Scoop: Vinyl is taking over the former VANA space in South End

Its owners couldn’t immediately confirm what the plans are for the space or any details about the new concept because they are in the very early stages of planning.

• “We’re partnering with local food and beverage industry experts to create something that is the optimal mix of distinct, memorable and approachable,” B-Side Hospitality Group’s Kamal Patel said in a statement to Axios.

Why it matters: Since it opened in April 2022, the music-themed bar has become a South End hot spot, drawing large crowds. On weekends, it’s nearly impossible to move around inside, but that doesn’t stop hopefuls from lining out the door.

[Related Axios guide: 15 best late night bars in Charlotte]

Catch up quick: The future of the restaurant group behind VANA and Bardo is uncertain. In June, Unpretentious Palate reported that VANA had lost its ABC permits and was permanently closing.

• Its owner, Jayson Whiteside, denied the rumors to Axios and reopened the restaurant for a short time before closing it for good shortly after.

• Of note: Whiteside has not answered our requests for information on the future of VANA Lake Norman or his other popular restaurant Bardo, which closed in March.

Zoom out: Also coming to the South End strip that houses Vinyl and Wooden Robot is a late-night pizza joint from Asheville called PIE.ZAA.

[Related Axios guide: The 30 most-anticipated new restaurants and bars in 2022]