South End
Description
South End is a pulse of creativity, energy and Southern grace that reverberates through Charlotte. Anchored by the city’s historic rail corridor, this vibrant neighborhood has transformed into a showcase of modern urban life. Where century-old architecture meets cutting-edge design, South End features premium retail, inspired dining and a community spirit that feels like home.
The South End Experience
From the hum of the Rail Trail weaving through the neighborhood to the glow of string lights above bustling patios, South End activates all of the senses. With popular brands drawing foot traffic in and top-notch restaurants luring foodies, the place is a launchpad for stores that want to ca
How has Charlotte evolved from a ‘sleepy little banker town’ to a retail and restaurant hotspot? Adam Williams had the pleasure of sitting down with Bryan Southwick and The Charlotte Ledger to discuss observations on The Bowl at Ballantyne, Jim Noble, South End, Jon Dressler, the so-called “retail apocalypse,” coffee shops, pickleball, breweries, Chili’s, Moosehead Grill and ax-throwing. (And a ton more.)
Take a listen, and let me know how we can continue pushing Charlotte into a cultural hotspot.
The MICHELIN Guide is officially coming to the SouthEast - but what does that mean for Charlotte?
Sit down with me as I talk through what the coveted stars mean for our city. If it were up to you, who in NC would you give a star?
In a city full of multifamily projects, storefronts can’t continue to be an afterthought 🥊
Let’s talk about what we get wrong in our industry.
Starting with the sea of sameness 🌊 that we have to be better about.
Our friend, Jessica Curtis , owner of @originrealtyadv puts it well: “a memorable storefront is a collaboration between the physical building itself and a tenants desire to express their brand. The most notable storefronts, embody a mixture of material textures — brick juxtapose against steel or glass. Architectural details that create eye-catching signage and strategic openings.”
We want to talk more about storefronts and other industry related topics, on other laptop-camera-videos in the future
Stay tuned 🤙
Sushi Taku, a popular all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant, is set to open its first Charlotte location at 1300 South Blvd. in South End. The new restaurant will replace the former Lincoln’s Haberdashery space, which has been vacant since October 2023, with an anticipated opening in mid-April.
Chicago restaurateurs Tom Hui Li and Shiwei Zheng are investing $700,000 in renovations to bring Sushi Taku’s high-quality, affordable sushi experience to Charlotte. Li, the force behind two Sushi Taku locations in Chicago, sees Charlotte as a prime market for expansion. Zheng, who co-owns Pho Good Time Asian Fusion and Fortune Cookie Chinese restaurants, is also involved in the venture.
FARE, a healthy fast-casual restaurant, is set to open later this year in South End, marking its first location outside of Chicago. The eatery will be part of the Queensbridge Collective development at 1111 S. Tryon Street, one of Charlotte’s most anticipated mixed-use projects.
The 1,500-square-foot restaurant will offer indoor and outdoor seating along Tryon Street and serve breakfast all day, lunch, and dinner.
Chicago-based Riverside Investment & Development is spearheading the Queensbridge Collective project, with FARE joining as one of its newest tenants.
Abercrombie & Fitch to launch new store in South End
Local Expert Analysis
Local Expert Analysis
Market Positioning and Leasing Trends
South End is one of the places where the best of Charlotte converges. With gross rents ranging from $50 to $75 per square foot and a vacancy rate under 5%, the district’s retail spaces. Flagship openings like Patagonia and Bar Taco highlight South End’s magnetic appeal to both emerging brands and household names. Leasing activity is driven by a vibrant mix of affluent residents and trend-savvy young professionals who call this neighborhood their playground.
Customer Demographics and Foot Traffic
Young professionals, stylish families, and energetic locals weave through boutique shops, fitness classes, and buzzing cafes. The Rail
New Developments
South End's upcoming developments are skyline-defining projects: 110 East and Lowe’s Design Center, blending cutting-edge retail and office spaces with a touch of architectural brilliance. Vantage South End and The Line, where residential meets ground-floor retail. Tremont Alley and Queensbridge, boutique havens that promise to bring new shops and dining options.