The two Cantina 1511s have a new owner; Frank Scibelli's FS Food Group has sold them "in order to focus on their other restaurant concepts," according to a press release. The chefs and staff will stay on in Dilworth and Stonecrest, according to FS; the new owner is Quantum Development, a South Africa-based company that has Mugg & Bean, a coffee-themed restaurant franchise.
So what's FS doing with its four other concepts? Midwood Smokehouse will expand into the adjacent space with a bigger kitchen and dining area, plus a wraparound bar (current tenant Slate Interiors moves to the end of the property); Bad Daddy's is scheduled to open two locations outside Charlotte this year (in Raleigh and Cary) and is "poised to begin franchising" with a first franchisee "close" to signing; and Mama Ricotta's will get a new look this fall, closing for a week for significant renovation. (Paco's Tacos & Tequila had its menu overhaul earlier in the year.)
Monday, July 23, 2012
Cantina 1511s sold
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9 comments:
I went to Cantina recently since the change and noticed things aren’t what they use to be! This place now has a chain feel and has lost a huge part of its local charm!
Since its the exact same staff, menu and and philosophy, I can only conclude that you have never actually dined there before it changed hands.
Local charm is one of those things that is rarely the same between two different observers. I dare say you're not even from Charlotte.
Local anything is usually imported.
Thank goodness we have locally imported Mexican cuisine.
Were were there recently since the sale and it had the same exactly look/feel/taste to it as before. Excellent restaurant.
Been their recently and does not have the neighborhood feel, but a chain restaurant feel.
The staff is not the same. Patrik, the long time manager was let go last week. What a shame. He always made sure the restaurant delivered a fine product.
Sorry to say but it looks like the first anonymous and I are on the bleeding edge of this one. I was there at lunch today where I was introduced to the ‘new’ menu, and consolidated wait staff. I also learned that there was a change in management whereas the enthusiastic French guy is no longer there. I’m sorry to say this 1511 fans but the place we knew and loved for many year is no more!
Help me out! Having difficulty in understanding what a chain feel is - Cantina is part of a chain there's another in Stone Crest and has been for many years, how does this effect the food anyway.
We have been Cantina fans since 7 years. Went there easily once a month! Loved the food and management. We always commented on how well Patrick ran the place and added to the charm of it. Today we came for the first time since the change. I agree that as soon as we were handed the new menus a feeling of chain restaurant came up. The Enchiladas de Dennis are gone (!!) as well as the vegetarian Tacos. We talked to Shelly, the new manager, who seemed nice enough but as long time customers we definitely left the place with a sad feeling of loss.
Definitely will not be back. Very disappointed in the changes. I ordered what used to be the Twiggy Margarita; it's no longer on the menu so the waitress brought me the new equivalent...it had pineapple in it. An abomination! Food was very bland.
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