Restaurant Bites: What’s new and coming soon near you

CHARLOTTE — As Charlotte’s pipeline of new restaurants continues to grow, some local spots served guests for the last time in July.

That includes vegetarian restaurant Alchemy at C3Lab, closing in South End after a two-year run, and all-day European cafe Sister, which was open in Plaza Midwood for just six months.

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Another notable closure still to come is that of longtime Plaza Midwood staple Soul Gastrolounge, which will shutter on Aug. 14. Andy and Lesa Kastanas own Soul along with Sister and Tattoo Lounge, all located in the same building at the corner of Central and Pecan avenues. As CBJ reported in July, the decision to close comes as the Kastanas faced a lease restructuring — and the sale of the building housing their restaurants. They hope to reopen Soul Gastrolounge and Tattoo Lounge next spring.

On the flip side, several new concepts have debuted in recent weeks or will do so soon. Japanese restaurant Saku Yakitori & Sushi Bar opened a couple of weeks ago in uptown Charlotte, while Canopy Cocktails & Garden is now serving speciality drinks in South End.

Later this month, Bhramari Brewing Co. of Asheville expects to open its South End taproom, and NoDa Brewing Co.’s “The OG” taproom at 2229 N. Davidson St. will rejoin Charlotte’s craft-beer scene on Aug. 5. Another brewery — Atlanta-based Monday Night Brewing — has plans of its own to enter the Charlotte market early next year in South End.

In addition, expansion is on tap for Little Mama’s Italian Kitchen as it recently nailed down a second location at Rea Farms in south Charlotte. And Birkdale Village, a large retail center in Huntersville that’s undergoing a major, $20 million overhaul, continues to add new food tenants to its roster, with Foxcroft Wine Co., The Good Wurst Co. and Morelia Gourmet Paletas among the latest announced additions there.

For a closer look at the latest restaurant, brewery and bar happenings across the entire Charlotte area, check out the latest installment of Restaurant Bites here.

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