Hidden gem in Charlotte’s Oakhurst neighborhood where the menu is as creative as the food
June 18, 2026
Q&A: Why the Mad Dash move, no-brunch Father’s Day
Each week, we answer reader questions about food and drink in Charlotte
Q: Why did Mad Dash go through the cost and trouble of moving only two blocks away?
Tom: On the surface, it does sound a bit not worth the trouble that Corey Jones would move Mad Dash from The Market at 7th Street to a shop inside Truist Plaza, pretty much around the corner. But the evolution of his fast-casual business is exactly why The Market at 7th Street was created in the first place. Since its inception, the food and retail space underneath the colorful parking deck and next to the light rail stop in Uptown, was intended to be a business incubator, to allow budding entrepreneurs to learn the ins, outs, feasibility, and market potential of their concept, at relatively minimal cost. Once they figure out and massage their business models, they are ready to move on to bigger and better things. Other “graduates” of the 7th Street incubator include Local Loaf, Pure Pizza, Zia Pia, and Orrman’s Cheese Shop. And frankly, based on the what Kristen, I, and other attendees experienced at this week’s Mad Dash preview dinner, Corey Jones’ new digs are going to work out just fine.
Q: My dad is not a “brunch guy,” but I still want to do something nice for him on Father’s Day. Any last-minute suggestions?
Tom: Well, the smart-aleck answer is take him to dinner. But I get your question. There are some nice brunch-time options for dads who don’t like a salad with their eggs. The Bar at Supperland in Plaza Midwood is doing a noontime whiskey tasting of several Old Forrester bourbons, along with a couple of additional cocktails and small bites for $67/person. If pops would like some ‘cue with his whiskey, then I’d slide over to Sweet Lew’s in Belmont Village. Chef Donald has amassed quite the notable whiskey shelf to go along with his award-winning smoked meats (and maybe the best mac & cheese in the city). More Father’s Day bourbon adventures can be found this Sunday at Southern Spirits, just over the state line. The store’s Father’s Day Mystery Lottery will give your dad a shot at scoring some rare whiskies, such as Pappy Van Winkle, Weller Single Barrel, and Commnder’s Club Cuvée. The downside is that you probably need to start lining up at 9 a.m. And there’s always Waffle House.
