Popular South Carolina restaurant Empire Pizza & Bar is preparing to open its newest location in South Charlotte at 8500 Pineville-Matthews Rd.
The company’s sixth location will move into the former home of Baileys Sports Bar, Fox and Hound, and most recently, Loretta’s Restaurant, according to an announcement recently made by the company on Instagram. This will be the company’s first location in North Carolina, expected to open in Spring 2024. Owner Constantine Doulaveris tells What Now Jacksonville this will be a corporate-owned location.
“On behalf of the Empire Pizza family, we are proud and excited to announce our newest location,” according to the company’s announcement on Instagram. “We plan to open in South Charlotte Spring of 2024. We are looking forward to this new venture and cannot wait to serve the South Charlotte area. We would like to give a special thanks to our employees for their hard work and dedication and our loyal customer base for their business and support over the last 15 years.”
When this location opens next year, customers can expect a variety of starters, quesadillas, pasta, wings, wraps, meatballs, burgers, salads, and, of course, pizza. Empire Pizza & Bar also offers a handful of desserts, ranging from classics, such as New York cheesecake and cannolis, to fresh baked goods, including smores flatbread, a giant chocolate chip cookie, and zeppoles, which is made with fried dough, powdered sugar, cinnamon, chocolate sauce.
Empire Pizza already has locations in Fort Mill, Indian Land, Newport, Mint Hill, and Rock Hill. On top of the first site outside of South Carolina, Doulaveris tells What Now the company is marketing its concept for franchising and expects to have new franchise locations coming soon.
“This location will be similar to the existing stores but will feature two private dining rooms for parties, events, and meetings,” Doulaveris tells What Now in an email. “We will be doing an extensive renovation of the space, which we plan to start constructing before the New Year. We are excited about opening our 6th location and being a part of the South Charlotte community.”
