CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – The place that first served Charlotte a pizza pie is rebounding after a rough few weeks.
Open Kitchen on West Morehead Street had a full book of reservations for its couple’s fixed price menu occasion when they opened the doors at 4 p.m. on Valentine’s Day.
The sales made during the holiday will hopefully help Open Kitchen get back to a basic operating level amidst about a month of uncertainty.
Two weekends of historic winter storms followed by a water main break on Morehead Street shut down the business.
Dixie Shaw has been eating her favorite dish from the kitchen, lasagna, for over 60 years. She made sure her family was waiting for one of the first tables on Saturday.
“You just hope they can get it all together to open for Valentine’s Day, the biggest day of the year,” said Shaw.
Manager Stephanos Skiouris says that restaurants must have running water to meet sanitary needs so opening was not an option for several days.
“Just dealing with having people calling and questioning whether we’re going to be open, that was a new experience for us. Kind of disheartening,” said Skiouris. “We’re so happy that we have such a loyal customer base that they’re like ‘Well we’ll be back when you can.’”
Now, the restaurant’s staff and customers are relieved and overjoyed to be welcomed back to a place they call home.
“It’s comforting. It doesn’t change. The people are always nice. It’s always good.” said Shaw.
Copyright 2026 WBTV. All rights reserved.
Dining and Cooking