Mooresville-based Bae’s Burgers is expanding for the first time. It will take a 900-square-foot space at two-story shopping complex and marketplace The District Exchange at 22 Union Street N in Concord, according to a release. It is expected to open in early 2026.
The addition of the local burger spot will take over three adjacent suites on the first floor of the marketplace, completing the tenant lineup as the complex’s third anchor tenant. Existing anchor tenants include Crane Coffee Co. and taproom First-N-Flights. Other spots include Life is Sweet Candy Store, Barley Jean’s Bakery and Decadence Popcorn.
Bae’s Burgers owners Fabian Elmes and Claire Connelly ventured into food and beverage in 2018 when they launched a food truck and they later opened a brick-and-mortar location in downtown Mooresville.
“Opening our second Bae’s Burgers location at the District Exchange feels like a natural next step in our creative journey. Over the years, so many of our guests have asked when we’d bring our craft to a new community, and we’re thrilled to finally say: it’s happening,” Connelly said in the release. “We can’t wait to share our signature approach, quality ingredients, intentional flavors and the same scratch-made passion with Concord. We’re honored and excited, with the support of our guests, to grow our following here.”
Connelly told What Now Charlotte that the space at The District Exchange will feature a kitchen and dining area, though they will focus more on a to-go model. The spot will offer the same menu as the Mooresville location, featuring smashburgers, chicken sandwiches, patty melts, veggie burgers and sides like garlic parmesan fries. Eventually, the team might introduce a soft-serve element at the Concord location, as well.
“We just loved the concept of The District Exchange of having all local businesses in one area,” Connelly said. “It’s a creative space. We’re drawn by Downtown Concord and how they really put a lot into it. We’re excited — it’s definitely a buzz happening there.”
Expect to see the same design elements in the space, as well, including their creative look and vibrant color scheme, which Connelly feels will fit well with the creative elements of The District Exchange.
The District Exchange, which has been under development throughout the year, has been part of the larger revamp of the downtown Concord business scene.
“This milestone represents years of vision, investment, partnership and most importantly, belief in the future of downtown Concord,” Kristen and Tristan Adamczuk, owners and developers of The District Exchange, said in the release. “We are beyond excited for Bae’s Burgers, along with all the District Exchange shops, to deliver a destination that supports creators, elevates small business and brings our community together.”
