The Crunkleton Rolls Out Memberships in Charlotte

The Charlotte dining scene may be gearing up for the holidays (Thanksgiving reservations can be found at Bistro La Bon, for starters), but restaurants are still taking time for grand openings and new features. Here are a few updates:

The Crunkleton Charlotte rolls out memberships

The much-anticipated cocktail club set to open this year in Elizabeth just posted about its membership program at the beginning of the month. For an annual fee of $10, members get entry to The Crunkleton Charlotte with one guest, as well as perks like early notice of parties and tastings — and the chance to join a free preview of the new space. Don’t forget the big difference between the Charlotte bar and the Chapel Hill establishment of the same name: Charlotte will be rolling out a dining menu as well, with entrees, shared plates and other dishes from dry-aged meats to burgers intended to complement the cocktails.

Upstream launches a morning cafe

While Upstream at Phillips Place is known for high end seafood and sushi, the restaurant just announced a casual cafe experience on Nov. 11. The eatery’s Upstream Morning Cafe is now opening its doors Monday-Friday from 7-10 a.m. to serve Counter Culture Coffee, teas, scones and donuts by Your Mom’s Donuts. Don’t forget to come back for that sushi (the Upstream roll on the menu features soy-marinated salmon, crispy shrimp, cucumber and wasabi mayo).

NoDa Brewing Company opens a taproom at the Charlotte Airport

NoDa Brewing Company shared news of its taproom opening in the Charlotte Douglas International Airport’s Terminal A on October 31. “We are so thrilled to be here, and can’t wait to make your layovers much, much better,” the company posted on Instagram. NoDa beers are already represented in 15 of the airport’s bars and restaurants. In addition to beers, the taproom is serving a selection of salads, pizzas, sandwiches, tacos and breakfast items (like a cheddar bacon panini). On the brew list, try the Layover Lager.

Shake Shack and Cava both open second Charlotte locations

Charlotte location No. 2 of Shake Shack opened November 13 in Blakeney (the first location is at Park Road Shopping Center), with its consistent selection of burgers, shakes, hot dogs and more. Worth noting this difference: This location of the chain, headquartered in New York City, will offer a neighborhood-inspired frozen-custard concrete called the Shake-ney, blended with chocolate custard, salted caramel, marshmallow fluff and, to top it off, speculoos cookie crumbles.

Meanwhile, the second Charlotte location of Cava opened at Park Road Shopping Center. Oct. 31 (the first location is in University City). Based in Washington, D.C., Cava serves a Mediterranean-influenced menu heavy on signature and build-your-own bowls and salads diversified by seasonal toppings (try the carrots and currants mix this fall).