Charlotte is getting another café — but it isn’t what you think.
La Bodeguita is expanding its footprint at Camp North End with a new brick-and-mortar space, opening Saturday, Oct. 4, according to a news release sent to CharlotteFive.
The creative wellness studio and craft café has outgrown its post — a vintage Airstream trailer — and will relocate to an 835-square-foot storefront studio at 1824 Statesville Avenue in the coming weeks.
Read MoreOn 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.
Read MoreDevelopers often chase big-name national tenants that can guarantee a quick return on investment. Camp North End is largely doing the opposite, and it's helping ensure that local ventures can thrive there.
Why it matters: In a climate where small businesses face rising costs and shrinking consumer spending, Camp North End's model offers a rare path to survival and success.
The concept, which is not new or unique to Camp, is called "percentage rent," explains Damon Hemmerdinger, lead developer and co-president of ATCO.
Read MoreCharlotte jewelry brand KIKI will open its first permanent store at Camp North End on Saturday, Aug. 16.
Why it matters: Known for its waterproof and hypoallergenic gold-filled jewelry, the pop-up-turned-permanent shop joins a growing list of local businesses in one of Charlotte's most talked-about developments.
Catch up quick: Local entrepreneur Kris Cox founded the brand during the pandemic as a hobby. You may have spotted him, or picked up one of his pieces, at events like Front Porch Sundays, Mistletoe Market at Camp North End and pop-ups at other local businesses like Room Service. "The girls who are heavy into pool days or the gym love buying our earrings because they can keep them in all the time," Cox tells Axios.
Read MoreFor a couple of years now, Tanner Morita has been pouring coffee into cups and wine into glasses at the Camp North End development, an area that was once a lifeless collection of abandoned industrial buildings.
Now, Camp North End is bustling with customers visiting shops and places to eat. People live there too, in a recent apartment complex with several stores around it.
Morita’s business, HEX Coffee, Kitchen & Natural Wines, was one of the first tenants to open its doors at Camp North End in April 2023. It’s another indicator of progress for the North Graham-Tryon Street corridor, a gateway to uptown.
The area is part of one of Charlotte’s Corridors of Opportunity initiatives, which support under-invested sections of the city.
Read MoreCharlotte jewelry brand KIKI will open its first permanent store at Camp North End on Aug. 16.
Why it matters: Known for its waterproof and hypoallergenic gold-filled jewelry, the pop-up-turned-permanent shop joins a growing list of local businesses in one of Charlotte's most talked-about developments.
What to expect: KIKI's products are all 18-karat gold, filled with a stainless steel base.
The brand is primarily known for its gold hoop earrings but offers everything from rings and pendants to anklets.
Last week, Cox launched KIKI's "brother brand" called "Daddy," which sells gender-neutral accessories that lean more masculine-looking.
Life is Sweet is expanding its footprint in the Charlotte market.
First up for the old-fashioned candy store is a Camp North End location, set to open Aug. 1. It will be at 701 Keswick Ave., suite 104. Expect a community-focused sweets shop with a mix of bulk candy, chocolates, retro treats and gifts.
“Our brand is all about connection and celebration,” says Tracy Gunn, founder. “We want this to be your candy store — the one you bring your kids to, the one you visit for a treat after school or on a Friday night. We’re building something that feels like home, and Camp North End just fits.”
Read MoreMinnesota-based Centene Corp. (NYSE: CNC) has renewed its local office lease at the Camp North End adaptive-reuse development.
The Fortune 50 health-care company signed a lease renewal earlier this month for its 37,129-square-foot space at 1701 N. Graham St. in Camp North End’s Keswick District. The lease term was not immediately available. Centene first leased the space in 2020 and took occupancy in 2021. The Charlotte office now employs several hundred people.
Read MoreThe developer behind Camp North End has successfully refinanced the first multifamily community built as part of the adaptive-reuse complex.
Atco Properties & Management closed July 7 on a three-year, $66 million bridge loan for Kinship, a 301-unit, 240,390-square-foot community at 110 and 115 Razades Way, said Damon Hemmerdinger, co-president of Atco Properties & Management.
Hemmerdinger said Atco, in partnership with Los Angeles-based Standard Communities, is working on Camp North End's second multifamily project. Standard Communities filed a land development construction plan in late June with the city of Charlotte. According to the filing, the project will be located on the north side of the development at 921 Woodward Ave. and include up to 141 apartment units.
Read MoreATCO Properties & Management closed on a $66 million refinancing for Kinship, the first multifamily buildings to rise at Camp North End, a 76-acre adaptive reuse development located just north of Uptown Charlotte.
ATCO secured a three-year bridge loan from Benefit Street Partners. Mark Gallinaro of WelcomeLend sourced and secured the financing. Partners within the Kinship project include opportunity zone funds sponsored by Tishman, Altes Capital, and Blueprint Local.
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