Scoop: Chicken and beer restaurant replacing Zada Jane's in Plaza Midwood opens June 23
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The old Zada Jane's spot in Plaza Midwood will transform into a chicken and beer joint that promises to settle any debate over Charlotte's best wings, its owners tell Axios. Painted Rooster opens Monday, June 23.
Why it matters: Painted Rooster is the latest venture for Zach Current, also the co-founder of Moo & Brew, a popular beer and burger spot just down the road. He's partnering with Crissy Oliver, a member of his hospitality group, and Marcia Hurst, the former owner of Zada Jane's.
Context: Zada Jane's, a cherished breakfast spot, closed in September after a 17-year run. Current says Hurst was ready to wind down the business, and taking over the space was a chance to keep it in local hands, as more national chains are moving into the fast-changing neighborhood.
Dig in: Current says he wants Painted Rooster to become "the definitive answer of where to get the best wings in Charlotte."
- Painted Rooster wings will be served three ways: traditional crispy, flame-charbroiled and "Rooster Style" — marinated chicken, roasted and finished on the broiler.
- Fans of Moo & Brew will notice similarities in the menus, like how the mac and cheese varieties resemble Moo & Brew's loaded fries. Styles include Buffalo Chicken Mac, Spinach-Artichoke-Ranch Mac, and Bacon and Jalapeno.
- The menu will also offer an impressive build-your-own salad that starts with a "Rooster Blend," a mix of greens and hydroponic lettuce from Innovation Barn.
- Other standouts will be the hand-breaded chicken tenders and fried pickles.
- As for the "best damn ranch," Current says the buttermilk base is key, along with fresh herbs. "It's got to be a flavor explosion," Current says. "It's got to go bam."
- For drinks, expect walls lined with bottled beer and classic cocktails done well, Current says.
The vibe: Painted Rooster will seat 66 people inside and 40 on a covered, dog-friendly patio. The team is adding TVs indoors and out and replacing Zada Jane's shuffleboard courts with cornhole.
- Unlike Zada Jane's, Painted Rooster will stay open through the afternoon and evening, which should turn the prominent Central Avenue corner into an energized outdoor hangout spot.
The intrigue: Painted Rooster introduced a new 10-foot neighbor to watch over Central Avenue. The feathered friend will be like Plaza Midwood's version of Uptown's Firebird sculpture, Current says.
Go deeper: What's up with the giant rooster on Central Avenue?
Stop by: Painted Rooster will be open Sunday through Thursday from 11am to 11pm, and Friday and Saturday until 11:30pm at 1601 Central Ave.
Editor's note: This story was originally published on April 30, 2025 and was updated on June 18 to include an opening date.