Charlotte is getting a serious sushi upgrade this spring. Uchi, the James Beard backed Japanese restaurant group, is heading for Plaza Midwood with a full dining room on the ground level and a rooftop izakaya perched above. The duo, Uchi and its sister bar Uchibā, will set up inside the Commonwealth development at 1720 Commonwealth Avenue under chef Shaun King. The team is targeting an opening around the end of March, with plans for both a la carte sushi and an omakase tasting, a clean, mBeard-backedodern dining room, and a drinks list built around sake and Japanese inspired cocktails.
Where it's going and when
The restaurants are taking over restored storefronts at 1720 Commonwealth Ave. in Plaza Midwood, with Uchibā slated for the upstairs bar and rooftop space. Uchi’s official locations page already lists Charlotte as “coming soon,” and Axios Charlotte has detailed the address and rooftop setup. As reported by the Charlotte Observer, the group is aiming for a late March opening window, pending the usual final inspections and staff training.
Menu, omakase and sushi etiquette
The Charlotte outpost will keep Uchi’s sushi forward reputation while layering in an omakase tasting, hot plates and a rotating lineup of seasonal small dishes. Chef Shaun King told the Charlotte Observer that nigiri will arrive at the table already seasoned and should be enjoyed as served, so diners may not need to dunk everything in soy or pile on extra wasabi. The lineup is expected to range from lighter vegetable plates to richer bluefin nigiri and grilled skewers, versions of which the team has been testing in staff tastings.
Who’s running the kitchen
King, a Central Coast, California native, most recently led the kitchen at Uchiko Houston and will step in as chef de cuisine for both Uchi and Uchibā in Charlotte. Restaurant Hospitality highlighted his move to North Carolina alongside Hai Hospitality’s expansion plans, and local coverage of his Houston stint has emphasized his smoky, fire driven style. The Uchi family, founded by Tyson Cole and operated by Hai Hospitality, now stretches from Austin to Miami and soon to Charlotte.
Pop-ups and previews
Before the doors officially open, the team is rolling out a few previews so locals can get an early taste. CLTtoday reports that Uchibā will host a dine and sip pop up at Emmy Lou’s on Feb. 12, featuring sake pairings and small plates. The events are pitched as a first look at the izakaya’s vibe and menu direction before the full restaurant launches in Plaza Midwood.
Why the group picked Charlotte
Hai Hospitality has been clear about why Charlotte was next on its list. The group has pointed to the city’s rising food reputation, from national TV nods to Michelin attention, as a key factor. Restaurant Hospitality quoted company leaders praising Charlotte’s momentum and outlining plans to offer both elevated tasting menus and more casual bar friendly fare. The Uchi and Uchibā combo is meant to cover everything from a weeknight date downstairs to a rooftop crowd chasing cocktails and snacks on the weekend.
How to follow opening news
Uchi is collecting sign ups for updates on its locations page and sharing sneak peeks on social media via @uchirestaurants, while local outlets will fill in details as the opening date firms up. For reservations and official announcements, check Uchi and the brand’s Instagram, where the team is expected to announce a specific launch date once inspections and staff training are complete.
