CHARLOTTE, N.C. — After more than 20 years in its South End location, Fuel Pizza, known for serving New York-style slices quietly closed this week.
A manager at Fuel Pizza told WCNC Charlotte reporter Lexi Wilson that their lease was up in South End and said their rent was being raised. Because of this, they said they just couldn't come to an agreement.
“Growth is always great but it’s definitely hard to see businesses like that go," Charlotte resident, Paige Petty said.
“In a city you’re either growing or dying,” James LaBar said, the Senior Vice President of Economic Development for Charlotte Center City Partners.
LaBar says South End has seen a lot of growth, but with that some businesses have been pushed out.
Fuel Pizza's closing is just another Charlotte staple forced to close because they couldn't afford the rising rent. Mr. K's Ice Cream closed back in early 2021 followed quickly by Price's Chicken Coop.
More recently, Midnight Diner moved its South End location to Uptown and Central Coffee Co. closed its store on Camden Road.
James LaBar with Charlotte Center City Partners says growth is important but making sure the old and new can co-exist is crucial.
“it’s something that were watching because once a place loses its authenticity it doesn’t become a complete neighborhood, right? So, it loses its attractiveness,” LaBar said.
Fuel Pizza said they are still looking to stay in South End and open a new location in the future.
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