Former NoDa mill house finds new life as cocktail bar with a nostalgic story

Why it matters: Peters and the Built On Hospitality team, including renowned chef Chris Coleman of the Goodyear House, have recreated his parents' memories and the experience of visiting their home with Chief's.

Context: Peters, who grew a loyal following behind the bar at Pisces in the early 2010s, then became a citywide celebrity at the Punch Room at the Ritz-Carlton later in that decade — has joined forces with burgeoning restaurant group Built On Hospitality to open Chief's.

• The bar is located on North Davidson Street, next to the Goodyear House, Built On Hospitality’s flagship restaurant.

Flashback: When Peters thinks about his first cocktail, he’s transported back in time to his childhood home in Charlotte.

• His parents, known to Bob’s children as Chief and Marmee, were known by neighbors, families, and friends for their hospitality.
• You were always welcome in the Peters’ home, and when his parents entertained you were served a simple cocktail, classic southern snacks, and a warmth that made you look forward to your next visit.

“It was important to me that this new concept encompasses my dad’s witty, dry, thoughtful personality, as well as my mom’s heart and Southern charm,” said Peters. 

What to expect: A small cocktail bar, housed in a former 1,800-square-foot mill home. There's a bar and small seating area upon entry, which leads into the cocktail parlor — the centerpiece of the space.

• Peters and Built On Hospitality collaborated with Delgar Interior Design to craft a space reminiscent of the warmth and comfort of his parent's home.
• Chief was an architect, and visitors can expect his influence throughout the space — which seats 36 guests in total.
• The outdoor patio, called “Marmee’s Garden” — a nod to Bob’s mother — will overlook North Davidson Street and will open once the weather allows.

Sip on this: Chief’s cocktails range from fun and nostalgic (think boozy root beer floats) to more sophisticated offerings, like the "Rise & Grind," an espresso-washed whiskey with Sherry simple syrup meant to mimic the taste and feel of an espresso martini.

• Many of the cocktails use local ingredients and spirits, with the goal of creating innovative but approachable cocktails that represent Charlotte’s cultural and culinary scene.

Best bites: The snacks are simple but creative — inspired by those Marmee served from her kitchen — think warm cookies, a tinned oyster Rockefeller, and toasted focaccia with pimento cheese and hot honey.

Stop by: The exact address is 3024 North Davidson St., across from the Johnston YMCA.

• Open Monday-Wednesday 5pm-1am, Thursday-Friday 5pm-2am, Saturday noon-2am and Sunday noon-1am.
• Reservations are highly recommended. The bar is available for walk-ins.

What they're saying: "To honor my parents in this way is a dream come true," said Peters. "They taught me everything I know about hospitality, and I wouldn't be the man I am today without them. I'm beyond grateful to the Built On Hospitality team for helping make my vision come to life."

The big picture: The bar will continue NoDa’s evolution into a neighborhood that blends longstanding late-night bar bites — hello, Jack Beagle’s — with some of the finest newer restaurants in the city — including Ever Andalo and Goodyear House.

• Built On Hospitality has a great vision for the area, the partners see North Davidson Street as Rainey Street in Austin. A mixture of converted houses, main street retail, medium density, and a heart full of art, music, and fun.
• The team plans more projects like this in the future.

Editor's note: This story was originally published in Aug. 2023 and updated Jan. 2025 to reflect the business's opening.