Atlanta-based restaurant group Castellucci Hospitality Group is planning the Charlotte debut of their modern Spanish tapas concept The Iberian Pig. It will join the 110 East development in South End.
The restaurant opened its doors in Decatur, Georgia, in 2009 and later expanded to Buckhead in Atlanta in 2019 and to Nashville in 2023.
The Iberian Pig’s venture into the Nashville market was the first expansion for Castellucci Hospitality Group outside of Georgia. Ultimately, their experience with Nashville inspired the group to explore other markets like Charlotte.
“Nashville was a smash hit and an overnight success. That was the impetus to say, ‘OK, that has gone really well. Where should we think about next?’” CEO Federico Castellucci, III, told What Now Charlotte.
Castellucci said they were attracted to the Charlotte market because of its similarities to their home market of Atlanta. He sees similar growth patterns in both cities, and he saw the Charlotte community as one they would want to be a part of.
“When I visited Charlotte, what I was amazed about was just how much people loved living there. Everyone I talked to was evangelizing Charlotte,” Castellucci said. “I started getting to know the neighborhoods, and I was really impressed by what’s going on in South End.”
The Iberian Pig is known for its creative tapas built around the ingredients of the Iberian Peninsula. Menu items at their Buckhead location include marinated Spanish olives, empanadas de carne and calamares. The brand is also known for its imported cheeses and meats.
Castellucci emphasized that each restaurant has its own executive chef who can put their own spins on the menu. This ensures that each location of The Iberian Pig is unique and caters to its community.
“We don’t view it as a cookie-cutter expansion,” Castellucci said. “Each restaurant is a unique version of the brand and should feel aligned with the community that it serves.”
The team is targeting a summer 2026 opening and is currently working on the design of the space.
Moving forward, Castellucci is interested in exploring how they could grow in the Charlotte market if The Iberian Pig is a success. Castellucci Hospitality Group has multiple concepts in its portfolio in addition to The Iberian Pig, including the Michelin star-rated Mujo, Cooks and Soldiers, Sugo and Double Zero. Currently, the group is focusing on growing in the Nashville market, with plans to open another concept there.
“We’re excited to be part of the community and to contribute something that could be meaningful for Charlotte,” Castellucci said.
