FARE opens first Charlotte location, with plans for expansion
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This is FARE's first location outside of Chicago. Photo: Ashley Mahoney/Axios
FARE, a Chicago-based healthy eatery, opens Nov. 6 in South End in the Queensbridge Collective.
Why it matters: This is FARE's first location outside of Chicago. Before FARE even opens the doors on its first Charlotte location, there are already plans to open a second Charlotte spot in late spring 2027 at the Commonwealth development in Plaza Midwood, FARE founder Kasia Bednarz tells Axios.
What they're saying: "The goal is national expansion," Bednarz says.
- In the Charlotte area, they're also considering SouthPark and Matthews. The local market can hold five to eight locations, Bednarz says.
- Bednarz also likes the idea of bringing FARE to the Triangle. She plans to bring FARE to a new market in 2028, but where exactly is TBD.
What to expect: FARE, a fast-casual space, will serve breakfast all day, plus lunch and dinner. The menu will change seasonally based on available ingredients. You can build your own bowl or plate or choose from a preset selection. Their kitchen doesn't use seed oils or refined sugars.
- The menu includes several gluten-free and vegan options. Their turkey meatballs, for instance, are gluten-free and made with local turkey, ricotta cheese, parmesan, parsley and basil. Other protein items also include tofu with a miso glaze, salmon and smoky chicken. See the full menu here.
- The space seats 30-35 people on their outdoor patio. Inside seats roughly 30 people. The roughly 1,400-square-foot space is a little smaller than their Chicago locations, but Bednarz says they really liked the corner space at Queensbridge Collective. A seat at the window or on the patio includes a skyline view.
Zoom in: Bednarz founded FARE in Chicago in 2018 and now has 10 locations there. She has since moved to Charlotte as she plans to expand the business here.
If you go: FARE is at 111 E. Carson Blvd., just up from the Rail Trail. They open Friday, Nov. 6, at 11am. Starting Sunday, Nov. 8, hours will be 7am until 9pm daily.
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