Charlotte NC, February 4, 2026
Naked Farmer, a Florida-based farm-to-table restaurant chain, is set to open its first location in Charlotte, specifically in the South End neighborhood. This innovative restaurant emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and aims to enhance the city’s culinary scene while supporting local agriculture. Expected to open in 2026, Naked Farmer’s menu will feature seasonal offerings in partnership with local farms, fostering economic growth and enriching the dining experience in Charlotte.
Charlotte, NC
Naked Farmer Brings Fresh Farm-to-Table Vision to Charlotte’s South End, Igniting Local Economic Growth
Charlotte’s vibrant economic landscape continues to attract innovative enterprises, with the latest entry poised to enhance the city’s culinary scene and bolster local agricultural partnerships. The announcement of Naked Farmer, a Florida-based farm-to-table restaurant chain, establishing its first North Carolina outpost in the thriving South End neighborhood, underscores the spirit of entrepreneurial innovation flourishing within the Queen City. This expansion highlights not only the appeal of Charlotte’s dynamic market but also the potential for new businesses to forge meaningful connections within the community, supporting local producers and creating job opportunities.
The arrival of Naked Farmer reflects Charlotte’s reputation as a growing hub where a favorable business climate can enable ventures to thrive. Entrepreneurs and business leaders continue to recognize the city’s strong economic fundamentals and its welcoming environment for new concepts. As Charlotte’s restaurant industry experiences significant growth and new openings, the entry of Naked Farmer adds to the diverse dining experiences available to residents and visitors, further cementing the city’s status as a culinary destination.
A Commitment to Locally Sourced Excellence
Naked Farmer, a fast-casual chain originating from Florida, is set to open its doors at 2725 South Boulevard in South End, occupying the former Maple Street Biscuit Company space within the Sedgefield Shopping Center. The restaurant is expected to begin serving customers in 2026, with an official opening date of February 7 indicated by some sources. This expansion marks a significant step for the company as it brings its distinctive farm-to-table model to North Carolina for the first time.
The core philosophy of Naked Farmer centers on a menu developed in direct collaboration with small and medium-sized farms in the region. Ingredients are brought in fresh from the fields and prepared on-site by skilled chefs, emphasizing seasonal offerings. This dedication to sourcing locally extends to North Carolina itself, with the restaurant planning to feature sweet potatoes from farms in Spring Hope and Nashville, NC, and fresh, whole turkeys from Joyce Farms in Winston-Salem. This model not only ensures freshness but also directly supports local agricultural businesses, fostering a robust regional food economy.
Entrepreneurial Vision and Community Integration
Under the leadership of Founder and CEO Jordan Johnson, Naked Farmer aims to go beyond simply serving food. The company’s mission is to reconnect individuals with the origins of their food and with each other, promoting the idea that eating food grown closer is beneficial for personal well-being, the environment, local farmers, and the broader economy. This vision aligns with the growing consumer preference for transparent sourcing and sustainable practices, demonstrating how entrepreneurial innovation can meet market demand while upholding community values.
The selection of South End for this new venture is strategic, reflecting the neighborhood’s vibrant atmosphere and strong sense of community. The area is characterized by daily rhythms of people walking to lunch and supporting local establishments that offer a personal and intentional experience. Such integration into the local fabric is vital for new businesses, allowing them to become an essential part of Charlotte’s evolving identity.
Boosting Charlotte’s Small Business Ecosystem
The arrival of Naked Farmer contributes to Charlotte’s thriving small business ecosystem. Small businesses, including those in the food and beverage sector, are foundational to the city’s economic strength, employing nearly half of Charlotte’s private workforce and generating substantial tax revenue that supports public services and infrastructure. This new restaurant, by partnering with local farms, exemplifies how private investment can create a ripple effect, strengthening supply chains and fostering growth for other local enterprises.
North Carolina’s eating and drinking places are projected to contribute $46.58 billion in direct economic output to the state’s economy in 2025, supporting 482,573 jobs. Mecklenburg County, home to Charlotte, further demonstrates this economic vitality by leading the state with $6.4 billion in visitor spending in 2024, an increase of 9.1% year-over-year. These figures highlight the significant role the hospitality industry plays in the region’s overall economic health.
A Taste of What’s to Come: Menu Highlights
Patrons visiting Naked Farmer can anticipate a menu that celebrates the bounty of each season. Examples of their offerings include Harvest Plates with options such as Honey BBQ Chicken, Grass-Fed Steak, and Blue Oyster Mushrooms. These can be paired with Harvest Sides like maple-glazed carrots, tomato and cucumber salad, and green beans with crispy shallots. Additional side items may include mashed potatoes, chili garlic Brussels sprouts, and mac and cheese. The seasonal nature of the menu ensures a fresh and dynamic dining experience, adapting to what local farms can provide. This approach not only provides high-quality food but also builds a closer relationship between consumers and the agricultural cycles of the region.
Cultivating Economic Prosperity
The expansion of businesses like Naked Farmer into Charlotte NC business environment is a testament to the city’s ongoing economic growth and its attractiveness for private sector investment. Such ventures create jobs, support local agriculture, and add to the unique character of Charlotte’s neighborhoods. The resilience and innovation of restaurateurs and small business owners are key drivers of this prosperity, proving that a thriving local economy is built on a foundation of diverse and dedicated enterprises. Charlotte’s consistent growth, coupled with its strong business climate, positions it as an ideal location for continued entrepreneurial success.
Conclusion
As Naked Farmer prepares to open its doors, Charlotte gains more than just a new dining option; it welcomes a business built on principles of local sourcing, community connection, and entrepreneurial drive. This addition reinforces the city’s position as a dynamic economic center and a welcoming home for both established and emerging businesses. Residents are encouraged to support local establishments, nurturing the vibrant ecosystem that defines Charlotte’s economic future and strengthens its community bonds.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the name of the new farm-to-table restaurant opening in Charlotte?
- The new farm-to-table restaurant opening in Charlotte is called Naked Farmer.
- Where is Naked Farmer located in Charlotte?
- Naked Farmer is located at 2725 South Boulevard in South End, within the Sedgefield Shopping Center.
- When is Naked Farmer expected to open?
- Naked Farmer is expected to open in 2026, with some sources indicating an opening date of February 7.
- What kind of food does Naked Farmer serve?
- Naked Farmer serves locally-sourced, seasonal farm-to-table dishes, with a menu grown in direct conversation with small and medium-sized farms in the region.
- Who is the founder and CEO of Naked Farmer?
- The Founder and CEO of Naked Farmer is Jordan Johnson.
- What is the mission of Naked Farmer?
- The mission of Naked Farmer is to reconnect people with where their food comes from and with each other, emphasizing that eating food grown closer is better for individuals, the environment, farmers, and the economy.
Key Features of Naked Farmer’s Charlotte Location
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Restaurant Name | Naked Farmer |
| Origin | Florida-based fast-casual chain |
| Charlotte Location | 2725 South Boulevard, South End (Sedgefield Shopping Center) |
| Opening Date | Expected in 2026; some sources indicate February 7 |
| Concept | Farm-to-table, locally-sourced, seasonal offerings |
| Founder/CEO | Jordan Johnson |
| Local Sourcing Examples | Sweet potatoes from Spring Hope and Nashville, NC; turkeys from Joyce Farms in Winston-Salem |
| Mission | To reconnect people with food origins and community; promotes benefits for health, environment, farmers, and economy |
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