Daughtry's Bar-B-Que in Morganton will close at the end of the month after 63 years; owners blamed rising costs and staffing shortages in a farewell post.

Taj House has opened in Elizabeth, offering biryanis, tandoori specials, lunch rice bowls and a cocktail-forward drinks list. The new spot occupies the former Big Ben/Carpe Diem space.

A Hyderabad‑style food truck has parked in University City, serving spicy dosas, Chicken 65 and late‑night Indo‑Chinese plates.

Ayesha Curry’s Sweet July Café lands at The Ritz-Carlton in Uptown Charlotte on July 20 with Caribbean-inflected pastries, sandwiches and soft-serve treats.

Michigan‑born Haraz Coffee House opened its first South Carolina shop in Fort Mill, serving Yemeni‑spiced brews, pistachio lattes and extended evening hours.

Lorem Ipsum, the Plaza Midwood listening bar inside Hotel Refuge, closed this week after more than two years. Owner Justin Hazelton says a sustainable cafe and a streaming music project are next.

Sunset Slush’s new Stanley location serves Italian ice and sundaes and will add an arcade for teens and families.

Chicago fast-casual FARE is opening in Charlotte after a seven-figure investment at Queensbridge Collective, with a Plaza Midwood outpost planned. The first location is expected this fall.

Chicory Restaurant and The Bake Shop at Chicory held a ribbon-cutting last Tuesday on Main Street, returning chef Jasmine Mohamed with a New Orleans–leaning menu and bakery.

La Pizzeria opened in June at Shelby’s Rail Trail Boardwalk, offering pies and slices with French-inflected flavors. It’s the latest small-business arrival on Warren Street.

Tim and Susan Johnson are converting the former Phil Aull studio at 215 Providence Road into Crescent Grounds Coffee — a porch‑facing shop overlooking Colonial Park that will open with pastries and specialty drinks.

WNBA guard Kayla McBride and her sister are opening 1122 Coffee Company at NOVI Flats in downtown Concord, targeting a September opening.

Flora, the Hamptons New American, opens July 15 at Atherton Mill in South End with a seasonal menu, a 27-seat centered bar and a citywide gift-card hunt. The restaurant will be led by Executive Chef Benjamin McKinney.