Enormous building next to Mac’s becoming a taco restaurant. In the back will likely be a barbershop and speakeasy

You know that huge mysterious building next to Mac's on South Blvd? It'll be a taco restaurant named Southbound (video is of the main dining room space) with a huge patio facing South Blvd. In addition to Southbound, permits have been pulled for a 2,500 square foot (approx) "Speakeasy & Barbershop" to share the building – located in the back (away from South Blvd). Still a lot of secrecy, we'll keep you posted as project develops.

A post shared by Axios Charlotte (@charlotteagenda) on

The partners of the Mac’s restaurants bought the property in 2014 for $1.3 million, according to property records. Significant renovations have been taking place for the past few months.

Southbound will compete with Bakersfield, Hot Taco and Superica (opening soon at the Design Center) in drawing the South End Tex-Mex crowd that loves tacos and margaritas.

Southbound’s main dining area will be in the middle of the huge building. The interior features a cupola and old shipping containers.

In addition to Southbound, permits have been pulled for a “Speakeasy & Barbershop.” This approximately 2,500 square foot space is located in the back of the building (away from South Boulevard).

It’s unclear whether this will be a working barbershop with a hidden speakeasy or a bar with a barbershop theme. It’s shrouded in mystery and a source close to the project admitted, “Yes, it sounds crazy to me too.”

Mac’s ownership declined to comment in detail to the Agenda. More to come on this project.