Hidden gem in Charlotte’s Oakhurst neighborhood where the menu is as creative as the food
July 6, 2026
Nordic pop-up Vivienne, gets permanent home at Free Range Brewing
Tradtional Danish dishes are coming to NoDa
by Samantha Husted
For the past year, Vivienne has been reshaping Charlotte’s perception of Danish food, if the city even had one to begin with.
The family-owned, Nordic eatery, best known for its fresh Scandinavian seafood (often overnighted from Norway, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands) and Danish-style street hot dogs held a series of successful pop-ups at places like Bar à Vins and Substrate. Now, Vivienne has found a permanent home at Free Range Brewing.
“The shortest way to describe Vivienne is through our slogan: Bringing the Far North, South,” says James and Cameron Barker, husband-and-wife duo and co-founders of Vivienne. “We’re excited to share the flavors, stories, and culinary traditions of the Nordic world with Charlotte while creating a welcoming experience that’s accessible, comforting, and uniquely our own.”
The menu will feature Danish favorites including “Røde Pølser” or street hot dogs topped with classic Nordic toppings including raw and fried onions, and a curry remoulade. Of course, there will be fresh Nordic seafood options as well including Faroese-inspired dishes and savory puff pastry en croûtes.
Vivienne will also introduce a Danish-style brunch program that will feature Scandinavian staples including “Swedish Pytt i Panna,” a blend of cured salmon, ham, beetroot, and potato hash, and “Smørrebrød” or rotating Danish open-faced sandwiches, and traditional Norwegian waffles.
For Free Range Brewing, the arrival of Vivienne marks a new chapter of community building.
“Free Range Brewing has always been about cultivating connections,” the brewery says in a press release. “Whether through beer, food, local agriculture, the arts, or community partnerships, our mission remains the same: to create meaningful experiences that bring people together. Vivienne expands that vision by introducing a culinary program that shares those same values of craftsmanship, hospitality, and community.”
Vivienne’s Grand Opening at Free Range Brewing is Friday, July 10 from 4-9 p.m.
