CHARLOTTE — Charlotte’s restaurant scene saw several more changes to start the new year.
Similar to last year, there were multiple closures. Restaurant staples like Fenwick’s in Myers Park and Sake Express in Belmont called it quits in January.
Newer establishments, too, are finding it hard to remain open. Pizza and ice cream spot Center Theatre PI in Fort Mill shuttered last month after less than two years in business, and The Waterman Fish Bar closed its Cornelius location yesterday after about three years. In lower South End, the owner of Italian restaurant Giovanna has put his lease and assets up for sale after less a year of being open.
Veteran restaurateur Rob Duckworth also was among those to close locations last month. Two of his concepts — Duckworth’s in Ballantyne and Link & Pin in South End — closed in January. But, on the flip side, Duckworth is in the midst of reviving the Chili Willi’s Tex Mex Grill brand and bringing it to Charlotte.
Chili Willi’s would be one of many new concepts already announced for the Charlotte market this year.
Popular Texas-based burger chain Whataburger confirmed its first four locations here, starting with a Gastonia restaurant expected to open this spring. Renowned steakhouse Guard and Grace is taking space at the high-profile Queensbridge Collective project, and California-based Mama’s Comfort Food & Cocktails is eyeing Park Road Shopping Center.
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