Scoop: Coffee and cocktail bar opening in Plaza Midwood with "cool older sister" vibes
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Blaire Chastaine of Chastaine & Company led the design for Plot Twist, with architecture by Amber Cagle of Black Dove Design. Renderings: Chastaine & Company, courtesy of NiceDay, with featured artwork (in center) by artist Halie Torris.
A coffee and cocktail bar called Plot Twist will open in Plaza Midwood early next year.
Why it matters: The 1,627-square-foot space, a former auto shop, is being transformed into what co-owner Nikki Velazquez describes as a true "third space," something she feels was lost during the pandemic. "I imagined the place you'd go to debrief with your cool older sister."
- Plot Twist also stands out as a local business opening in fast-changing Plaza Midwood, a neighborhood known for its quirky personality that's seen an influx of new development and national chains.
Catch up quick: Velazquez is a hospitality veteran who moved to Charlotte to open Charlotte Beer Garden. She most recently helped open Tipsy Pickle at Camp North End. Now, she's opening Plot Twist alongside her fiancé and business partner, Eric Flanigan.
The vibe: Soft, warm and feminine. "Effortlessly cool without being pretentious," Velazquez says. It's a spot where remote workers can post up in the morning, moms can swing by for coffee, and friends can meet for a debrief.
- "The reason we're building this is to create a space where people feel cared about."
What to expect: Plot Twist centers on two core beverage programs: coffee and cocktails. The menu will also include mocktails and THC beverages.
- Aperitif-style snacks — think nuts, pretzels and candies — will come with drinks. There's no kitchen, but Velazquez plans to host food pop-ups with local vendors.
- The space will seat about 80 guests or roughly 130 with standing room, between the interior and patio. The space will also host private events.
The intrigue: The drink menu is designed with flexibility in mind. In other words, beverages will start with a shared base that can easily be adapted into a cocktail, mocktail or THC drink.
What they're saying: "Plot Twist is for anyone, but we're not going to be for everyone, and we're okay with that," Velazquez says. The space is intentionally women-focused and LGBTQ+-friendly.
Zoom out: Plot Twist joins a women-owned cluster of local businesses just off Central Avenue, situated by Trope Bookshop and Wiloe Home & Gift, creating a walkable mini campus where visitors can sip, shop, stay a while.
- Velazquez adds the three businesses plan to host community events and various pop-ups together.
What's next: Velazquez says Plot Twist is on track to open by the end of Q1.
Stop by: 1518 Lyon Ct, in Trope's backyard and catty-cornered to Wiloe.
- Hours aren't finalized, but customers can expect Plot Twist to be open early mornings through late evenings.
Go deeper: The most anticipated new restaurants and bars in Charlotte
Editor's note: The cover image credit was updated to add the artist's name, Halie Torris, for the featured artwork.