close to completion.

Riverbend Village, led by Simpson Commercial Real Estate, covers more than 100 acres at the intersection of Brookshire Boulevard and Mount Holly-Huntersville Road, near Interstate 485 in the Mountain Island area.

Read more and check out photos of the latest construction progress here.

Cox Media Group