New Uptown nightclub aims to resurrect the former EpiCentre's party scene
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Circa's owner hopes the large dance floor space will encourage people to dance in the club again. Photo: Alexis Clinton/Axios
A new club called Circa is bringing nightlife back to the former EpiCentre.
Why it matters: The nightclub could signal a return to what once made the Uptown development a lively go-to party destination after dark.
Flashback: The EpiCentre struggled once the pandemic hit and later tried to reinvent itself as a family-friendly destination.
- After rebranding as Queen City Quarter, it gained a few new businesses including Sea Grill, Lottie's plus Kitchen + Kocktails. Still, it hasn't regained the foot traffic momentum from its party heyday.
- Just last year, there were attempts to restore the party scene with events which drew in crowds by the thousands.
State of play: The complex is up for sale again, and there have been several ideas for what the development needs including a return to its glory days. Circa's owner Tyshawn Jones is betting the space simply needs the right tenant to revive its nightlife reputation.
- "There are a lot of good party stories about the EpiCentre, and I felt like opening in the old Suite would be a staple in bringing the EpiCentre back in style," said Jones.
Context: Jones spent years in the nightlife industry as a DJ and club owner and plans to tap his connections to bring in celebrity guests and performers.
- He plans to book both local and national DJs playing a range of genres on Thursdays and Sundays, Latin music on Fridays and R&B on Saturday.
What to expect: Circa will cater to ages 25 and older and have a dress code that prohibits athletic wear and plain white T-shirts. There will also be a $10–$20 cover at the door.
- The cocktail menu pays homage to the former EpiCentre's nightlife, with six drinks named after spots including The Bubble, Whiskey River and Suite Reloaded.
The vibe: The roughly 6,800‑square‑foot space is expected to be a dance-forward club. A few sections surrounding the dance floor are available for those who want bottle service.
- They've added additional seats on the rooftop patio space that faces College Street. Eventually, a side patio facing Trade Street will become a section for cigar smokers.
- "Charlotte's nightlife experience is mostly bottle service, so we brought back the dance floor." Jones adds "we are going to bring back the essence of nightlife — dancing, good vibes and conversations over cocktails."
Stop by: Find Circa at 210 E. Trade St, above Kitchen + Kocktails on the third floor in the former Suite space. It'll be open Thursday and Friday 8pm-2am, Saturday and Sunday 4pm-2am.
What's next: Circa is currently in its soft opening phase. A day party hosted by DopeVibes is scheduled for Aug. 8, followed by a grand opening party on Aug. 22.
