A new concept is heading to the former Pub at Gateway location at 710 West Trade St., Suite E. Local restaurateur and Charlotte native John Georgopoulos told What Now Charlotte that he plans to open Wild Roses in the space later this winter.
“I’ve always really liked this area,” Georgopoulos said. “This is where I opened up my first restaurant, Little Village Grill.”
Georgopoulos is behind the Little Village Grill, which he operated for 20 years before selling it in October. Now, he is looking to bring an upscale gathering space to Uptown with Wild Roses.
“When the Pub at Gateway moved to a bigger space last year and this space became available, I jumped on the opportunity,” Georgopoulos said. “I’ve had this concept in my mind for a long time. I’m trying to offer this area a nicer, more upscale experience.”
The spot will offer a mostly cocktail-centric menu paired with small plates. Signature food offerings will include salmon, lamb chops, octopus and homemade meatballs.
The intimate space will seat about 40 customers, with a bar area that will seat 10, three tabletops that will each sit about 12 and a lounge area with Chesterfield couches and chairs. The color scheme features elements of greens, reds and browns.
“My vision is to have a space where people are just looking to hang out and have conversation. There won’t be any TVs in here,” Georgopoulos said. “This is just a spot for people to get together and hang out. I believe there are a lot of these areas outside of Uptown, but Uptown is lacking in that.”
Georgopoulos said they have been going through inspections and are awaiting their ABC license. He hopes to open in February.
Through Wild Roses, Georgopoulos hopes to breathe new life into the Uptown culinary scene, taking advantage of the accessibility and walkability of Uptown.
“I think we need to bring it back to Uptown,” Georgopoulos said. “So this is a small part of that.”
