The Suffolk Punch coming to SouthPark mall in May + Classic Charlotte restaurants you can support today

Andrew Nantais
Updated ·2 min read

Hey, everyone! Drew here. Happy Tuesday!

Calling all pizza lovers from thin crust to Neapolitan to Detroit-styled and Chicago deep dish. This one is for you.

You’ve told us your favorite pizzerias, restaurants or food trucks serving up slices. Now it’s time to vote in the CharlotteFive Reader’s Choice 2023 poll to find out who has the best pizza in the Charlotte-area.

Round Three will determine the top 16 and is currently live. Voting is open until noon on April 12.

On to your news!

1. The Suffolk Punch Brewing is about to open SouthPark mall’s first craft brewery

Suffolk Punch Brewing at SouthPark mall will feature a tap house, restaurant, coffee bar and outdoor pavilion.
Suffolk Punch Brewing at SouthPark mall will feature a tap house, restaurant, coffee bar and outdoor pavilion.

Things at SouthPark mall are about to get... crafty.

The Suffolk Punch Brewing expects to open its second taphouse in May, the company announced Saturday on its Facebook page.

The brewery’s expansion is part of the mall’s multi-million dollar West Plaza revamp announced in 2021 by SouthPark owner Simon.

Catherine Muccigrosso has the details on the opening.

2. Charlotte moves forward with Eastland project as some are still waiting for answers

This six-acre site will soon be a 128-unit apartment project. Located in the 5800 block of Albemarle Road, the project sits across the street from the old Eastland Mall site.
This six-acre site will soon be a 128-unit apartment project. Located in the 5800 block of Albemarle Road, the project sits across the street from the old Eastland Mall site.

The Charlotte City Council approved an agreement with Mecklenburg County over Eastland Yards last night.

However, some private developers and residents are still waiting for progress.

In the newly approved deal, the city and county will reimburse developer Crosland Southeast up to $11 million for construction of public infrastructure improvements at the former Eastland Mall.

Genna Contino shares more from last night.

3. Keep old favorites going: Here are 8 restaurants you can support right now in Charlotte

The Dairy Queen in west Charlotte off Wilkinson Boulevard is up for sale. The half-acre site, opened in 1947, is selling for $1.4 million.
The Dairy Queen in west Charlotte off Wilkinson Boulevard is up for sale. The half-acre site, opened in 1947, is selling for $1.4 million.

The list of longtime Charlotte restaurants continues to dwindle after news broke last night that Gus’ Sir Beef is closing for good.

More than a dozen closed during COVID and a handful of other veteran restaurants and those that operate out of historic homes are included in property listings.

Catherine Muccigrosso and Heidi Finley run through a list of places you can support today.

4. The end is here for Plaza Shamrock dog park as street project looms amid safety concerns

Earlier this week a drunk driver drove their vehicle into the Plaza Shamrock pop-up dog park, destroying the park’s fence. This most recent incident was the third one in the last eighteen months, the second involving a drunk driver. Concerned residents of the homeowners association near the park collectively paid for reflective tape to go on the fence to make it more visible, especially at night.

The temporary park on Shamrock Drive in the Plaza Shamrock neighborhood is set to close.

Months after a car crash made headlines in Charlotte for damaging the beloved dog park, it will soon close to make way for a stormwater project that’s part of a broader plan meant to alleviate traffic issues.

Mary Ramsey has more on the park’s closure.

5. Some more stories to read

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Drew Nantais is a Senior Growth & Engagement Producer for the Charlotte Observer.
Drew Nantais is a Senior Growth & Engagement Producer for the Charlotte Observer.