SupperClub SouthEnd aims to reimagine the social house experience, with chef-driven dining being a focal point.
Charlotte restaurant veterans Brad Byrd and Andrea Nivens are behind that 15,000-square-foot, indoor-outdoor entertainment complex slated to open later this summer. It is at 3521 Dewitt Lane, part of LoSo Village in lower South End.
“We wanted the location to be in an area that was easily accessible to the entire city and visitors, yet had strong, vibrant neighborhoods surrounding it, and South End was the perfect location,” Byrd says.
The duo first met while opening Mez at the EpiCentre in 2008, often talking about having their own restaurant one day. He’s opened numerous restaurants and held leadership positions at establishments such as Mimosa Grill and Baku. Nivens’s background includes marketing, sales and catering experience.
SupperClub is a project more than three years in the making, Byrd says. The goal was to create a culinary destination that is fun and approachable — yet a little more upscale. He wants to have multiple locations in the future.
“Our focus is 100% to make sure everything we do here is as close to perfect as we can possibly do it, but at the same time, have a growth plan and thoughts about what you want to do next and where you want to do it,” Byrd says.
SupperClub’s chef-driven menu pairs an elevated food option with entertainment from duckpin bowling and board games to live music.
“We’ve spent a lot of time looking for the right concept of the right thing to bring to Charlotte,” he says.
Charlotte native Blake Nolen has been tapped as executive chef. He’s built a shareable menu focused on seasonal Southern fare with French and Italian influences. It will utilize local ingredients when possible, with the wood-fired oven and wood-burning grill adding to the flavors. A la carte options will include Cheerwine Pork Belly with Popcorn Grits, Beet “Tagliatelle” and Roasted Oysters with Collard Kimchi.
“Everything is meant to be shared — a true social experience,” Byrd says.
There will be an extensive craft cocktail, beer and wine program.
Byrd says the décor is French bistro meets Studio 54, a former New York City disco nightclub.
“It depends on what time of the day you come in what you’re going to get,” Byrd says.
Design elements include gold chandeliers, a marble-topped bar with open glass shelving, colorful LondonArt murals and a giant framed canvas of the Sistine Chapel on the ceiling. Local artist Leigh Jones will complete the faux finishing. Garage doors open onto the front patio creating an indoor-outdoor vibe.
The gaming area includes eight QubicaAMF Fly’n Ducks duckpin lanes, two eight-foot-long pro pool tables, shuffleboard, air hockey and a selection of board games. Musical artists from around the region will perform live nightly.
The space has an open layout, with capacity of up to 500 people. There will be a 100-seat restaurant, 60-seat lounge and 30-seat bar. Outdoor dining and lounge space can accommodate 60. The space can be broken into different areas for private events.
“I like the idea of a lot of people and good food. We want something that’s going to be noisy and fun,” Byrd says.
Gais Construction is the general contractor. Jay Mitchener with Thrift Commercial Real Estate represented the landlord on the transaction.
Initial hours are expected to be from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. Lunch service will be added in the fall.
