A brand new Spanish tapas restaurant called Catalú is preparing to debut later this year in South End, located at 135 New Bern St.
After five years off the light rail, Eight+Sand officially closed its doors on January 14, with little information regarding what will come next in this prime location. Now, it appears Que Hospitality, led by restaurateur Manny Flores, will be taking over the space to open Catalú by mid-Spring 2024, according to Axios. Que Hospitality is responsible for several other Charlotte Mexican restaurants, including Que Onda and Que Fresa.
When the new Spanish tapas restaurant opens in a few months, customers can expect a variety of contemporary takes on cuisine from the Catalonia region of Spain. The menu will feature cold tapas, such as Ensaladilla Rusa and pan con tomate, hot tapas, including vegetarian-friendly options like espinaca Catalan and arroz con setas, and seafood tapas, like gambas al ajillo and Pulpo a la Gallega. The restaurant will offer other Spanish entrees aside from tapas, such as paellas, and a variety of alcoholic drinks, specifically sangrias and gin and tonics.
While Eight+Sand only recently closed this weekend, Flores plans to keep a handful of the restaurant’s existing features, including the open kitchen. Despite a few similar features, the new Spanish restaurant will have a completely different feel than its predecessor, including the addition of a new waiting area, a wine room, and a new color scheme and furniture. When all is said and done, Catalú’s interior will resemble the Mediterranean.
