News
3rd & Fernwood
BayHaven Restaurant Group To Open New Concept 3rd & Fernwood At Metropolitan
CHARLOTTE, NC (August 29, 2023) — BayHaven Restaurant Group, under the direction of founders Chef Gregory Collier and Subrina Collier, will open 3rd & Fernwood, a new culinary concept this fall at the midtown Charlotte development Metropolitan.
The 5,200-square-foot location (1100 Metropolitan Ave., Suite 170, the former Hickory Tavern) will be the “most approachable” BRG restaurant so far, Greg Collier says. “We aim to delve into the foodways of the African diaspora, and its significant ties with Southern America. In doing so, we will take on a fresh but elevated perspective that acknowledges the substantial influence of the Southern American culinary tradition, specifically the renowned ‘meat and three’ meals.”
Collier, a multiple James Beard Foundation Awards nominee, will be joined in this new endeavor by fellow nominee, Chef Cleophus Hethington, who will be executive chef at 3rd & Fernwood.
“Cleo and I have been talking about working together for a couple years, but needed to find the right space,” Collier says. “We will collaborate on menus, but they will have more influences from Brazil, the Caribbean and Africa.”
Hethington, a 2022 James Beard Emerging Chef Finalist, found his culinary voice by working his way from the bottom to the top of restaurants in Miami, New York, Atlanta, Italy and Brazil.
Following his departure from the position of Executive Chef at Benne on Eagle in Asheville in 2022, Hethington returned to his hometown of Miami. There, he embraced the role of Chef de Cuisine at Zak the Baker, a move that contributed to the bakery’s many acknowledgments. These include being featured in the Michelin Guide and achieving the esteemed Bib Gourmand rating. Notably, Hethington’s efforts also resulted in the bakery emerging as a finalist for the coveted James Beard Foundation Award for “Best Bakery in 2023.”
Hethington has been in Charlotte since earlier this month, and brings with him a wealth of organizational leadership experience running different concepts, Collier says.
“I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to partner with Chef Greg and Subrina in an official capacity at 3rd & Fernwood,” Hethington says. “Although I haven’t had extensive exposure to Charlotte, I am genuinely excited about acquainting myself with the city, establishing it as my new home, and once more taking part in the BayHaven Food & Wine Festival scheduled for October.”
While the menu is still being finalized, Collier and Hethington are playing with the idea of items such as a Fried Chicken (Thigh) Sandwich tossed in Hot/Fish Sauce Caramel, Pickles & herbed Mayo; Fish Fry styled Skate Wing with Collard Green Kimchi Slaw, Haitian Griot (Pork Shoulder) with Red Beets Pikliz, and sides such as Creamed Collard Greens with Pickled Fennel & Annatto-Tomato Jam; Creamed Corn (Whole White Hominy) with Country Ham Vinaigrette, Saffron Yuca con Mojo and Hambone Grits, among other options.
The restaurant will have 100 seats, 20 at the bar and 20 outside. Initially, 3rd & Fernwood will be open 11 a.m.-3 p.m., and will extend to 8 p.m. The space will also eventually house a speakeasy with seating for 18 and a separate entrance.
BayHaven Restaurant Group plans to open 3rd & Fernwood before Thanksgiving. Follow along on Instagram for updates at @3rd_and_fernwood.
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Joan’s Bakery & Deli
Rare Roots Hospitality to Open Joan’s Bakery and Deli in Fall 2023
CHARLOTTE, NC (June 22, 2023) – Rare Roots Hospitality has signed a lease to relocate its bakery and expand to offer retail desserts and deli items in midtown Charlotte. Joan’s Bakery and Deli will open at 1100 Metropolitan Avenue Suite 190, steps from Dressler’s at Metropolitan, in Fall 2023.
Joan’s is named for owner Jon Dressler’s mother, who operated her own bakery, White Thumb, in New Jersey until 1980. She baked recipes derived from her mother and grandmother and was (and still is) most well known for her cheesecake. She returned to baking when the Dresslers opened their first restaurant in Charlotte 20 years ago, Dressler’s at Birkdale Village. She made cheesecake for a weekend dessert feature, but it quickly became a staple on that menu and at every Rare Roots restaurant the Dresslers have opened since. For more than a decade, she baked all of the cakes herself, but recently passed down her recipes to the Rare Roots team to continue her tradition. Rare Roots still uses her recipes for cheesecake, carrot cake and apple cake, and will continue to at Joan’s, along with other pastries curated by Pastry Chef Hannah Woociker.
“I can think of no better way to honor my mother and share the story behind her amazing desserts than to open our retail bakery under her name,” says Jon Dressler. “We look forward to expanding our offerings with this new space beyond the desserts everyone knows and loves from our restaurants.”
In addition to sweets, Joan’s will become the new home for Meshugannah, the popular Jewish deli pop-up created by Chef Rob Clement, former executive chef of The Porter’s House. Clement will lead the bakery and bring his Meshugannah staples, including pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, to the Joan’s menu.
“Chef Rob has long been a member of the Rare Roots family, so we are excited to bring him back on board and to have Joan’s serve as a space for him to operate Meshugannah as well,” says Dressler. “Between this, the opening of Chapter Six this fall, and our recently launched partnership between Dressler’s Restaurant and Middle C Jazz Club, 2023 is shaping up to be a great year for Rare Roots.”
Upon opening, Joan’s will feature counter service as well as online pre-order capabilities. For more information, follow @joansayseat on Instagram and visit joansayseat.com.
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Lost Worlds Brewing
New Taproom Set to Open at Midtown Center this Winter
CHARLOTTE, NC (June 7, 2023) – Metropolitan, a mixed-use development and lifestyle shopping center in midtown Charlotte, is excited to add a taproom by Lost Worlds Brewing Company to its property this winter.
“The Metropolitan was the perfect location for our new taproom because of its greenway access,” said Dave Hamme, founder of Lost Worlds. “We’ve always encouraged our guests to ‘Find Their Adventure.’ With this location, we’re able to provide an oasis for travelers along the Sugar Creek Greenway, which also serves as an on-ramp for hiking, cycling and run clubs.
This will be the second location for Lost Worlds Brewing, a Cornelius-based craft brewery known for its commitment to adventure and community. The roughly 4,000-square-foot taproom overlooks the greenway and will be adorned with historical and archeological artifacts that complement its Basecamp and Adventure Series beers and the stories behind them. Guests can expect award-winning craft beer, cocktails, wine, cider, seltzer and experiences like beer pairing dinners.
“The Metropolitan is the perfect stop along the greenway to grab a drink and hang out, so adding Lost Worlds Brewing to the project was a no-brainer,” said Lauren Britt, leasing manager for Northwood Retail. “From its great beer selection to festive interior and unique story, Lost Worlds will be a destination that will keep you coming back.”
Lost Worlds prides itself on being an entertainment venue as much as a basecamp to grab a drink with friends and plot your next adventure. Guests can expect book signings, running and cycling club events, holiday celebrations, special trips to important archaeological sites and beer education classes. Additionally, the brewery has partnered with Paramount and Viacom to produce its Enterprise Blonde Ale for the Star Trek franchise, to celebrate the spirit of exploration.
“Lost Worlds Brewing is not your average brewery,” said Cornelius Mayor Woody Washam. “Their focus on adventure, archaeology, community building, and their nonprofit partners makes them a treasured location in Cornelius. I’m excited their brand will benefit more of Mecklenburg County.”
Stay tuned for more updates and details on the grand opening by visiting lostworldsbeer.com and following Lost Worlds Brewing on social media @lostworldsbeer.
