Charlotte’s original Amélie’s location in NoDa (technically Villa Heights) has just announced plans to move out of their flagship location.
“Our team is experiencing a variety of emotions around this move. We have grown from a single bakery store-front to having six bakeries across three states in the over ten years since opening our doors. This is our original home and where our story began; where we grew, learned, failed, triumphed and, along the way, determined who we are as a company and what we value. So to say it was not an easy decision to make this move is an understatement. With that all said, we are embracing this chance to expand and take what we have learned since opening in 2008 to create a space is more suited to meet the current needs of our customers, team and the surrounding community,” Amelie’s executive chef and operations director Mary Jayne Wilson shared in a press release.
The new location will be in the heart of NoDa at 136 East 36th Street;
Iconic blue on blue stripes, Mona Lisa with sunglasses, and other signature pieces will continue to be the primary decor of the interior, in addition to new upcycled chandeliers, whimsical artwork both handmade in Amelie’s ‘factory’ and curated from different parts of the world.
In addition to the signature pots and pans chandelier and other quirky design elements, there are other aspects of the bakery that Amélie’s does not expect to change including the always open – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year – policy, friendly staff, high quality food and beverages, and access to parking.
Owner Bill Lamb shared his thoughts about the importance of staying in NoDa, “This community is our heart and where it all started. We have been in the North Davidson location for almost 11 years and the community has supported us, always pushing us to be better. We are thrilled to continue to be part of this neighborhood for many years to come.”
After permits and approvals, exterior and interior construction, Amélie’s NoDa will open at the new location in the spring of 2020. “The current landlord has promised to work with us on a smooth transition. We hope to have a seamless changeover between the old and new space,” adds marketing manager, Joannah Long. “Our plan is to share our progress as we transform the empty space into a sensory joy ride where our patrons will continue to enjoy made-from-scratch food and drinks, and the whimsical and fun decor and atmosphere.”
Aston Properties, a Charlotte-based commercial development, management and leasing firm that focuses predominantly on retail properties, purchased the 14,000-square-foot building and three adjacent parcels earlier this summer. The firm will make extensive improvements to the retail property, including a new exterior façade and renovated parking and landscaping. Aston is marketing the building’s remaining space for lease and is exploring development options for the adjacent land.