Charlotte, December 6, 2025
Three Lanterns is set to open a fast-casual Asian kitchen in Charlotte’s South End in summer 2026, enriching the local food scene with Korean, Japanese, and Vietnamese dishes. Founded by seasoned restaurateur Hervé Laveaud, this establishment aims to support community engagement and stimulate local economic growth through its innovative hub-and-satellite model. The dining experience will cater to various schedules, featuring options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, alongside a diverse menu of affordable cuisine.
Three Lanterns to Brighten South End with Asian Cuisine
A new fast-casual dining option is set to enhance Charlotte’s vibrant food scene, bringing a hub of flavors to the community.
CHARLOTTE, NC — The culinary landscape of Charlotte is poised for an exciting transformation as Three Lanterns announces its plans to open a fast-casual Asian kitchen in the popular South End area in summer 2026. This entrepreneurial venture exemplifies the resilience and innovation of local businesses, aiming to contribute to the economic vitality of the community. With a model that emphasizes reduced red tape and greater accessibility, Three Lanterns aims to cultivate a thriving food culture while providing delicious, affordable cuisine to Charlotte residents.
Founded by Hervé Laveaud, who boasts over 20 years of experience in launching and scaling restaurant concepts, Three Lanterns will serve as a culinary hub for its future satellite locations. The establishment plans to not only create jobs but also foster community engagement by offering a unique dining experience featuring Korean, Japanese, and Vietnamese dishes. As Charlotte continues to grow, the addition of such innovative dining options underscores the entrepreneurial spirit that charlotteans value.
An All-Day Dining Experience
Three Lanterns will offer a comprehensive all-day dining experience, appealing to a diverse clientele. Starting at 7 a.m., patrons can enjoy grab-and-go coffee and breakfast, followed by lunch and dinner services throughout the day. With a focus on convenience, guests can opt for a cozy dine-in setting equipped with Wi-Fi and lounge-style seating or choose takeout for busy schedules. The menu will feature poke-style bowls alongside other Asian-inspired dishes, all at accessible price points.
Future Growth and Community Impact
The growth strategy for Three Lanterns involves a hub-and-satellite model, with the South End location serving as the main kitchen that supplies smaller outposts in various neighborhoods. The goal is to open five locations throughout North Carolina by 2029, with potential expansions into popular areas such as NoDa and Ballantyne. This strategy not only showcases Laveaud’s commitment to growth but also highlights how local entrepreneurs can stimulate economic activity in the region.
Expanding Charlotte’s Fast-Casual Dining Scene
The entry of Three Lanterns into Charlotte’s competitive food market is timely, as the city has recently welcomed new dining establishments such as CAVA and YUGENN, enriching the fast-casual landscape. CAVA’s ninth location in the Rivergate area is offering Mediterranean-inspired options, while YUGENN introduces a modern Japanese dining experience with an omakase approach. Three Lanterns’ unique offerings will further diversify the culinary options available to Charlotte residents, enhancing the city’s reputation as a burgeoning culinary destination.
Conclusion
The future of Three Lanterns looks bright as it prepares to open in summer 2026, promising to contribute to Charlotte’s economic growth and culinary scene. Supporting local ventures like these not only benefits the community by advocating for job creation and innovation but also enhances the vibrancy of the city’s neighborhoods. As Three Lanterns embarks on this exciting journey, residents are encouraged to stay engaged with local developments and support the businesses that strengthen our economic future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Three Lanterns?
Three Lanterns is a fast-casual Asian kitchen specializing in Korean, Japanese, and Vietnamese cuisine, set to open its first location in Charlotte’s South End in summer 2026.
What will the menu include?
The menu will feature poke-style bowls and other Asian-inspired dishes at accessible price points. A full bar with Asian-inspired drinks and cocktails will also be available, along with late-night grab-and-go options on Fridays and Saturdays.
What is the growth strategy for Three Lanterns?
The growth strategy involves a hub-and-satellite model, with the South End hub serving as the commissary-style kitchen supplying smaller satellite units. The goal is to expand to five locations in North Carolina by 2029, with potential future satellites in neighborhoods such as NoDa and Ballantyne.
What other fast-casual dining options are available in Charlotte?
Recent openings in Charlotte include CAVA’s ninth location in the Rivergate area, offering Mediterranean-inspired bowls and pitas, and YUGENN, a modern Japanese restaurant providing an omakase dining experience in South End.
Key Features of Three Lanterns
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | South End, Charlotte, NC |
| Opening Date | Summer 2026 |
| Cuisine | Korean, Japanese, and Vietnamese |
| Menu Highlights | Poke-style bowls, Asian-inspired dishes, full bar with Asian-inspired drinks and cocktails, late-night grab-and-go options on Fridays and Saturdays |
| Growth Strategy | Hub-and-satellite model, aiming for five locations in North Carolina by 2029, with potential future satellites in NoDa and Ballantyne |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
