The husband-and-wife team that owns the popular trattoria, Vivace, in midtown Charlotte will soon bring a different, more casual concept to south Charlotte. Civetta Italian Kitchen + Bar will open in the StoneCrest at Piper Glen shopping center – in the old Smoke Modern Barbecue space – in February.
Initially, the southern Italian restaurant will be open for dinner only. Stacey and Kevin Jennings of Urban Food Group will expand to lunch service in the coming weeks. The fare includes classics such as Bucatini (with housemade meatballs), Puttanesca, Bolognese, chicken (or eggplant) Parmesan, Veal Saltimbocca and Chicken Marsala.
“We’re excited to bring this concept to a popular, upscale location,” said Kevin Jennings. “Civetta will be a fun place for families to dine in the early evening hours,” we said. “We expect there to be a lively bar scene at night and on weekends, as well.”
The decor at the 165-seat Civetta is “upscale rustic,” which matches the convivial mood inherent in a restaurant that specializes in Italian comfort food. “Anyone who’s a fan of the old-school, red-and-white checked tablecloth, Italian places in New York and New Jersey will recognize some aspects of those iconic eateries in Civetta.”
Classic desserts, reminiscent of those from Mom-and-Pop Italian restaurants where everything is made fresh and in-house – include tiramisu, gelato and cappuccino crème brulee. Chocolate cake is, of course, among offerings.
Complementing the culinary offerings, Civetta’s bar program features a wide selection of wines from both Italy and California, an inventive craft cocktail list and extensive beer offerings, both on tap and bottled, including local staples from OMB, Catawba and Legion Brewing.
Led by general manager Kyle Huffer, the 5,000-square-foot restaurant offers a patio that seats 40 and private dining for up to 10. Dinner is served is served Monday through Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m. with lunch and brunch service to be offered in the coming weeks. View the menu atCivettacharlotte.com. For more information or to book a reservation, visit Civettacharlotte.com. For an inside look, follow the restaurant on Instagram and Facebook.
Those interested in working at Civetta can visit www.urbanfoodgroup.com for information.
Gais Construction, a hospitality-centric builder, served as general contractor, and the space was designed by Ai3. Trip Harris with Lat Purser & Associates represented Urban Food Group in the deal, and Molly Prince with the Shopping Center Group represented the landlord.
About Urban Food Group
Kevin and Stacey Jennings founded Urban Food Group in 1998 with the opening of their first concept in Raleigh, N.C. Since then, the seasoned restaurateurs have become recognized nationally for their savvy, urban restaurant concepts, and the excellent quality and superior value delivered at each. Urban Food Group now boasts Vivace (Charlotte, Raleigh); Coquette, Chow (both in Raleigh); Avelina (Denver, Colo.) and Brasserie du Soleil, Osteria Cicchetti and Boca Bay Restaurant in Wilmington, N.C. See www.urbanfoodgroup.com for more details.
Details
Website: Civettacharlotte.com
Address: 7828 Rea Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28277
Phone: (980) 335-2758
Hours: Monday – Thursday from 5 -10 pm
Friday – Saturday from 5 – 11 pm
Sunday from 5 – 9 pm
Lunch and Brunch beginning soon.
