Virginia-based health food brand South Block will bring its first location to the Charlotte market this year. It will open at The Bowl at Ballantyne this fall, according to a release.
CEO Amir Mostafavi founded South Block in Virginia in 2011 with the mission to make communities healthier “one block at a time.” The brand, which serves items like acai bowls, smoothies, toasts and cold-pressed juices, currently has 20 locations. This will be the first location outside the Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia market.
“We have had dozens and dozens of requests for South Block to expand into Charlotte over the years,” Mostafavi told What Now Charlotte in an email. “As we started exploring which city made sense for us to go to as our first city outside of the D.C. area, Charlotte stood out. We love the growth and excitement around Charlotte and we feel like the timing is perfect for South Block to be a part of this movement towards a healthier lifestyle! We just hope to do our part to make a positive impact.”
Mostafavi said their mission is bigger than just food — it is rooted in a broader movement of positivity and community impact.
“Our mission is to help make people feel awesome, one block at a time! We do this through making a positive impact on the people we employ, the guests we serve and to the products we serve,” Mostafavi said. “We take a lot of pride in our quality of product. We do not use any sorbet, syrups or ice in our smoothies or bowls. Everything is made to order. We believe in ‘Keeping it Real!’ We were also the original East Coast acai shop, and we have been making our bowls the same way for 20 years…no shortcuts. We are excited for Charlotte to taste the difference and experience the good vibes!”
South Block is not the only new tenant on the way to The Bowl at Ballantyne. Other concepts have recently been announced for The Bowl at Ballantyne, as well. Copain Bakery, from Noble Food and Pursuits, is opening a location there, and PopUp Bagels announced it will open its first Charlotte-area location there soon.
“South Block’s purpose-driven approach to food and community mirrors The Bowl’s commitment to creating more than just a place to shop or dine, but a place to belong,” Cayla Stauffer, marketing and events manager, Northwood Office, said in the release. “We’re excited to be part of their Charlotte debut and introduce guests to their fresh and handcrafted flavors.”
