High end Mexican restaurants like Comida will struggle in Charlotte because of the Sabor Effect

It’s the “Sabor Effect.”

Additionally, this means that Charlotte will see fewer high-end Mexican restaurants because restauranteurs won’t see a path to success.

High-end Mexican restaurants like Comida are vulnerable to the Sabor Effect.

Sabor has $1 Taco Tuesdays. Comida’s tacos are small and cost $3-$5.

Sabor has $4 house margaritas on Fridays. Comida’s margaritas can cost $14.

Sabor’s decor is strip mall unsexy. Comida’s interior is gorgeous, fresh and minimal.

Sabor’s counter ordering process can be intimidating. Comida’s service is excellent.

Comida and Sabor are not similar restaurants, but Charlotteans view them through the same lens.

When I ask people about Comida, almost all responses include a mention of Sabor.

Many people respond with some variation of “Why would I pay $50 for date night at Comida, when Sabor is within a mile of that restaurant and we can stuff ourselves for less than $20?”

Comida’s execution isn’t bad, it’s just that Charlotte either doesn’t want or isn’t ready for high end Mexican food.

Despite Yelpers disappointment – which has more to do with the Sabor Effect than the actual experience – Comida is a good restaurant restaurant. 

The Observer wrote a nice story on Comida. The Charlotte Business Journal wrote a nice story on Comida. The Agenda wrote a nice story on Comida.

But if you compare the love for Comida with the love for Sabor, it’s night and day.

Sabor has an “it” factor that makes the restaurant cool. I love Sabor. You love Sabor. We all love Sabor. Its beautiful combination of approachability, low prices, hidden gem feel, cheap eats vibe and authenticity makes the Latin street food restaurant stand out in a Charlotte restaurant crowd that often feels calculated and increasingly expensive.

Whether it’s fair or unfair, the Sabor Effect means that high end Mexican restaurants in Charlotte won’t work. At least not until culture changes – and culture is really hard to change.