Kudzu Bakery & Market brings Southern staples to Dilworth
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Kudzu, a Southern homestyle bakery and market, recently opened in part of the huge former Tuesday Morning space in Dilworth.
Why it matters: It's the first North Carolina location for the bakery, which originated over 30 years ago in Georgetown, S.C., and specializes in classic Southern desserts and sides.
Context: Kudzu Bakery & Market opened in August in Dilworth's Park Square shopping center.
- Husband-and-wife team and Charlotteans Andrew and Shelley Verhagen are running the fourth store independently, using all of the original Kudzu recipes.
Between the lines: Andrew told Axios that Kudzu has always been part of his wife's life. She grew up in Georgetown alongside the founders — and on their desserts.
- Over the years, Kudzu became a staple in the Verhagens' own family, and that connection is what inspired the two to bring the bakery to Charlotte.
What to expect: Think homestyle classics, not fancy French patisserie. "If it wasn't on your southern grandma's table at the family reunion, then we don't make it," Andrew says.
- Much of the focus is on desserts, all made in-house, from carrot cake to pecan pie and a range of smaller treats, like cookies, brownies and muffins.
There's also a refrigerated section, where you'll find some larger "take-and-bake" dinner items such as chicken pot pie and quiches, plus sides like Kudzu's signature cheese biscuits.
What they're saying: The whole concept, says Andrew, is to round out your dinner at home, whether you're picking up a side of biscuits or a pie for dessert.
Flashback: Joey and Stacy Rabon, who developed all the recipes, first opened Kudzu in Georgetown in 1989.
- The Georgetown flagship later relocated to Litchfield, and the brand has since expanded to Mount Pleasant, Columbia and now Charlotte.
Zoom in: Like its other locations, The Charlotte Kudzu is also part market, with a selection of provisions, like jams, jellies, snacks and cooking oils, including the popular Graza Olive Oil.,
Stop by: 2442 Park Road, in Park Square, next to Swan Nail and Ru San's.
- Open Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:30pm and Saturday 8:30am-2pm. Closed Sunday.
