Caribbean restaurant, grocery store in east Charlotte to close after 2 decades

A Caribbean restaurant and grocery store in east Charlotte is closing its doors.

Island Grocery and Grill has been open for two decades. Caroline Cook owns the business, which is on Albemarle Road, and said she couldn’t reach a new lease agreement with her landlord.

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She calls the store closing a big loss for the community.

“This is a place where you can come not only to shop but you have conversation,” Cook said. “We’ve seen families, children, growing up to be adults. It’s going to be a great void in the community.”

Island Grocery and Grill, a Caribbean restaurant and grocery store in east Charlotte, is closing its doors after two decades.
Island Grocery and Grill, a Caribbean restaurant and grocery store in east Charlotte, is closing its doors after two decades.

She said they’re trying to sell thousands of dollars in products before they close on Saturday, and they’ll keep selling some items online.

Cook said she hopes eventually to reopen somewhere else.

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