What's up with the giant rooster on Central Avenue?
Cock-a-doodle-doo. A new, feathered neighbor landed on Central Avenue Tuesday morning, and he's already turning heads.
Why it matters: The Painted Rooster, a new chicken and beer restaurant opening soon, is introducing fresh public art to Plaza Midwood — a neighborhood some say has lost its quirky touch in recent years.
Context: Owner Zach Current, a co-founder of Moo & Brew, tells Axios he was searching for antique decor — wall hangers, chicken coop wiring and such —when he noticed the rooster towering over him at Cline's Country Antiques in Mount Pleasant.
At this point, he had already landed on the name Painted Rooster for the restaurant.
The original price was too high, but once Current explained his vision for the rooster, they were able to negotiate a deal. He still jokes that his final offer blew the entire decor budget.
The rooster 10 feet tall, made of cast metal and weighs around 2,000 pounds. He likely made many drivers' morning commutes more interesting as he was towed down I-85 on Tuesday morning from Cabarrus County.
Look closely at the base. The concrete is mixed with crushed glass recycled after St. Patrick's Day weekend at Innovation Barn by local businesses, such as The Workman's Friend.
What they're saying: Current hopes the sculpture will be as eye-catching as the "Firebird" sculpture in Uptown. He sees the rooster as a metaphor for transformation, fitting for the evolving neighborhood.
Catch up quick: Painted Rooster is opening in the old Zada Jane's building at 1601 Central Ave. The restaurant will serve lots of chicken, bottle beers, elevated styles of mac and cheese, and build-your-own salads.
What's next: Street artist Matt Moore, known on Instagram as @puckmcgruff, will paint the rooster in the coming days.
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