Charlotte-based Chef Bruce Moffett, owner of Moffett Restaurant Group, has released details about the opening of his fourth restaurant, N.C. Red. The restaurant will open in the former Penguin Drive-In space in Plaza Midwood this March, with an official date to be released soon.
Stemming from Moffett’s upbringing along the New England seashore, the restaurant is a nod to both his past and present. The name N.C Red combines his love for his adopted home of North Carolina with Rhode Island’s state bird, the Rhode Island Red Rooster, and will feature a menu that perfectly blends classic Southern cuisine with Northeastern style seafood. Signature dishes will include fried chicken, lobster rolls, clams and more.
“Growing up on the shores of Rhode Island shaped the way I view food,” said Moffett. “Now, living in the South, I have a unique perspective of how those two different food types blend together to create delicious entrees. N.C. Red is a physical embodiment of my history, from the building materials, to the décor, to the menu. I’m excited to share these meals with guests and family, and I’m looking forward to my continuing growth in the city of Charlotte and hopefully beyond.”
All three of Moffett’s current restaurants – Barrington’s, Good Food on Montford, and Stagioni – have a unique style and menu, with world-class cuisine and chefs, and N.C. Red will be no exception. Currently the Executive Chef of Stagioni, Andrew Dodd, will transition to Executive Chef of N.C. Red. Dodd, a Nashville native, has been working in the industry since he was 15 years old and moved to Charlotte in 2007 to attend Johnson & Wales University.
“Moving to N.C. Red is an opportunity that I’m thrilled about,” said Dodd. “Working with Bruce has exceeded all of my expectations and he’s shaped me into a better Chef. The menu at N.C. Red is phenomenal and we look forward to the people of Charlotte experiencing it.”
Moffett plans to continue expanding in Charlotte with the opening of a fifth restaurant, Bao + Broth, later this spring. The restaurant will be located within the forthcoming Optimist Hall with executive Chef Larry Schreiber at the helm.