Charlotte Staple Soul Gastrolounge Closes Due to Rent Hike

After 13 years serving as a neighborhood favorite in Plaza Midwood, Soul Gastrolounge (1500 B Central Avenue, Charlotte) will shut down on Sunday, August 14, due to the cost of rent increasing from $20 per square foot to $43 per square foot. Owners Andy and Lesa Kastanas announced that their newest cafe Sister will close at the end of July, but didn’t mention Soul Gastrolounge’s shuttering at the time — this also means that Tattoo Liquor Lounge (also owned by the Kastanases) will also go away.

Soul Gastrolounge became popular in Charlotte because of its globally influenced small plates and fun cocktails.

With many new business and residential developments in the burgeoning Plaza Midwood area, the price of real estate continues to go up and up. The Kastanases say it’s difficult to walk away from their establishments, especially since they recently invested in renovating Sister (formerly Kiki Bistro) and overall investing $1 million into the businesses.

The couple is currently working to finalize a new location to reopen Soul Gastrolounge and Tattoo Liquor Lounge in spring 2023.