Surefire Grill: Charlotte’s newest bodega passes the vibe check. Is the food good too?

On my way out of Surefire Market, I ran into its owner, Edric Lutuangu, and decided to ask the question that had lingered since I walked in: What was behind the name “Surefire”?

His answer immediately won me over.

“It means ‘certain to succeed,’” Lutuangu said with a smile. “We want to succeed in everything we do.”

Lutuangu has lived up to the name, building on past family ventures that have thrived and now adding Surefire Market to their growing list of successes.

Honey Butta chicken sandwich

With a name like “Honey Butta,” I figured it was safe to not expect an average chicken sandwich — and I was right.

On the first bite, the sweetness hits first — rich and decadent — before a subtle heat sneaks in, giving the sandwich a kick that lingers just enough to keep each bite exciting. Nestled on a soft brioche bun, it’s a balance of comfort and indulgence, with seasoning that proves someone in the kitchen knows exactly what they’re doing.

Damon Hemmerdinger