James Beard-nominated chef revives Mattie's Diner
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Grey's Diner on The Plaza. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios
Mattie's Diner on The Plaza, which closed last summer, will reopen this spring as Grey's Diner.
Why it matters: In buying Mattie's, James Beard–nominated chef Sam Diminich and the team behind Your Farms Your Table Group want to provide Michelin-level hospitality in a space where families, neighbors and regulars can grab a booth without a reservation.
- The approach aims to challenge the perception that farm-to-table dining is exclusive.
What they're saying: "Diners are one of the last truly inclusive dining spaces," Diminich said in a statement. "Familiar, welcoming, and centered on taking care of people. That's exactly what we're building here."
What to expect: Grey's will open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- The team describes it as a revival of the classic American diner paired with high-level hospitality in a casual setting.
- It'll have a bar program spanning morning coffee to evening cocktails.
- Full menu details will be announced later, but expect the thoughtful sourcing from local farmers that YFYT is known for.
Zoom in: Grey's is named after Diminich's son, Allan Grey, giving the chef two Charlotte restaurants named after his children.
- His other spot, Restaurant Constance, is named after his daughter and is considered one of the best restaurants in Charlotte. Last year, it was recognized by Michelin.
Catch up quick: Mattie's wasn't just a restaurant. It was a piece of modern Charlotte history.
- The 1940s diner car operated for decades before owner Matt King brought it down from New Jersey in 2005. It became a 24-hour staple at the Music Factory for about a decade until it suddenly closed. After years of searching for a new home, King reopened it in Plaza-Shamrock in 2022.
- "It was bittersweet closing for us, and we are just happy that the Diner is still alive and has found ownership that respects its history and wants to add value to the neighborhood through food and community. Sam's group has proved that with their other concepts, which is why we chose him among the other suitors who wanted the space," King tells Axios.
Between the lines: King decided to close the restaurant last year to focus on his more profitable breakfast restaurant, The Wafflery, which has locations in the Belmont neighborhood, Boone and Rozzelles Ferry Road.
- The diner was advertised on Facebook Marketplace for $195,000. The YFYT team declined to share the purchase price.
What's next: Grey's Diner and Community Kitchen is targeting a spring 2026 opening at 3100 The Plaza.