The article highlights recent food and drink developments around the Charlotte area, featuring new bakery openings, a restaurant transition, and a growing coffee chain:
* Innescas Sweets of Europe, located in Matthews, won the CharlotteFive Readers’ Choice best bakery award. Opened a year ago by sisters Ester Barokha and Abigail Borisik, the shop honors their Ukrainian immigrant mother, Innesca, by using her handwritten recipes and decorating the space with her belongings. The business has expanded to 18 staff members and aims to serve as a community gathering space.
* Lina’s Bakery & Coffee Shop opened in East Town Market in East Charlotte on August 29. Owned by Isel “Lina” Robles, the family-run business offers Dominican and Latin American pastries, homemade desserts, and sandwiches, alongside hot coffee, frappés, smoothies, and juices, with plans to incorporate Mexican and Honduran menu influences.
* Nikko Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar in South End closed after 19 years in business. The space inside The Arlington building was sold for approximately $4 million and is undergoing renovations to reopen as Nikko Steakhouse. New owner Tyon D. Thompson plans to merge premium steaks, seafood, and sushi while retaining the spirit of the original restaurant.
* Drive-thru coffee chain 7 Brew is planning a second Lake Norman location at 630 River Highway in Mooresville. The company scheduled a neighborhood meeting regarding its rezoning request for September 10. The chain’s menu features an extensive variety of drink options, including teas, espresso, shakes, and sodas, complementing its existing Lake Norman-area location in Denver, North Carolina.
