Loto Café, inspired by coffee shops in Los Angeles and Mexico City, is now open at Eastway Crossing in Charlotte

Loto Café had its soft opening earlier this month. They sold out of empanadas within the first few hours.

Why it matters: Owned and operated by husband and wife duo, Leo and Kellie Solis, Loto Café features some of the most popular Hispanic businesses in Charlotte. “With a Latino-forward focus, our goal is to promote culture, family and community, and to collaborate with other Latino small businesses,” Leo tells Axios. 

• The empanadas that sold out on day one, for example, are from Manolo’s Bakery.
• You can also find dog-friendly treats from Treats by Marisol.

Context: Leo, whose family is Mexican, grew up in San Bernardino, California, and is pulling from his childhood to bring some of the bright colors, flavors and community atmosphere “inspired by mom-and-pop shops in larger cities” to Charlotte.

• Zoom in: When not in their new coffee shop, you might spot the Solis couple performing experimental electronic pop songs at Petra’s and other local venues. 

Zoom out: Loto Café is located in Eastway Crossing, a shopping center that’s becoming home to a growing number of local small businesses — many of which have left Plaza Midwood in recent years.

• The cafe is in the space formerly occupied by EastSide Local Eatery, which closed in April 2022, as Queen City Nerve reported.
• Among the other small businesses that call Eastway Crossing home are Open Door Studios, Bart’s Mart, Tommy’s Pub and the old Plaza Midwood Dairy Queen.

What to expect: The menu will feature a “rotating cast of Latin food I grew up eating,” according to Leo, like pan dulce and puff pastries.

• The coffee menu has a variety of signature Latino espresso drinks like cafe con leche, in addition to the classics like lattes and drip coffee.

What’s next: Loto Café will have their grand opening Saturday, March 18, from 7am-2pm. It’ll include a pop-up of 10-plus small businesses (primarily Latina/Latino owned).

• The cafe will continue hosting pop-ups as a “Loto Swap Meet” every first Saturday of the month in the spring and summer, from 9am to 2pm or until sell out, Leo tells Axios.

Details: Loto Café is located at 3102 Eastway Dr.

• It’s open 7am-2pm, 7 days a week.