Charlotte, December 16, 2025
Londa’s To-Go, a beloved soul food restaurant in Charlotte, will close on December 20, 2025, to pursue a new venture that launches in January 2026. The announcement has sparked conversations among loyal customers, as the eatery was recently recognized for its outstanding Southern cuisine. The closure follows a trend of significant changes in Charlotte’s restaurant landscape, reflecting ongoing challenges within the industry, including staffing and financial difficulties faced by many establishments.
Charlotte
Beloved Soul Food Eatery Londa’s To-Go Announces Upcoming Closure and New Venture
Charlotte’s vibrant culinary scene is set to undergo another notable change as Londa’s To-Go, a cherished soul food takeout restaurant, has announced its impending closure. The establishment will cease operations on Saturday, December 20, 2025, to embark on what its owners describe as a “new opportunity” slated for January 2026. The announcement, shared recently on the restaurant’s social media, has stirred discussion among its loyal customer base.
Londa’s To-Go, an offshoot of the original Londa’s Place, has built a strong reputation for its comforting and robust Southern flavors. Co-owner Yolanda Crowder launched the to-go concept in March 2024, quickly earning accolades within the Charlotte food community. Earlier this year, the eatery was recognized as a finalist in a local reader’s poll for best fried chicken and secured a Silver award for Best Ribs in the Charlotte’s Best Awards. While specific details about the future “new opportunity” remain under wraps, the owners have expressed excitement, urging patrons to “stay tuned for upcoming announcements”.
Recent Challenges for Charlotte’s Culinary Mainstays
The announcement from Londa’s To-Go follows other significant shifts in Charlotte’s dining landscape, highlighting the inherent challenges of the restaurant industry. Just days prior, 3rd & Fernwood, a restaurant known for its modern Southern cuisine, confirmed its closure, with its owner citing common industry struggles such as financial difficulties and staffing shortages. Reports indicated the establishment faced substantial issues, including owing over $200,000 in back rent and a push for eviction from its Midtown location. Chef Greg Collier, a four-time James Beard Award nominee who co-opened the restaurant in August 2024 with his wife Subrina Collier, acknowledged these as widespread issues impacting many restaurants currently.
These recent developments are part of an ongoing trend of evolution within Charlotte’s competitive restaurant environment. Throughout 2025, the city has experienced a dynamic mix of new restaurant openings and the closure of long-standing favorites, reflecting a continuous state of change. Industry experts often describe this as a “natural churn” in a rapidly growing market like Charlotte, where new businesses frequently emerge while others face the pressures of operations.
Broader Context of Closures
The reasons behind these closures are varied but often interconnected, encompassing factors such as intense economic pressures, difficulties in securing and retaining adequate staff, and the challenges posed by property redevelopment. For example, Harper’s Restaurant, a beloved staple in Charlotte’s SouthPark area since 1992, closed its doors on July 20, 2024, after more than three decades of service. This closure was not a voluntary decision by the restaurant but rather a consequence of the property being acquired by a bank for redevelopment, leading to the demolition of the building. Tom Sasser, owner of Harper’s Restaurant and Burke Hospitality Group, expressed regret over the forced closure, noting the landlord’s decision to pursue a different direction for the site. While Harper’s had hoped to remain, the decision underscored the external pressures businesses can face, even those with a long-standing presence.
Other establishments that ceased operations in 2025 include multiple venues across different neighborhoods, such as Mazi and Resident Culture Brewery in South End, Mattie’s Diner in Plaza Midwood, Essex Bar and Beastro in Uptown, Bella Ciao, and Red Clay Ciderworks. The collective impact of these closures has been widely felt, prompting discussions among residents about the changing character of Charlotte’s diverse culinary offerings. Many small, independent businesses face significant hurdles, and while new ventures continue to open, the loss of established community favorites resonates deeply.
Charlotte’s Resilient and Evolving Food Scene
Despite the challenges and closures, Charlotte’s food scene remains remarkably resilient and dynamic. The city continues to attract and foster a diverse array of culinary talents and concepts, with a multitude of new restaurants having opened throughout 2025. From innovative dining experiences to casual eateries, the culinary landscape is constantly adapting to consumer demands and economic shifts. This ongoing evolution ensures that while some doors may close, new opportunities and flavors continue to emerge, reshaping the city’s gastronomic identity.
The transitions faced by restaurants like Londa’s To-Go and the circumstances leading to the closures of others illustrate the complex interplay of economic factors, operational demands, and urban development that define the modern dining industry. As Charlotte moves forward, its residents and restaurateurs alike will continue to navigate this ever-changing environment, with a keen eye on both preserving beloved traditions and embracing new culinary horizons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What Charlotte restaurant recently announced its closure?
- Beloved Charlotte soul food takeout restaurant, Londa’s To-Go, recently announced its upcoming closure.
- When will Londa’s To-Go close its doors?
- Londa’s To-Go will close on Saturday, December 20, 2025.
- Why is Londa’s To-Go closing?
- Londa’s To-Go is closing to pursue a “new opportunity” that is expected to launch in January 2026.
- What other Charlotte restaurant recently closed due to financial issues?
- 3rd & Fernwood, a restaurant known for modern Southern cuisine, recently closed due to financial difficulties and staffing shortages.
- When did Harper’s Restaurant in SouthPark close?
- Harper’s Restaurant in Charlotte’s SouthPark closed on July 20, 2024, after more than 30 years of operation.
- What was the reason for Harper’s Restaurant’s closure?
- Harper’s Restaurant was forced to close because its property was acquired by a bank for redevelopment, which involved the demolition of the building.
- Are many restaurants closing in Charlotte?
- Charlotte’s restaurant scene experiences a “natural churn” with both closures and numerous new openings, reflecting a dynamic and competitive market. Economic pressures, staffing issues, and redevelopment are common factors in closures.
Key Restaurant Changes in Charlotte
| Restaurant Name | Type of Cuisine | Closing/Transition Date | Primary Reason/Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Londa’s To-Go | Soul Food (Takeout) | December 20, 2025 (closing); January 2026 (new opportunity) | Pursuing a “new opportunity”. Beloved local eatery, won awards for fried chicken and ribs. |
| 3rd & Fernwood | Modern Southern Cuisine | Announced closure December 10, 2025 | Financial difficulties, staffing shortages, and owing significant back rent. |
| Harper’s Restaurant (SouthPark) | American (Classic Eats) | July 20, 2024 (closed) | Property acquired by a bank for redevelopment, leading to demolition. Operated for over 30 years. |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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