Ruby Sunshine, the New Orleans-based breakfast and brunch concept, has changed plans and is opening a new location in Ballantyne at 12330 Johnston Rd.
Initially, the company hoped to expand the restaurant to Matthews, but those plans have been canceled, according to Charlotte Business Journal. The company is now planning to move into the former home of Cantina 1511 in the Toringdon Circle Shopping Center. This 4,700-square-foot location is expected to open around Summer 2023. Ruby Sunshine is also opening a new location in Columbia around the same time, along with a Gainsville site opening in mid-2023, according to the company’s website.
When the restaurant opens, it will have 150 seats inside, with an additional 50 seats on the outdoor patio. Customers can expect breakfast all day, with New Orleans-inspired twists on Southern brunch classics and cocktails. Some items on the menu include biscuits and gravy, the sweet heat chicken & french toast bites, bananas foster French toast, and shrimp and grits. Ruby Sunshine has nine locations, including one in South End, which opened in 2020.
Founder Jennifer Weshaupt tells the Business Journal the company was attracted to this location because of its convenient access to Ballantyne attractions and shopping. The area also expects to welcome a new mixed-use retail, dining, and entertainment district called The Bowl at Ballantyne next year, located on the other side of the freeway. This 20-acre project will feature over 90,000 square feet of retail and a second apartment tower. A few businesses coming to the development include Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, Summit Coffee, Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen, and Honeysuckle Gelato.
“We look forward to bringing even more all-day brunch to the North Carolina market and are confident that families and foodies alike will love Ruby’s friendly atmosphere and craveable brunch dishes,” Weshaupt tells the Business Journal.
