DaBaby is getting into the brunch game in his hometown, with No Knife Chicken & Waffles slated to land in north Charlotte around mid-July. The fast-casual spot is built around chicken-and-waffles combinations, a full bar and late-night hours that are expected to stretch past midnight. It will be the rapper’s first brick-and-mortar restaurant project in Charlotte.
What to expect
According to Axios, the menu is still in the works, but it will revolve around chicken-and-waffles dishes and a handful of recipes DaBaby has already shared with fans. He will not serve as head chef, although Axios reports that he will have a major hand in shaping what ends up on the plate. The outlet says the space is planned as fast-casual with an upscale-diner vibe, featuring booth and bar seating and an eventual patio. It also reports that the restaurant intends to run a full bar and keep service going after midnight.
Where it will be
No Knife Chicken & Waffles is expected to open at 700 Atando Ave in north Charlotte, in a small commercial building just off North Graham Street. A Compass listing shows the property closed on March 19, 2026, for about $534,500 and labels the site as a restaurant/bar property, which points to a relatively compact footprint for the new spot.
Hiring already underway
Staffing is already in motion. Job postings tied to No Knife Chicken & Waffles have surfaced online for the Charlotte location, including openings for kitchen staff, servers and a kitchen manager. Listings on Indeed outline roles and pay ranges, a sign that management is getting the team in place ahead of the planned opening window.
Sign and social buzz
Axios noted that a large waffle sign was mounted outside the space on June 25, with images credited to DaBaby’s team. The outlet also pointed to social media posts from the restaurant and from the artist that have started circulating. That early visual rollout has driven much of the local chatter so far, even though there has not yet been an official grand-opening announcement.
Why locals care
DaBaby is a Charlotte native and has been visible around the region this year, including recently bringing the Be More Grateful festival to the area. WBTV covered the festival announcement and highlighted his ties to the city, which helps explain why a hometown brunch-and-late-night spot from him is drawing extra attention. Neighbors and local diners are watching to see how the new restaurant might shape late-night options and foot traffic nearby.
There is still no firm grand-opening date beyond the mid-July target that has been reported, but between the new signage and active hiring, the operation looks poised to start service soon after the team locks in final details. Further updates, including a full menu and confirmed opening date, are expected once the restaurant shares them publicly.
