Search

    Select Website Language

    Charlotte’s culinary scene welcomed a fresh new destination on August 1 as EVO Kitchen & Co. officially opened its doors in Steele Creek, bringing elevated comfort food, carefully crafted cocktails and a globally inspired Southern point of view to the Queen City.

    The milestone was marked with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring EVO co-founders Edmond “Roc” McMiller and Myra Wilson, Steele Creek Councilwoman Joi Mayo, Creative Director Juicy Queen CoCo, Seven Springs Farm & Vineyard owner Jamal Williams, family, friends and community supporters. The celebration offered an early glimpse into what the founders envision for EVO: not simply another restaurant, but a stylish and welcoming gathering place rooted in hospitality, culture and connection.

    Located at 5220 New Fashion Way, Suite 400, directly across from Charlotte Premium Outlets, EVO arrives with an identity reflected in its name: evolution.

    For Roc and Myra, the restaurant represents the next chapter of a hospitality vision shaped by entrepreneurship, resilience, creativity and a shared commitment to building something meaningful in their home state of North Carolina.

    “EVO is about evolution — personally, professionally and creatively,” Roc shared ahead of the opening. “This restaurant represents resilience, but it also represents joy. We wanted to create a place where Charlotte can come for great food, great drinks and great energy, but still feel comfortable, seen and taken care of.”

    That philosophy was on display throughout the grand-opening celebration, which brought together members of Charlotte’s business, media, creative and hospitality communities. Guests included WPEG Power 98 Program Director Brian Robinson and Power 98 personality No Limit Larry, alongside local tastemakers, artists and community supporters.

    Program Director , WPEG Power 98 – Brian Robinson , EVO Kitchen & Co.
    Co Founders Edmond “ROC” McMiller, Myra Wilson, Power 98 No Limit Larry

    Comfort Food, Evolved

    At the center of EVO’s experience is a menu designed to feel familiar without being predictable.

    Executive Chef Kendrick Hollis leads the kitchen, bringing more than 15 years of culinary experience alongside the discipline developed during a decade of military service. His approach combines creativity, precision and a passion for fresh ingredients and elevated presentation.

    EVO Kitchen & Co Executive – Chef Kendrick Hollis

    Signature selections showcased during the opening included EVO Lamb Chops & Grits, Salmon with Garlic Mash, Panko Southern Fried Green Tomatoes, Rainbow Beet Salad, Short Rib Gouda Mac & Cheese and the restaurant’s Original EVO Raspberry Bourbon Wings.

    Short Rib Gouda Mac & Cheese

    The result is a menu that leans into Southern comfort while leaving room for contemporary technique and broader global influence — an approach that mirrors EVO’s overall positioning as polished, but intentionally approachable.

    Its cocktail program carries that same spirit into the bar, with carefully crafted drinks developed to complement lunch, dinner, celebrations and late-night gatherings.

    A Partnership Rooted in North Carolina

    EVO is also incorporating North Carolina makers into the guest experience.

    Among the opening-week highlights was an exclusive wine partnership with Seven Springs Farm & Vineyard, led by owner Jamal Williams. The collaboration adds another local layer to EVO’s beverage program while reinforcing the restaurant’s emphasis on community and regional relationships.

    Seven Springs Farm & Vineyard – Jamal Williams, EVO Creative Director – Juicy Queen CoCo, EVO Co Founder – ROC,

    Williams joined Roc, Myra, Juicy Queen CoCo and other members of the EVO team during the opening festivities, underscoring the restaurant’s larger vision of creating opportunities for collaboration beyond the kitchen.

    Hospitality With Personality

    While the food and cocktails anchor the concept, EVO’s founders are equally focused on the feeling guests experience once they enter.

    Roc brings a background spanning music, apparel, entrepreneurship and hospitality, while Myra contributes extensive leadership and operational experience building and scaling businesses. Together, they have approached EVO as both a creative concept and a long-term hospitality brand.

    Helping translate that identity visually is Creative Director Juicy Queen CoCo, who oversees the restaurant’s art curation, marketing direction and cultural presentation. From food styling to atmosphere, that creative perspective gives EVO an identity that feels intentional without becoming overly formal.

    The restaurant is designed to accommodate everything from weekday lunches and date nights to cocktails, celebrations, private events, live music and DJ-driven experiences.

    That versatility may prove to be one of EVO’s strongest advantages.

    Charlotte continues to grow as both a business hub and cultural destination, creating demand for restaurants that can serve multiple sides of the city’s lifestyle. EVO is positioning itself directly within that space — somewhere between neighborhood favorite, destination dining experience and social gathering place.

    A New Chapter for Charlotte Dining

    The grand opening ultimately felt true to the restaurant’s name.

    For its founders, EVO represents evolution. For its chef and creative team, it offers a new canvas. And for Charlotte diners, it introduces another option for experiencing Southern flavor through a contemporary lens.

    But perhaps the clearest indication of what EVO hopes to become could be seen during its opening celebration: founders standing alongside family, community leaders, local media personalities, culinary partners and supporters, all gathered around the same tables.

    The restaurant may be new, but its mission is rooted in something timeless — good food, good energy and making people feel welcome.

    EVO Kitchen & Co. is located at 5220 New Fashion Way, Suite 400, Charlotte, North Carolina.

    For menus, reservations and additional information, visit https://www.evokitchenandco.com/.

    Follow EVO Kitchen & Co. on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/evokitchencharlotte/.

    Photography: Silvio Suarez
    Creative Direction & Food Styling: Juicy Queen CoCo

    The post EVO Kitchen & Co. Opens in Charlotte With Elevated Comfort and Global Flavor appeared first on The Hype Magazine.

    Previous Article
    Talking VS. Dating: What’s The Difference?
    Next Article
    Emmanuel Acho CHECKS DiJonai Carrington in HEATED White Privilege Debate 😳

    Related Blogs Updates:

    Are you sure? You want to delete this comment..! Remove Cancel

    Comments (0)

      Leave a comment