January 8, 2026
Q&A: 7th Street vacancies, Dry January
Each week, we answer reader questions about food and drink in Charlotte
Q: With Orrman’s and Mad Dash leaving The Market at 7th Street, I wondering will there be more to follow?
Tom: Most likely, and that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be. The Market at 7th Street (formely 7th Street Public Market) was originally developed to be an incubator space — a place for up and coming entrepreneurs to get practical (and hopefully profitable) experience while honing their business model and identity. This week’s announcements of Orrman’s moving to a Myers Park location and Mad Dash moving to Truist Plaza in Uptown is just how the 7th Street envisioners planned it. Granted, some places “incubated” longer than others, but in the end, it’s just a normal evolution of a small business. Personally, I’m excited to see the next wave of small businesses to be given a chance to learn and grow in this nuturing and high-profile Uptown space.
Q: Which restaurants and bars are offering Dry January NA cocktails?
Tom: I would say pretty much all of them. NA and low ABV cocktails have been a significantly growing trend over the last serveral years, with just about every bar and restaurant offering NA (don’t call them “mocktails”) cocktails year-round. However, a number of area spots have announced specific Dry January additions to their menus, including Sneak, Ever Andalo, Lelulia Hall, Supperland, Haberdish, Blinders Sports Lounge, Blue Door, Sea Level NC, and Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar to name a few.
Tom, as usual, you are on point with the local business incubation model at The Market at 7th Street. Collectively, market business sales have grown over 11% per year for the last 3 consecutive years, with individual sales ranging from 150,000 to 1,000,000 The two opportunities coming available by the end of February are arguably the most versatile spaces in the Market. We are in promising talks with local Chefs, but encourage anyone with an interest to reach out! Orrman’s and Mad Dash have built quite a legacy at the Market.