Local spots you may recognize in ‘SNL’ comedy trio’s new movie filmed in North Carolina

Chyna Blackmon
·4 min read

North Carolina is back in the spotlight as the backdrop of a new movie starring a popular comedy group from “Saturday Night Live.”

“Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain”, starring Ben Marshall, John Higgins and Martin Herlihy of Please Don’t Destroy has officially been released, and you might spot some familiar locations.

Martin Herlihy, Ben Marshall and John Higgins in “Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain.”
Martin Herlihy, Ben Marshall and John Higgins in “Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain.”

The comedy, filmed in various places across the state, follows the journey of three childhood friends on a quest to find a treasure buried in a nearby mountain, while they face strange animals, competitive park rangers and a cult along the way.

“The movie is set in a place where we need to have access to mountains and towns,” executive producer for Apatow Productions, Josh Church, previously told CharlotteFive. You’ll also see some other familiar faces in the movie, including Conan O’Brien (playing Marshall’s dad and the owner of a sporting goods store) and SNL performers Bowen Yang and Chloe Troast.

Martin Herlihy, Ben Marshall and John Higgins in “Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain.”
Martin Herlihy, Ben Marshall and John Higgins in “Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain.”

Most of the film is set at the fictitious Foggy Mountain, which was shot at South Mountains State Park, Crowders Mountain State Park and Mount Mitchell State Park. But there are several Charlotte businesses and popular neighborhoods where crews filmed too, including NoDa and Plaza Midwood.

John Higgins, center, and Ben Marshall, right, of “Saturday Night Live”, along with a stunt double representing Martin Herlihy at left, film scenes from “Please Don’t Destroy” in NoDa on July 25.
John Higgins, center, and Ben Marshall, right, of “Saturday Night Live”, along with a stunt double representing Martin Herlihy at left, film scenes from “Please Don’t Destroy” in NoDa on July 25.

Here’s a list of some popular locations in North Carolina featured in “Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain” — warning, minor spoilers ahead:

Boudreaux’s Louisiana Kitchen

Location: 501 E 36th St, Charlotte, NC 28205

Boudreaux’s Louisiana Kitchen is one of several businesses in NoDa spotted as Ben, John and Martin roller skate to work in the beginning of the film. If you look closely, you can also spot Bargarita, Billy Jack’s Shack, The Evening Muse and other popular hot spots along the main strip of Charlotte’s art district. But don’t be fooled – there aren’t any mountains that close behind NoDa, as depicted in the scene.

Please Don’t Destroy comedy troupe members Ben Marshall, John Higgins and a stunt double representing Martin Herlihy film in NoDa on Monday.
Please Don’t Destroy comedy troupe members Ben Marshall, John Higgins and a stunt double representing Martin Herlihy film in NoDa on Monday.

Segen Food Mart

Location: 2212A The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205

The building that once was home to Segen Food Mart is designed as Franny’s Market in the film, where Ben, John and Martin stop by on their way to work, and get coerced into buying beer for a group of younger kids. The local grocery store, nestled in Plaza Midwood, was open for decades before it was listed for sale back in 2021.

Crunch Fitness University

Location: 8514 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28213

The exterior of Crunch Fitness’ new location in University City is featured in the film as Trout Plus, where the best friend trio works. The store’s parking lot also was the site of a crucial scene near the climax of the movie. The new gym, located in Town Center Plaza, recently opened in the same space as the former Life Time gym.

Dick’s Sporting Goods

Location: 6445 Northlake Mall Dr, Charlotte, NC 28216

While Crunch Fitness serves as the exterior of Trout Plus, all of the scenes inside the movie’s sporting goods store were filmed in the former Dick’s Sporting Goods at Northlake Mall in north Charlotte. The store closed in 2021, but the space was temporarily open as a Spirit Halloween store last month.

[RELATED: How did the SNL comedy group Please Don’t Destroy choose Charlotte to film its new movie?]

New Hope Missionary Baptist Church

Location: 1303 Hawthorne Ln, Charlotte, NC 28205

New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, located in East Charlotte, is featured as Pinewood Falls House of God in the movie. In the film, this is where Martin gets baptized for his girlfriend. Fun fact: The exterior shot of the church is actually Saint Martin De Tours Catholic Church in Louisiana.

Bost Grill Mill

Location: 4701 NC-200, Concord, NC 28025

Bost Grill Mill serves as the site as the world of the Foggy Mountain cult. The set, which was constructed at Bost Grist Mill, took two and a half months from concept to completion.

Circle G Restaurant

Location: 4818 Rozzelles Ferry Rd, Charlotte, NC 28216

Circle G Restaurant, one of Charlotte’s oldest restaurants, is featured as the diner where John runs into Ben and Martin towards the end of the movie. This scene was shot inside the restaurant that’s been open in the same location since 1954.

“Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain” is exclusively available to stream on Peacock as of Nov. 17.