The Neighborhood Cafe

HUNTERSVILLE – Brunch will soon be back as an option in the heart of downtown Huntersville.

For nearly six months, residents have anxiously watched the former restaurant at 100 Huntersville-Concord Road for signs of progress. Then in mid-June, visible improvements to the almost-century-old property renewed hope that more downtown dining options were within sight.

A fresh coat of white paint, a new tin roof over the porch, renewed floors on the interior, and refreshed landscaping will greet customers at The Neighborhood Café – a place for food, drinks and friends, the new logo promises.

The team behind The Neighborhood Café is shooting for a July 18 opening. Owner Tim Fadul was a longtime patron of the previous incarnation, Café 100, and one of many who sought to open a business in the location. Just a few weeks ago, he secured the location and quickly set to work rehiring the staff, whose last day was Jan. 23. Chef Victor Carbajal returns, along with the whole kitchen staff, manager Kathy Diehl, and many of the servers.

Fadul said the menu will be breakfast, lunch and brunch, with Carbajal bringing his recipes and years of experience so patrons can rest assured the food will be delicious. The Neighborhood Café will also have an expanded specialty drink menu, so in addition to The Sunrise, you can also drink The Breakup.

Most importantly, customers will find the cozy ambiance they’ve been missing.

“I want to continue the wonderful atmosphere,” Fadul said. “This place has a great vibe. I love coming here.”

Diehl is working with a vendor to bring in art from local artists to line the walls, and she’s looking into providing live music to entertain customers during the busy weekends. She said improving the outdoor seating will be a work in progress.

“Right now, the focus is opening and letting everyone enjoy the weather now, get the place open, and then when (business) slows down, we can work on the patio,” Diehl said.

Fadul is working on establishing a strong digital presence for the café, complete with online ordering and e-gift cards. The café will also be available for private events and may expand to offer dinner once the business finds its footing.

Fadul said The Neighborhood Café will grow to meet the demand, and the demand is certainly there. A post about the new restaurant in the “Lake Norman Eats” Facebook group received more than 80 comments and almost 400 “likes” and “loves.”

“We have a solid business platform based on quality food, good service, and great atmosphere,” Fadul said.

The Neighborhood Café will be open from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily. With a few hurdles left to clear, search The Neighborhood Café – Huntersville social media pages for confirmation about the opening date.

(Source: LakeNormanPublications.com)