A new food stall featuring Spanish tapas is on its way to Optimist Hall in Charlotte

Heidi Finley
·2 min read

A new food stall offering Spanish tapas is coming this summer to Charlotte’s Optimist Hall.

The team behind Customshop — chef-owner Andres Kaifer and managing partner Alex Bridges — are planning a traditional tapas experience you’d find on streets of Spain.

“Tapas has become a bit overused in American culture, so we’re taking everyone back to the basics over shared bites and a sacred time to socialize with friends,” Kaifer, who will use family recipes to create the menu, said in a news release.

Chef Andres Kaifer at Customshop has been the majority owner at the Elizabeth neighborhood restaurant since mid-2022. Alex Cason/CharlotteFive
Chef Andres Kaifer at Customshop has been the majority owner at the Elizabeth neighborhood restaurant since mid-2022. Alex Cason/CharlotteFive

“Optimist Hall is a true melting pot, and we felt it would be the perfect location to invite folks to learn about and enjoy the flavors I grew up with, and proudly share my mother’s recipes that have been passed down over the years.”

On tap for the yet-unnamed food stall that will sit between Village Juice and Boxcar Betty’s is a selection of Spanish tapas including:

  • bocadillos (sandwiches)

  • shareables such as croquetas (ham and bechamel fritters)

  • tortilla Española (Spanish omelet)

  • patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy sauce)

  • Kaifer’s famous flan and other sweets.

Chef Andres Kaifer’s flan at Customshop can be topped with a variety of garnishes, such as fruit. Alex Cason/CharlotteFive
Chef Andres Kaifer’s flan at Customshop can be topped with a variety of garnishes, such as fruit. Alex Cason/CharlotteFive

[READ NEXT: Learn how to make flan with this recipe and video from Charlotte restaurant Customshop.]

The new stall will join 26 other tenants at Optimist Hall.

“At Optimist Hall, one of our main goals is to support Charlotte’s food and beverage industry by investing in local, entrepreneurial businesses that serve our city,” Optimist Hall partner Erik Johnson said in the release. “When we were presented with the opportunity to welcome the Customshop team — a beloved Charlotte staple that has withstood the test of time — to the Hall, it was a no-brainer. We’re excited to see them flourish here.”

Matt McLanahan of White Point Management represented both Optimist Hall and Customshop in the new lease.

Optimist Hall

Location: 1115 N Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28206

Instagram: @optimisthallclt

Customshop

Location: 1601 Elizabeth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204

Menu

Cuisine: American, Italian, seafood

Instagram: @customshopclt

Andres Kaifer and Alex Bridges of Customshop are bringing tapas to Optimist Hall. Customshop
Andres Kaifer and Alex Bridges of Customshop are bringing tapas to Optimist Hall. Customshop