Two Charlotte pop-up shops to watch

And we have some good ones here. They’re a great way for an entrepreneur to get started — low fixed costs, easier to get in front of customers, greater ability to experiment, and they just have a cool vibe. HEX Coffee was one of the first one I came across, and I found myself following them religiously to see when they’d appear next.

Here are two new ones that are becoming Charlotte’s next big thing in pop-up retail.

Both launched in the late winter/early spring timeframe and are quickly finding success. If you’re around NoDa or South End, you may have already come across them.

They also both have big plans for the immediate future.

The Gâteau Baking Company

This shop has been open since the early spring. Gâteau does cakes and cookies but their cupcakes steal the show in the pop-up world. Owner Cara Jorgensen goes with some unexpected flavor combinations and high-end ingredients. I went with a lemon orange cupcake, and it was incredible.

You’ll find Gâteau at Pure Pizza on Central Avenue on most Saturdays and at other flea market and pop-up markets throughout the week.

Jorgensen says she’s looking to open a food truck later this year.

[Agenda story: Gâteau Baking Company is gearing up for its official February launch]

Connect with Gâteau:
Website
Facebook
Instagram

Pushwater Coffee Co.

These guys started roasting beans in their kitchen as a hobby and have turned it into a business. Their nitro cold-brew is on point.

Co-founders Corbin Cansler and Peyton Hayslette went the underground route with their launch this spring and are quickly finding success. You’ll find them over at Birdsong Brewing on Thursdays. They’ve also thrown down with some of Charlotte’s biggest-name coffee artists.

[Agenda story: Here’s what we know about Pushwater Coffee, debuting in Charlotte next week]

Look for big moves from them in the near future, including (likely) securing a brick-and-mortar location later this year.

Connect with Pushwater:
Website
Facebook
Instagram