New vegetarian-forward restaurant to open at C3Lab in South End Charlotte
When Maria and Glen Nocik opened C3Lab in 2015, their intention was to rent artist studios for a reasonable price. In the five years since they opened in South End, they’ve expanded to include more studio space.
But they needed funding to subsidize the growth.
“We are going to stick to our mission of affordable art space,” Glen Nocik said. “That is the goal at C3Lab, and we need help doing that.”
The Nociks decided to transform empty space in C3Lab’s building into Alchemy, a 10,000-square-foot entertainment venue. It includes The Restaurant at Alchemy, Gallery C3 and The Gathering Common. The restaurant has a vegetarian-focused menu and opens June 25 at 6 p.m. for dinner.
“We want to continue to nurture and grow and support the art community in Charlotte,” Nocik said. “It’s a challenge to make this sustainable without some sort of subsidizing. The restaurant, essentially, is going to subsidize our growth and longevity. That’s the goal of the restaurant.”
THE EXPERIENCE
The Nociks chose the name Alchemy because it complements C3Lab’s theme: Connect, Collaborate, Create. In ancient times, an alchemist was known for trying to transform lead into gold, an impossible task, Nocik explained.
“We’re trying to transform a space and the community into grander things,” Nocik said. “I’m not going to say unattainable, but we’re trying to make it more robust.”
Guests dining at The Restaurant at Alchemy will enter through Gallery C3 and be greeted by a docent or host. Seating will be available in the main dining room and the 2,000-square foot outdoor deck. Guests can enjoy a drink while exploring the gallery.
The space is mid-century industrial with a 7 foot-by-14-foot plate glass picture window dividing the main dining room from Gallery C3. ACSM, the Nociks’ custom sign building firm, designed and fabricated the interior and exterior of Alchemy. Local artisan Adam Jochim with Pitch and Burl built the banquette seating. The main dining room is filled with sculptures and paintings from C3Lab artists.
“Alchemy is a natural extension of the creative community that we’ve been building since 2015,” said Mark Hagerty, managing director for C3Lab. “It’s a platform that provides exposure for our members, while also providing an additional revenue stream that subsidizes their rent. You’ll feel our members’ creative influence throughout Alchemy, right down to the art on the walls.”
ENTREES
Contemporary French-trained Chef Ken Aponte, formerly at Zebra and Napa on Providence, was skeptical about a vegetarian-focused menu. It wasn’t what he was used to preparing. The Nociks took him to a vegan restaurant, Plant, in Asheville to convince him that a vegetarian menu can be done well. Aponte decided to take on the challenge.
“My take on food is I like to give people the things they are familiar with, the normal food pairings,” Aponte said. “Then give it to them in a way they’ve never seen it before. It’s more reinterpretation.”
Alchemy’s health-conscious, plant-forward mentality will open up possibilities for Aponte’s menu planning, he said. Ingredients will be sourced from local businesses such as Tega Hills Farm, Chapel Hill Creamery and Salem Hills Farm. Pasta and bread will be made in-house.
Although the menu will be vegetarian focused, protein options will be available to add on throughout the menu. For example, the Lion’s Mane Mushroom Fettuccini is a fully composed dish and may be served with chicken. Dinner entrees will range from $18 to $25.
DRINK MENU
Mixologist Bob Peters curated a custom cocktail menu. Cocktails will feature half- and full-size cocktails and range from $8-$16. Try one of these featured drinks:
Campari Queen, featuring Queen Charlotte Reserve Rum from Muddy River Distillery in Belmont, Campari and ginger kombucha from SUM Bucha.
Tea Bird, made with Cardinal Gin from Southern Artisan Spirits in Gastonia and housemade tea syrup with citrus overtones.
Turning Blue, made with Turning Point Straight Bourbon from Southern Artisan Spirits, muddled blueberries and thyme.
Local beer from NoDa Brewing Company, Triple C Brewing Company and other craft breweries will be featured. A variety of red and white wines at different price points will be available.
Birch Fine Teas will provide the tea, and Enderly Coffee will supply a custom coffee blend. A full-service coffee bar opens at 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on June 22. It is open on weekdays and is also available during the dinner service.
EVENT AND COWORKING SPACE
Alchemy’s Gathering Common is available for special events and coworking. On the weekends and evenings, the 3,000 square-foot space may be rented for private gatherings, corporate events and weddings.
On June 22, the Gathering Common opens for coworking from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday. It’s free and has space for 30 or more people with room for social distancing. Guests are encouraged (not required) to wear masks. Masks will also be available onsite. Reservations are not required. The space will receive periodic cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch hard surfaces and upholstery.
GALLERY
Gallery C3’s newest exhibit opened June 5: “H20/20, Elemental Retribution.” Exhibitions rotate every two months with opening receptions on the first Friday of the month, coinciding with the South End Gallery Crawl.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Alchemy employees will be temperature screened prior to starting a shift and wear masks. Ultra-violet light air sanitizers, periodic cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch surfaces and upholstery will be in place. US Environmental Protection Agency Office-approved foggers will be applied for sterilizing porous and non-porous surfaces. Tables will be spaced apart for social distancing.
THE RESTAURANT AT ALCHEMY
2517 Distribution St.
(704) 659-0799
Instagram: @alchemyc3lab
Opens June 25 at 6 p.m. for dinner service and phone-in takeout. Reservations are available but not required.
The Restaurant at Alchemy hours:
Dinner service - Wednesday, 6-10 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday, 6 p.m.-12 a.m.; Sunday, 6-10 p.m.
Full-service coffee bar - 8 a.m.-4 p.m. beginning June 22, Monday-Friday. Also, the coffee bar is open during dinner service. In early July, it will open on the weekends.
Weekend brunch and weekday lunch service will be added in early July.
