Charlotte, North Carolina is a city defined by unapologetic beauty and soul. Its skyline is often viewed as glass towers and a global banking hub; however, the powerhouse city is coming back to reclaim its crown. Named in 1768 after Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the wife of British King George III, the city has not outgrown its royal lineage. “The Queen City” continues the legacy of Queen Charlotte through its bold artistic and musical livelihood, a tribute to her passions.
While the towers of Uptown flex the city’s financial muscle, its heartbeat resides in the surrounding historic neighborhoods that fan out from its center. The pieces of history, with deep, evolving souls, stem from the culinary hub of Elizabeth and the vibrant streets of South End, to the calm, ever-evolving art scenes of Dilworth and Plaza Midwood.
Perpetual evolution is nothing new for the Queen City. During the American Revolution, the resistance to British rule by the Patriots was so great that British General Lord Charles Cornwallis branded the land as “The Hornets’ Nest” during the Battle of Charlotte in 1780. Just as Charlotte did during the battle, it’s fighting back to reclaim its crown once again.
Tonidandel-Brown Restaurant Group
The independent spirit of Charlotte is unmatched, especially now during its era of historic architectural preservation. Behind the revival of the city’s beautiful past are restaurant owners Jeff Tonidandel and Jamie Brown, the engine behind the Tonidandel-Brown Restaurant Group, best known for their restaurants, Supperland and Leluia Hall.
The group owns six restaurants in the city of Charlotte just over a decade after their first opening. Brown later wrote more about the highs and lows of restaurant ownership in her book, “Eleven Tables: A Wild Ride Through Food, Failure and Figuring It Out.”
Supperland, a Michelin-recommended restaurant in 2025, resides in a “restored mid-century church, once named Plaza Midwood Church of Christ, which was built in 1948,” says Jamie Brown. If you are looking for a hearty Southern meal, Supperland is exactly where you will want to pull up a seat. “Supperland’s menu is very Southern, hearty and warm; we do a lot of steaks over there, but one of our flagship dishes is our pot roast served in a three-legged pot. It’s just very warm, hearty and soulful,” says Brown.
Leluia Hall’s menu, on the other hand, is full of “bright citrus flavors that follow a steak and surf concept,” says Brown. The restaurant resides in what was once Dilworth Methodist Church, which first opened its doors in 1896. Guests can indulge in fresh seafood such as ceviche and crudo at the raw bar.
Slowly but surely, Brown is breaking the mold of corporate America ruling over the city of Charlotte; however, she still believes that her job is not finished. “I think we’re working on an identity shift for the city,” says Brown. “It’s a work in progress and don’t think we’re at the end yet.”
Historical Luxury Lodging of Charlotte
To fully absorb the preservation of the city, visitors should look towards Uptown for high-end, boutique hospitality. Among them, the gold revolving doors of The Ivey’s Hotel seamlessly blend history with luxury.
What once started as a department store in the 1900s, founded by Joseph Benjamin Ivey, is now an exclusive hotel that offers 47 elegant guest rooms and access to their private Liberty Lounge. The original columns from the days of the department store are still standing in the hotel’s atrium.
While enjoying your stay, stroll down to its associated restaurant, Sophia’s Lounge, named “Best Upscale Cocktail Bar” by Charlotte Magazine.
Fine Dining
As the sun sets in the city, the doors of the deluxe dining locations are opening for business. Charlotte is the epicenter for unique eateries, with two of the most popular being Customshop and Primefish Cellar.
Customshop (Elizabeth): Awarded a Michelin recommendation in 2025, Customshop brings a blend of Latin and Italian notes alongside North Carolinian produce to the table, priding itself on their seasonal menu.
Primefish Cellar (Providence Rd.): A newer addition to the culinary scene, Primefish is a hidden Michelin recommended gem. Offering the finest wines and sake available in the area, the gourmet restaurant also features A5 Wagyu, Otoro tuna, King Musk Melon, Fresh Wasabi Root, Truffles and Caviar.
The Art of Uptown in Charlotte
Mint Museum Uptown: Just steps away from the city’s financial epicenter is the first-ever art museum in North Carolina. The Mint hosts one of the largest collections of American, modern and contemporary art in the Southeast.
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art: Adjacent to the Mint Museum, the Bechtler houses European, American and mid-20th-century modern art, primarily from the surrealism, cubism and pop art movements.
Reclaiming the Crown
Whether you are drawn by the aroma of the three-legged pot roast in a historically salvaged church or by the urban art of the Uptown museums, Charlotte is outgrowing its reputation as a corporate finance hub by preserving its architectural history. For the curious traveler, take I-85 to discover the heart of the Queen City.
Up and Coming in Charlotte, NC
Jeff Tonidandel and Jamie Brown are persistent in finding more historic sites to preserve Charlotte’s original beauty. “Jeff and I just had the opportunity at the end of September 2024 to move a former 1903 grocery store that was about to be torn down and rename it Wyatt’s Superfine, after the original owner, Pleasant Wyatt and the superfine milling level used to make most breads and pastas,” says Brown. The newest addition to the Tonidandel-Brown Restaurant Group is not yet open; however, it will sit next to Leluia Hall in Dilworth.
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