AJ and Rachael Donner are opening Pump Social later this summer in a unique, nostalgic environment in downtown Concord. The couple will be bringing the concept to a repurposed old gas station at 24 Church St. NE.
The couple has a combined experience of 30 years in the hospitality industry, and AJ currently works as the executive chef at premium catering company Best Impressions Caterers in Charlotte. AJ told What Now Charlotte that as members of the Concord community, they were inspired to apply their skills to their own local project through Pump Social.
“Seeing Concord grow and wanting to be part of that community is a driving factor,” AJ said. “My wife and I met in hospitality years ago, so it’s always been a dream for us. Now that we’ve settled in downtown Concord, we definitely want to be part of the community and put our part into it to make it what we want it to be.”
The menu will feature fresh chef-driven sandwiches, salads and bowls that customers can enjoy in the 1,100-square-foot interior or outside on the 1,500-square-foot covered patio. Expect to see sandwiches like Italian, chicken salad and BLTs. The food will feature global flavors with cultural influences, delivered in approachable meals.
There will also be a beer and wine menu for customers to enjoy.
“It’s going to be a gathering place for lunch and dinners as well as to hang out and have a drink under the old awning at the gas station,” AJ said.
