By   – Staff Writer, Charlotte Business Journal
Oct 31, 2019

A 23-story office tower is headed to Charlotte’s South End — right where several restaurants have made their home.

Florida-based Stiles Corp. and San Francisco real estate firm Shorenstein Properties have confirmed the joint venture’s $21.5 million acquisition of a 2-acre parcel that fronts South Boulevard.

Tupelo Honey and The Manchester occupy two buildings on that property.

Plans call for the adjacent surface parking lot to become home to a 385,000-square-foot office tower, which will include 11,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space.

Stiles said late Wednesday that initial plans are for those restaurants to remain in place for the foreseeable future. The company referred requests for comment to the tenants on Thursday.

“We have spoken with the new landlord about our long-term lease, with over ten years remaining, and we are fully committed to our employees and guests in South End,” says Christin Prince, senior vice president of marketing for Tupelo Honey.

The popular cafe has become a staple in South End since it opened in 2013. That 7,100-square-foot restaurant is located at 1820 South Blvd. It dishes up scratch-made Southern fare.

“Tupelo Honey in South End has been an incredible success story for our company and its employees,” Prince says.

Tupelo Honey has become a staple in South End since it opened in 2013.

The Asheville-based concept also has plans for a second location in Charlotte’s uptown. It is slated to open this winter.

“Operating multiple stores in the great city of Charlotte is and has been our growth strategy,” Prince says.

Representatives for The Manchester did not respond to multiple requests for comment.