FARE recently announced plans to join the Charlotte market, making the jump from Chicago with a lease at the Queensbridge Collective. However, the fast-casual health brand has more plans for Charlotte following the expected opening at the development in late 2025.
In an interview with What Now Charlotte, FARE co-founder Kasia Bednarz shared that she and fellow co-founder Britni DeLeon are scouting locations, with plans to open a couple more FARE spots in 2026. They are exploring the neighborhoods around Charlotte for possible spots, though no exact addresses are available yet.
“We definitely think we could have several FAREs in the Charlotte market,” Bednarz said.
Bednarz and DeLeon launched FARE in Chicago in 2016. FARE is part of the push toward more health-centered fast-casual options, serving menu items such as bowls, smoothies and breakfast items like egg white bites and avocado toast.
As of now, the brand has three locations in the Chicago area. Bednarz highlights their catering business in addition to their in-store options, saying that they find their strength in providing healthy, light meals for events and accommodating various dietary restrictions.
Bednarz and DeLeon see the Charlotte market as a place where a concept like FARE can grow, and so far Bednarz said they have received great support from the community.
“Fresh, healthy, seasonal meals — that’s what we’re most excited to share with Charlotte,” Bednarz said.
