Scoop: Chicken and beer restaurant replacing Zada Jane's in Plaza Midwood
The old Zada Jane's spot in Plaza Midwood will transform into a chicken and beer joint that promises to settle any debate over Charlotte's best wings, its owners tell Axios. Painted Rooster expects to open by this summer.
Why it matters: Painted Rooster is the latest venture for Zach Current, also the co-founder of Moo & Brew, a popular beer and burger spot just down the road. He's partnering with Crissy Oliver, a member of his hospitality group, and Marcia Hurst, the former owner of Zada Jane's.
Context: Zada Jane's, a cherished breakfast spot, closed in September after a 17-year run. Current says Hurst was ready to wind down the business, and taking over the space was a chance to keep it in local hands, as more national chains are moving into the fast-changing neighborhood.
Dig in: Current says he wants Painted Rooster to become "the definitive answer of where to get the best wings in Charlotte."
Painted Rooster wings will be served three ways: traditional crispy, flame-charbroiled and "Rooster Style" — marinated chicken, roasted and finished on the broiler.
Fans of Moo & Brew will notice similarities in the menus, like how the mac and cheese varieties resemble Moo & Brew's loaded fries. Styles include Buffalo Chicken Mac, Spinach-Artichoke-Ranch Mac, and Bacon and Jalapeno.
The menu will also offer an impressive build-your-own salad that starts with a "Rooster Blend," a mix of greens and hydroponic lettuce from Innovation Barn.
Other standouts will be the hand-breaded chicken tenders and fried pickles.
As for the "best damn ranch," Current says the buttermilk base is key, with fresh herbs. "It's got to be a flavor explosion," Current says. "It's got to go bam."
For drinks, expect walls lined with bottled beer and classic cocktails done well, Current says.
The vibe: Painted Rooster will seat 66 people inside and 40 on a covered, dog-friendly patio. The team is adding TVs indoors and out and replacing Zada Jane's shuffleboard courts with cornhole.
Unlike Zada Jane's, Painted Rooster will stay open through the afternoon and evening, which should turn the prominent Central Avenue corner into an energized outdoor hangout spot.
The intrigue: As Painted Rooster nears opening, keep an eye out for the introduction of a new, 10-foot neighbor watching over Central Avenue. The feathered friend will be like Plaza Midwood's version of Uptown's Firebird sculpture, Current teases.
There is a story behind it, but we'll save that for the opening in the coming weeks.
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