Where the "Roofman" team ate while filming in Charlotte
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From left: Hunting Lane Films producer Rachel Halilej, director and writer Derek Cianfrance, production designer Inbal Weinberg and Hunting Lane Films founder Jamie Patricof. Photo: Ashley Mahoney/Axios
You may have seen some Hollywood heavyweights — from actors to directors and producers — dining at your favorite Charlotte restaurants over the last year.
Why it matters: Charlotte is buzzing over "Roofman," which is currently in theaters. The film starring Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst was filmed in and around Charlotte, where the wacky story of a robber who hid in a Toys "R" Us took place more than 20 years ago.
State of play: Hunting Lane Films founder and "Roofman" producer Jamie Patricof loves food. He even has a newsletter called "Jamie's List" where he shares his passion for food.
- We caught up with Patricof and Derek Cianfrance, the film's director and co-writer, about their favorite spots in Charlotte at the Charlotte premiere of "Roofman" during the Charlotte Film Festival.
What they're saying: "I thought the food in Charlotte was fantastic," Patricof tells Axios.
Here are some of Patricof's top picks, where he dined with several members of the Roofman team, listed in alphabetical order, plus a few outside Charlotte.
- Several — Calle Sol, Customshop, Ever Andalo, Lang Van — appear on Axios Charlotte's 2025 best restaurants list.
Bossy Beulah's
The popular chicken shack is from the team behind Noble Smoke and Rooster's.
Stop by (Charlotte locations): 2200 Freedom Dr.; 512 Brandywine Road, Suite 500 in Park Road Shopping Center; 15110 Bowl St., Suite 103 in the Bowl at Ballantyne
Calle Sol
The Café and cevicheria is packed with Latin flavors and big portions.
Stop by: 1205 Thomas Ave. in Plaza Midwood and 3100 Apex Dr. in SouthPark.
Customshop
The elegant Elizabeth spot has been a Charlotte staple for more than 15 years.
Stop by: 1601 Elizabeth Ave.
Ever Andalo
The upscale Italian restaurant in NoDa is known for its housemade pasta. It's by Jeff Tonidandel and Jamie Brown, the team behind several popular Charlotte restaurants including Supperland.
Stop by: 3116 N. Davidson St. in NoDa.
Great Wall
Patricof says this was their pick for Chinese during the project.
Stop by: 10500 Centrum Pkwy, Pineville
Hello, Sailor
A lakeside restaurant from Joe and Katy Kindred on Lake Norman.
Stop by: 20210 Henderson Road, Cornelius
JINYA Ramen Bar
The popular Los Angeles-based ramen chain opened its first North Carolina location in 2021.
Stop by: 601 S. Tryon St. in Uptown in the Ally Charlotte Center and 4401 Barclay Downs Dr., Suite 134 in SouthPark near SouthPark mall.
Jon G's Barbecue
To say Patricof loved Jon G's would be an understatement. The Texas-style barbecue joint is known for its popular pop-ups in Charlotte and its long lines at its brick-and-mortar spot in Peachland.
Stop by: 116 Glenn Falls St, Peachland, N.C. Keep an eye on their Instagram for pop-ups.
Lang Van
The beloved Vietnamese restaurant in east Charlotte is known for treating every customer like family — as well as its popular beef broth pho.
Stop by: 3019 Shamrock Dr. in Shannon Park.
Milkbread
The all-day café from Joe and Katy Kindred serves everything from doughnuts to hot chicken sandwiches, coffee, bowls, salads and of course the popular milk bread served at the restaurant Kindred in Davidson.
Stop by: 1431 Central Ave. in Plaza Midwood in a former Dairy Queen, 525 S. Tryon St. Suite 100 in the new Duke Energy tower and 624 Jetton St., Suite 110, Davidson.
Open Rice Metropolitan
Open Rice, which opened in midtown in 2023, is about as traditional as it gets when it comes to Cantonese-style Chinese food.
Stop by: 1100 Metropolitan Ave. Suite 100 near Trader Joe's and 9882 Rea Road Suite F in south Charlotte's Blakeney Town Center.
Peaches n' Cream
Head about an hour southeast of Charlotte for homemade ice cream, milkshakes and peach cobbler.
Stop by: 2735 US-74, Wadesboro, N.C.
Pho Good Time
Nothing says soup season like broth that has simmered for over 10 hours.
Stop by: 2410 Park Road near Ru San's.
Supperland
You'll find the popular Southern steakhouse inside a remodeled historic church. It's also from Jeff Tonidandel and Jamie Brown of Ever Andalo.
Stop by: 1212 The Plaza in Plaza Midwood.
