Customshop Owners To Open New Wine Bar in Charlotte’s Dilworth District

This fall, Chef Andres Kaifer, and Alex Bridges plan to turn a 1,200-square-foot space in The Courtyard shopping center into a cozy wine bar and bottle shop. This new Dilworth spot will be their second Charlotte location.

Natural light will fill the inside during the day, while nights bring a darker, cozier vibe. The space features bar seating, a banquet area, a communal table, and an outdoor patio, all put together by Southwick Architecture + Interiors.

Wine is the star here, featuring picks from small producers around the world. Guests can enjoy wines by the glass, sample options on tap, or buy bottles to go.

The food will be kept simple but elegant. Quick lunch options will join tartines, charcuterie boards, and fresh crudos on the menu. "We designed a concept where [Bridges'] expertise on wine will be the main event, and the food menu can be a culinary playground not tied to any genre," said Kaifer to Axios Charlotte.

Setting up shop in the old Mere's cheese shop space, this new spot adds to The Courtyard's longtime presence. Since the 1980s, this 33,000-square-foot center has been serving the neighborhood with its 130-car parking lot.

Building work kicks off in 60 days. While they haven't revealed the name yet, they're working on building a team that knows their wine and loves taking care of customers.

A CIA graduate, Kaifer got his start in Miami's restaurant scene before buying Customshop in 2022. His Elizabeth Avenue restaurant is known for using North Carolina ingredients and sustainable practices.

Drawing inspiration from Asheville's Leo's House of Thirst, they'll run wine tastings to help expand customers' tastes. Details such as the name, menu, and opening date are yet to be announced.