Latest news with #Moo&Brew
Axios
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
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.
Axios
30-04-2025
- Business
- Axios
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.
