Optimist Hall Announces Newest Food Hall Tenant Charleston-based Xiao Bao to bring bold, unique Asia
Updated: Mar 4, 2021
White Point Partners and Atlanta-based Paces Properties and Confluence Real Estate are thrilled to announce that a concept from Charleston favorite Xiao Bao Biscuit will be joining the diverse roster of tenants at Optimist Hall. The Charlotte outpost, which will be called simply Xiao Bao, is slated to open in Spring 2021 and will be the 23rd tenant to open in Optimist Hall.
Following their honeymoon traveling across Asia, Chef Joshua Walker and Duolan Li created Xiao Bao Biscuit in Charleston in 2011 as a way to satisfy their own late-night cravings for Asian foods they loved. Xiao Bao (which translates to “little one ” or “little babe,” Walker’s affectionate nickname for Li) captures the flavors they discovered during their travels and revisits comfort foods from Li’s childhood. As a love letter to both his wife and Asian cuisine, Walker serves bold and funky dishes such as Okonomiyaki, Som Tum, and Pad Kra Pow, which have earned the restaurant numerous accolades, including a spot on Bon Appetit’s Top 50 Best New Restaurants in 2013. The Optimist Hall location will represent a continuation of that love story, coupling the original’s cool, unique vibes with an added focus on Southeast Asian favorites (namely from Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia).
“This is an exciting next chapter for us, and we can’t wait to share our love for Asian cuisine with Charlotte,” says Walker. “This is a big moment in the city’s restaurant scene, and we couldn’t be happier to be a part of the great community at Optimist Hall”
“Xiao Bao is always a must have for us when visiting Charleston, so we couldn’t be more thrilled to bring their crave-worthy eats to Optimist Hall. Their passion for their food is contagious and we can’t wait to watch Charlotte dig in.” Shelbi Bodner, Director of Leasing, Paces Properties.
The Optimist Hall location marks Xiao Bao’s first venture outside of the Charleston area. The stall will be located in the food hall area next to Boxcar Betty’s.
XIAO BOA CONCEPT: Big, bold, Asian flavors in a warm and funky atmosphere born from Chef Joshua Walker and Duolan Li’s time traveling across Asia.
STATS: 564 square foot stall
WEBSITE: xiaobaobiscuit.com | Instagram: @xiaobaobiscuit
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