Jun 9, 2026 - Food and Drink

New Mexican restaurant Raíces opening soon in South End

Alexis Clinton

Raíces rendering. Dimly lit modern bar and restaurant with dark wood paneling, illuminated liquor shelves, a long bar with stools, round dining tables, and tall windows showing a nighttime city street outside. — Raíces in South End. Rendering: Courtesy of Black Dove Interior

Raíces, a new Mexican-inspired restaurant, will take over the former Summerbird space in South End.

Why it matters: Husband-and-wife duo Alfonso Bravo and Amalia Macias have built a following for their South Carolina restaurants, which focus on authentic Mexican cuisine, and plan to bring that approach to Charlotte.

Zoom in: The duo own five restaurants across South Carolina, including two in Columbia, two in Camden and one in Elgin. This new concept will mark their North Carolina debut.

Raíces, which means "roots" in Spanish, will open at the RailYard. It draws inspiration from Jalisco and Oaxaca, reflecting the family's heritage.

Dig in: Chef TJ Steele, who lives part-time in Oaxaca and is behind the acclaimed restaurant Claro, will lead the menu with regional dishes, small plates and traditional techniques.

Expect handmade tortillas, mole recipes, authentic pozole, and a selection of campo-style dishes, plus featured seasonal produce and meats from local family farms.
The restaurant aims to showcase the diversity and complexity of Mexican cuisine beyond the dishes many diners already know.
The drink menu will feature agave-focused cocktails inspired by the bars of Mexico City.

What's next: Raíces is expected to open this summer at 1422 S. Tryon St., next to Stir and North Italia.

Go deeper: 17 most anticipated new restaurants and bars in Charlotte

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New Mexican restaurant Raíces opening soon in South End

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