Charlotte Spotlight: The Market at 7th Street

The Market at 7th Street is a beloved, dynamic culinary and cultural hub in Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina.¹ It is unique not only as a place to eat and shop but also for its foundational mission as a non-profit organization and small business incubator.²

Here is a detailed look at what makes it special, its history, and key information.

What Makes It Unique: Non-Profit Incubator

Unlike typical food halls, The Market at 7th Street is a non-profit entity run by Charlotte Center City Partners.³ Its core mission is to serve as a small business incubator, providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for emerging chefs, restaurateurs, artisans, and makers to launch and grow their dreams.⁴

• Entrepreneurial Support: Since opening, the Market has helped launch more than 35 to 40 small businesses, many of which are women- and minority-owned.⁵

   

• Community Focus: It actively works to ensure the market reflects the rich cultural diversity of the region, fostering an environment for friend and family gatherings.⁶

   

• A “Marketplace of Ingenuity”: It provides Charlotte’s residents with access to fresh, high-quality, and often locally sourced food and unique artisan goods.⁷

   

History

The Market at 7th Street has been a fixture in the Uptown community for over a decade.⁸

• Establishment: It opened in 2011 as North Carolina’s first food hall, initially known as the 7th Street Public Market.⁹

   

• Location: The market is housed in a building with a rich past—the historic Charlotte Evening News building.¹⁰

   

• Evolution: In late 2021, the market rebranded to The Market at 7th Street to better reflect its role as Charlotte’s original culinary and retail incubator.¹¹

   

• Incubator Success: It laid the groundwork for Charlotte’s food hall scene, which now includes venues like Optimist Hall and Camp North End.¹² It was the original home for several now-popular Charlotte establishments, including the beloved coffee shop, Not Just Coffee.¹³

   

Highlighted Menu Items and Vendors

The market is known for its diverse culinary offerings, representing local and global flavors.¹⁴

Customer Feedback

Patrons consistently praise The Market at 7th Street for its welcoming atmosphere, diverse selection, and supportive mission:

• Vibe: Customers describe it as having a “laid-back vibe,” being “social,” “cozy,” and a “gem in the neighborhood.”¹⁵ It is often called a perfect place to “grab a bite, support small businesses, and enjoy the city.”¹⁶

   

• Quality: The food is frequently called “bomb” with well-balanced flavors.¹⁷ For example, one reviewer raved about the meat, saying: “FALL ON THE BONE, CUT THE BRISKET WITH A SPOON.” Another highlighted the simplicity and quality of the food, noting how Orrman’s grilled cheese showcased how two simple ingredients could come together so perfectly.¹⁸

   

• Experience: The communal seating is popular, with one testimonial noting, “Sit beside people you may or may not know.¹⁹ That’s okay the atmosphere social. There is something for everyone.”

   

Significant Events and Programming

The Market regularly hosts events that engage the community:²⁰

• Regular Programming: Includes live music, local art exhibits, wine and cheese tastings, cultural performances, food tours, fitness classes, and seasonal markets.²¹

   

• Notable Installations: The Market has been a venue for large-scale art installations as part of Charlotte SHOUT!, such as the Mi Casa, Your Casa 2.0 project.
• Interactive Art: The exterior features an exciting permanent installation called “Touch My Building,” an urban musical instrument that lights up and plays sound when touched, making it a natural stop for families visiting nearby attractions like ImaginOn.²²

   

Location and Contact Information

The Market is conveniently located at the base of the LYNX Blue Line 7th Street Station, and parking is available in the 7th Street Station deck, with validation offered for 90 minutes with a vendor purchase.