Meg Charity and Barrett Worthington founded modern pickleball social club Rally in 2023. Now, the two are opening up a new restaurant next door to Rally in Lower South End, according to a release. They are partnering with Andres Kaifer, who is behind Charlotte favorites like Customshop and Marina’s Tapas. The new spot is expected to open this summer.
“We started Rally to foster community in Charlotte,” Worthington said in the release. “We love the social aspect of food and this restaurant will help us share our passion for cultivating community, similar to the energy felt at Rally everyday. Andres’s incredible talent and expertise alongside our personal love for Customshop made the choice to work with him clear.”
Rally features pickleball courts, a bar, cafe and ping-pong tables. The new neighborhood restaurant will be designed to add another dimension to the area, offering guests a cozy, inviting atmosphere ideal for dinner or drinks with a friend. Customers can expect a seasonal rotating menu featuring small and large plates.
“This will be a familiar place in your rotation that you can come to time and time again to enjoy your company and awesome plates while also feeling like a part of a larger collective,” Charity said in the release.
Kaifer is leading menu development for the new restaurant, as well as creating the kitchen operation strategy. He has extensive experience as a chef, with stints at restaurants in both Miami and Durham before landing in Charlotte. In addition to operating Customshop and Marina’s Tapas, he and his Customshop team are bringing a new wine bar to Dilworth this fall.
“Getting to build something with like-minded entrepreneurs like Meg and Barrett while sharing my passion and philosophy on food is something that I love and feel privileged to do,” Kaifer said. “I’m super impressed by what they have built at Rally and the vision for this restaurant, which will be an expression of our shared values. We look forward to creating meaningful experiences through locally-sourced and awesome food.”
The team expects to reveal more information, including the name of the restaurant, in the coming weeks.
