Enat Ethiopian will be Optimist Hall’s newest food hall tenant. Slated to open in late winter, Enat Ethiopian will be the 26th tenant to open within Optimist Hall and marks the final new addition to the food stall lineup.
Established in Charlotte in June of 2017, Enat Ethiopian specializes in making traditional East African dishes with a modern flair. An homage to Owner Tina Tedla’s mother, who inspired every recipe on the menu, the word ‘Enat’ in Ethiopia translates to ‘mother.’ Enat Ethiopian’s mission is to not only introduce the Charlotte food scene to Ethiopian cuisine, but to share the rich culture of Ethiopia with its customers. The Optimist Hall location will serve as the establishment’s first expansion from their flagship location at The Plaza in Shannon Park.
“I started Enat because I wanted to bring awareness about the beauty of Ethiopian culture and it’s cuisine to the people of Charlotte and surrounding areas,” says Owner Tina Tedla. “Joining Optimist Hall seems like a great opportunity to help grow the Charlotte food scene by introducing Ethiopian cuisine to a much broader audience of open-minded foodies.”
There’s no shortage of flavor at Enat Ethiopian. Optimist Hall guests can expect a menu that features authentic Ethiopian dishes, from crispy Sambusa (stuffed pastry), stewed Tibs (stir-fried meat and veggies), or a side of Injera (spongy bread) to soak up the goodness. A selection of traditional sides will also be available to order, such as Miser (red lentil stew), Tikel Gomen (cabbage and carrots), Fosolia (string beans), Ater (yellow split stew), and more. There will also be an array of vegan and vegetarian options, sandwiches, and family style platters available.
“We are thrilled to announce our newest and last stall addition to the Optimist Hall family. Enat, the Ethiopian focused food stall, brings another exciting avenue to our diverse culinary lineup. This final piece of the puzzle rounds out our efforts to provide a food experience that exceeds the expectations of everyone, from the youngest child to the most discerning foodie,” says Merritt Lancaster, Optimist Hall Partner.
Enat Ethiopian’s stall will feature Ethiopian art, with the addition of seating on either side of the stall, where guests can be served for family-style dining.
Enat Ethiopian
CONCEPT: Authentic Ethiopian cuisine served with a modern flair, featuring an array of flavorful meat, vegetarian, and vegan options, meant to be eaten family style.
STATS: 504 SF. Between Boxcar Betty’s and Ava.
WEBSITE: www.enatethiopianrestaurant.com
SOCIAL: Instagram: @enatcharlotte l Facebook: @enatcharlotte
OPTIMIST HALL
Opened in Charlotte, NC on August 1, 2019, Optimist Hall is a 147,000 SF redevelopment of a former gingham mill that features a food hall complemented by retail, restaurant, and creative office space. Located in the Optimist Park neighborhood between Uptown and NoDa, the development has transformed the turn-of-the-century textile mill into one of the most unique projects in the Charlotte metropolitan area. Optimist Hall retains many of the property’s original, 120+ year-old elements including hardwood floors, soaring 14+ foot ceilings, and brick and beam interiors with true industrial character. With heritage rooted in the industrialization of the South, and a space dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and historic preservation, Optimist Hall melds the legacy of Charlotte’s rich history with the opportunity of tomorrow. Open tenants include the following: Archer Paper, Ava Pizzeria, Bao & Broth, Billy Sunday, Botiwalla, Boxcar Betty’s, Collier Candy Co., Duke Energy, Dumpling Lady, El Thrifty, Felix Empanadas, Fonta Flora Brewery, Harriet’s Hamburgers, Honeysuckle Gelato, mezeh, Papi Queso, Paradiso Plant Shop, Pet Wants, Spindle Bar, Suárez Bakery & Barra, Undercurrent Coffee, Velvet Taco, Village Juice, Xiao Bao, and Zukku Sushi. Joining the tenant lineup, Noble Smoke is slated to open in 2022.
