Downtown Matthews just picked up a serious slice of Italy. Enzo’s Italian Market & Osteria has opened a sizable new outpost in the heart of Matthews Station, combining a market, a patisserie and a wine-focused small-plates room under one roof. The setup links together retail and sit-down options across the complex and gives locals a new spot for fresh meats, baked goods and wine by the glass.
Leading the expansion is Greg Tigani, who took over operations after founder Enzo LoRe passed him the reins. As outlined on Enzo's website, the team says that "shopping is more than just a transaction, it’s an immersive Italian experience," and notes that LoRe opened the original Stallings shop in 2009.
What’s inside the market
The company has been teasing the concept with the line "Enzo's Matthews Station is on the way," and its Matthews announcement highlights antipasti, imported olive oils and pastas, desserts and a take-and-bake program. The shop is set up with a patisserie-style bakery and prepared-foods counter alongside shelves of Italian groceries and specialty imports. For the full list, the Matthews Station announcement is posted on Enzo's website.
Osteria and enoteca
The buildout also includes an osteria offering regional, rotating specials and an enoteca that will pour a large selection of Italian wines paired with antipasti and small plates. The owner says the enoteca is slated to open later this week, and local reporting notes that the team is outfitting the space with mostly temperature-controlled patio seating and a 12-seat bar. As reported by the Charlotte Observer, the operation will also feature an extensive wine-by-the-glass program.
Where it sits
Enzo’s new shop is at 130 Matthews Station St. in the Matthews Station retail cluster, according to the center's tenant materials. The complex map places Enzo’s in the Main Street building and shows its position among neighboring businesses. The Matthews Station flyer includes a tenant map for the entire development.
What to expect now
Parts of the concept are opening in stages, with the enoteca and additional seating rolling out soon. Some local coverage describes the overall Matthews buildout as roughly 9,000 square feet, while property materials show a smaller footprint for the initial suite. That difference appears to be tied to the market occupying adjacent units, according to Yahoo.
