August 20, 2026
Q&A: The next café beverage, Labor Day schedules
Each week, we answer reader questions about food and drink in Charlotte
Q: First it was tea, then coffee, then back to tea, then matcha, then chai: what’s next?
Tom: The world of café beverages does have its share of trends, fads, and passing fancies. From what I can research it looks like the next thing could be the tea variant, hojicha, a Japanese green tea that has been roasted, giving it a brown color and flavors resembling toasted nuts, caramel, cocoa, and mild smoke. It is less grassy than matcha, generally lower in caffeine, and translates easily into hot or iced lattes. The industry website Food Navigator says part of the reason is a continued Western fascination with Japanese culture, along with several other factors. In Charlotte, you can already find it at Boba Baba in South End, Gotcha Matcha & Espresso in Uptown, and Matcha Café Maiko at the Arboretum. It’s a good bet you’ll see it popping up at other Queen City outlets soon.
Q: We have a friend coming in over Labor Day weekend. Have you been hearing from anyone yet on who will be open on Sunday all day, or Monday for lunch / brunch?
Tom: It’s one of Labor Day’s great ironies that many restaurant and hospitality workers remain on the clock. I haven’t seen many Charlotte restaurants announce holiday hours yet, but most places normally open Sundays or Mondays will likely maintain their regular schedules. The catch is that many independent restaurants are already closed Mondays, while Sunday service may end after brunch. A few may also give their staffs the holiday off, so check the restaurant’s website or social media feeds before heading out.
