Food trucks and farm dinners: Foodie options right here in Charlotte

Juliann Phelps
Eating in Charlotte. Photo by Juliann Phelps
Eating in Charlotte. Photo by Juliann Phelps.

Charlotte is home to a diverse set of agricultural activities and, by extension, some fantastic food options. From food trucks to homemade breads and pastries, coffee and creemees, there’s something to try nearly every week.

Two newer businesses on Route 7, Rise ‘N Shine Farm and Charlotte Crossings, are offering weekly evening food truck events; Catering By Dale is at the Point Bay Marina on weekends. Charlotte mainstays like the Old Brick Store and Tenney’s Snack Bar have adapted with walk-up windows and continue to offer breakfast and lunch options.

Rise ‘N Shine Farm – Food Truck Wednesdays, Farm Stand Saturdays; carry out
On Wednesdays, Rise ‘N Shine hosts Half Baked Pizza, fresh brick oven pizza from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The farm stand is open Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. featuring local vegetables, meats, eggs, flowers and baked goods—including breads and pastries. “We are working toward our year-round commercial farm stand and creamery. Eventually we’ll be open every day,” said Kit Perkins, Rise ‘N Shine’s produce manager. “Keep up to date on our Facebook page.”

Charlotte Eats! By Charlotte Crossings – weekly food trucks; carry out and outdoor seating
Charlotte Crossings features dining options several nights a week with their Charlotte Eats! event. From 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. a different local vendor is featured each night. After ordering, you can take your food around back to the outdoor patio pop-up restaurant hosted by La Villa Bistro and Pizzeria. Seating is first come, first served, and La Villa offers bar service starting at 5:00 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday the tent is open from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; reservations are required. Pre-ordering for food trucks is encouraged but not required. Details for each vendor are available on the Charlotte Crossings website.

  • Tuesdays: Mediterranean Mix. Greek cuisine: moussaka, spanikopita and dolmas.
  • Wednesdays: Sausage Shack. American fare: sausage and Philly cheese steak sandwiches, burgers and dogs. Lake Champlain Chocolates Ice Cream truck. (no pre-ordering)
  • Thursdays: Tourterelle Restaurant and Inn. American fare: Grilled fish tacos, Cuban flatbread, poutine.
  • Fridays: Grazers. American fare: burgers, fries, tacos. Skinny Pancake. Savory and sweet crepes.

Catering by Dale – weekends at the marina; carry out and outdoor seating
Catering by Dale sets up every weekend at the Point Bay Marina, with options like lobster rolls and chicken fajitas. Thursdays and Fridays from 3:30 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Owner Susan Thompson said, “We will begin grilling soon and opening up the bar inside the garage for happy hour!” Seating is available, with picnic tables outside and in the garage. Go to the website for more info.

Brick and mortar businesses like the Old Brick Store, Tenney’s Snack Bar and Philo Ridge Farm continue to offer breakfast and lunch options. And Pizza on Earth is still serving up pizzas every Friday as they have for over 20 years.

Old Brick Store – breakfast and lunch; walk-up window
In addition to coffee and smoothies, the Old Brick Store features a weekly breakfast (8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.) and lunch menu (11:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m.). Order their rotating lunch specials, like Thai peanut wrap and chicken cobb salad, by calling ahead or from the takeout window. Details can be found on their Facebook and Instagram pages.

Tenney’s Snack Bar – breakfast and lunch; walk-up window and outdoor seating
Tenney’s Snack Bar still slings tasty ham and sausage breakfast sandwiches starting at 9:00 a.m. and continues to serve lunch all day until 5:30 p.m. They serve several different creemee flavors, including maple, with the option to sit outside at picnic tables. “We are still doing bottle redemption, too,” said owner Rick Tenney. Visit their Facebook page.

Pizza on Earth – Fridays; carry out
The Voglers have been baking and serving fresh pizzas for over 20 years. While the process for ordering has changed, the demand hasn’t—they serve about 100 pizzas every Friday night. At 10:00 a.m. on Friday, they post their menu on their website and take pre-orders throughout the day. In addition to three regular pizza choices and two specials, they also offer tarts, cupcakes and French sourdough bread. With no shortage of regular customers, owner Marcia Vogler said they are grateful for the support. “We know about 80% of our customers from name and sight—I sometimes recognize their voices on the phone!” Visit their website.

Philo Ridge Farm – lunch and summer dinner series; walk-up window and outdoor seating
While the farm stand shifted to a weekly pop-up option (10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Thursday through Sunday), Philo Ridge Farm recently announced their Summer Dinner Series, “following the success of our July 4th weekend dinners,” according to their website. Patrons can book reservations for a prix fixe meal served al fresco from Thursday to Saturday beginning at 5:00 p.m. Dining options “change weekly and highlight the bounty of the season.” Lunch and espresso are still available at the walk-up window and include burgers, salads and weekend brunch.

With all the carryout and dining options, there are still a few places left to mention: Backdoor Bread offers freshly made organic bread available on Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for pre-order or pick up until 2:00 p.m. Paradiso Farm Coffee will roast and deliver fresh coffee to your door, and Spear’s Corner Store features local honey, snacks and beverages. Whatever you choose, patronizing our local businesses continues to strengthen and support our economy!