CHARLOTTE, N.C.— A Charlotte restaurant is being recognized as one of the best in the country in 2020. 

What You Need To Know

  • Esquire Magazine ranked Leah and Louise as the second best restaurant in the U.S. this year.

  • Leah and Louise opened this year in Camp North End.

  • The co-owner of Leah and Louise hopes this recognition helps Charlotte as a whole and inspires Black restaurant owners.

Esquire Magazine ranked Leah and Louise, a modern juke joint featuring southern food by the way of the Mississippi River Valley, as the second best restaurant in the U.S. this year. Twenty-two other restaurants in the U.S. were part of the list.

Co-owners Greg and Subrina Collier are proud to be recognized.

“We thought we were going to be there somewhere but number two is insane,” Greg says.

Greg and Subrina drew their inspiration for Leah and Louise from the flavors, sounds, and memories of their childhood.

“This comes from us and speaks to the soul of who we are. It’s everything. It’s the new home base,” Greg says.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the restaurant located in Camp North End started as a takeout business before opening up for dine-in at a limited capacity.

Greg and Subrina are grateful customers have supported them even though they started their venture amid the pandemic.

“We’ve been pretty busy and we are only at 50%,” Greg says.

Greg anticipates their success will benefit Charlotte as a whole and will encourage other Black restaurant owners.

“You can be yourself. As long as you put effort into what you are doing, have a passion for what you are doing and do things the right way, and you treat people right, you can be successful,” Greg says.

The Colliers also own The Yolk in Uptown Charlotte. They also belong to President-Elect Joe Biden’s Small Business and Entrepreneurs Advisory Council.