Velvet Taco Announces Opening Date at Optimist Hall
Dallas-based funky taco joint to serve fresh, bold, and inventive tacos to Optimist Hall patrons
White Point Partners and Atlanta-based Paces Properties and Confluence Real Estate are thrilled to announce that Dallas, TX-based Velvet Taco will open at Optimist Hall on Monday, December 9, 2020. Velvet Taco is the 13th tenant to open in Optimist Hall, Charlotte’s newest and largest food hall, which first opened to the public on August 1, 2019. Additional tenants will continue to open on a rolling basis throughout the remainder of 2019 and into the first half of 2020.
Founded in 2011, Velvet Taco set out to elevate the taco through globally inspired recipes utilizing the freshest ingredients and making everything from scratch. Here, Optimist Hall guests will discover international tastes and innovative combinations, delivering flavors that are as memorable as they are delicious.
With a tortilla as their vessel and the guiding motto “set my tacos free,” the sky’s the limit on Velvet Taco’s menu. Drawing from globe-trotting flavors and breaking the mold with inventive combinations, the chef-inspired concept incorporates the freshest, finest, and most environmentally friendly ingredients possible. Standout tacos include Spicy Tikka Chicken, Fried Paneer, Nashville Hot Tofu, Fish n’ Chips, Kobe Bacon Burger, and Chicken & Waffles. As for sides, the Red Curry Coconut Queso, Brisket Nachos and ‘Elote’ Corn are proven crowd favorites. Additionally, every two weeks, guests can look forward to a new taco as part of the restaurant’s Weekly Taco Feature (#WTF).
“Velvet Taco may seem like just another taco shop, but as their loyal customers in Dallas will tell you, Velvet is a step above the rest. Their flavor combinations are unique and unparalleled in this market, and we are excited for Charlotteans to give them a try,” says Jay Levell, Partner of White Point Paces.
“With the mission to ‘liberate the senses’, we deliver a fresh take on the ubiquitous taco,” says Clay Dover, Chief Executive Officer. “The Velvet Taco experience is how you feel when you walk into our restaurant: it’s the music and our team members calling your name when your food is ready, it’s the taste of the taco when you take the first bite – it’s like nothing you’ve ever experienced. We’re very excited to bring our unique and quirky takes to Charlotte and can’t wait to welcome the community to dine with us.”
This opening marks Velvet Taco’s first North Carolina location, joining restaurants in Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston. The 511 SF market stall is located in the food hall area of Optimist Hall, next to Village Juice Co., which opened last month. Velvet Taco will be open Monday – Thursday (11:00am – 9:00pm), Friday (11:00am – 10:00pm), Saturday (10:00am – 10:00pm), and Sunday (10:0am – 9:00pm).
www.velvettaco.com | SOCIAL: Instagram: @velvettaco l Facebook: @VelvetTaco
Velvet Taco
Founded in 2011, the Dallas, Texas-based concept set out to elevate the taco through globally inspired recipes and the freshest ingredients. The acclaimed restaurant provides a broad sampling of international tastes and inventive combinations, delivering flavors that are as memorable as they are delicious. In 2016, Velvet Taco was awarded Nation’s Restaurant News “Hot Concept.” The Charlotte location marks Velvet Taco’s first Southeast location, joining restaurants in Austin, Chicago, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and Atlanta.
OPTIMIST HALL | @optimisthallclt | #optimisthall | www.optimisthall.com
Opened in Charlotte, NC on August 1, 2019, Optimist Hall is a 147,000 SF redevelopment of a former gingham mill that features a food hall complemented by retail, restaurant, and creative office space. Located in the Optimist Park neighborhood between Uptown and NoDa, the development has transformed the turn-of-the-century textile mill into one of the most unique projects in the Charlotte metropolitan area. Optimist Hall retains many of the property’s original, 120+ year-old elements including hardwood floors, soaring 14+ foot ceilings, and brick and beam interiors with true industrial character. With heritage rooted in the industrialization of the South, and a space dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and urban renewal, Optimist Hall melds the legacy of Charlotte’s rich history with the opportunity of tomorrow. Open tenants include the following: Archer Paper, Aix En Provence, Ava Pizzeria, Bao & Broth, Duke Energy, Dumpling Lady, El Thrifty Social Club, Honeysuckle Gelato, Papi Queso, Pet Wants, Spindle Bar, Undercurrent Coffee, Velvet Taco, Village Juice, and Zukku Sushi. Additional tenants slated to open in the coming weeks and months include Billy Sunday, Botiwalla, Boxcar Betty’s, Felix’s Empanadas, Fonta Flora Brewery, Harriet’s Hamburgers, and Suarez Bakery & Barra.