There was a lot of excitement in the city when it was announced that a location of Asheville favorite White Duck Taco was coming to town. The restaurant was slated to be open by now in the Belmont neighborhood, but permitting issues put construction on hold. We checked in with one of the owners of the upcoming Charlotte franchise, and he shared some good news: construction is finally about to begin.

The owner, who asked that we not yet release his name as he hasn’t yet put in notice with his current employer, says a change in county codes was implemented late last year as their permit applications were wrapping up. They had to start the permitting process over, but recently cleared plan review.

A Charlotte location of White Duck Taco has been in the works for some time, the owner says, but they had difficulty finding a location. They signed on to open shop at 10^th Street and Seigle Avenue last spring. The owner was so impressed by the original White Duck Taco, he told the restaurant’s founders he would open one in Charlotte as soon as they were ready.

“I tried the food and was really hooked by the flavors,” the owner says. “[Co-founder Laura Reuss] is really, truly, I think, a culinary genius with some of the flavors she comes up with, but also, the overall vibe of the concept.”

White Duck Taco is known for its creative, globally inspired offerings, with taco options including Korean bulgogi beef, jerk chicken, lamb gyro, and duck with mole. It also has a laid-back feel, with chalkboard menus and a casual dining room.

They’ll try to recreate that bohemian vibe in Charlotte when it opens. The build-out will take a month to 75 days if all goes smoothly, and the owners hope to be open in September. —Kristen Wile

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