Napoleon Isom, the owner of Rio Ultra Lounge in north Charlotte, was reported found dead on Memorial Day yesterday. He was 52, according to initial local reporting. The circumstances of his death remain unclear.
Report and initial details
The death was first reported Monday by Charlotte Alerts News, which said Isom was found deceased in Charlotte and that little is known about an official cause of death. The outlet's post said the discovery came over Memorial Day weekend.
Local business and TV background
Isom is identified as the owner of Rio Ultra Lounge, a Northlake-area nightclub that was featured on the Paramount show "Bar Rescue" in 2023, according to the Charlotte Observer. The club became a locally known late-night destination after the makeover and remained prominent in the Northlake nightlife scene.
Past legal troubles reported
Charlotte Alerts News also reported that Isom had been arrested twice in 2025, including on a DWI charge and for failure to pay child support. Those allegations were reported by the outlet and have not been independently confirmed in public court records cited by larger local outlets.
Business status and permits
State Alcoholic Beverage Control records list Isom as an officer of Reloaded Investment Group LLC and show active on-premises permits tied to Rio Ultra Lounge at 7030 Smith Corners Blvd Suite C-D, per the North Carolina ABC permit page. The venue's official site lists late-night hours and event information, indicating the club remained operational as of this week.
What comes next
At this early stage, there has been no widely published, independent confirmation of cause or circumstances beyond the initial local report, and it is unclear whether investigators have made a public statement. Neighbors, patrons and local outlets are watching for updates from law enforcement and business representatives as records or official statements become available.
