Mexilove Tacos & Tequila Opened in Charlotte
The new restaurant is now serving customers at the former site of an Arby's on S. Tryon Street.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Mexilove Tacos & Tequila officially opened its doors at 8136 S. Tryon St. in Charlotte on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. The new dining establishment replaces a former Arby's location.
Why it matters
The opening follows a recent wave of new restaurant activity in the South Charlotte area, which has seen several new taco and tequila-focused venues debut this month.
The new eatery occupies the former Arby's site and offers weekend brunch service from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It joins a competitive local landscape including a $2 million flagship project from Que Onda Tacos & Tequila expected in February 2027.
The players
Mexilove Tacos & Tequila
This is a new restaurant offering street-style tacos and Mexican cuisine that has established a location on S. Tryon Street.
Cantina Louie
This is a restaurant chain that recently expanded its footprint in the South Charlotte market.
Que Onda Tacos & Tequila
This is a restaurant brand currently preparing to open a multi-million dollar flagship location in the region.
The details
The restaurant menu features a variety of Mexican-inspired dishes, including street-style tacos, chimichangas, enchiladas, burritos, and birria ramen. Management also intends to introduce drive-thru service to the property.
Timeline
September 14, 2026: Cantina Louie opened a third location in South Charlotte.
September 16, 2026: Mexilove Tacos & Tequila opened for customers.
Weekends: Brunch service runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
February 2027: Que Onda Tacos & Tequila expects a new opening.
Market Landscape
The arrival of Mexilove Tacos & Tequila reflects the rapid expansion of Mexican-concept dining in South Charlotte. This growth continues a pattern set by the recent arrival of multiple competitors in the local hospitality sector.
Local diners can now visit the location for daily service or weekend brunch between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Future plans for a drive-thru at the S. Tryon site may offer additional convenience for commuters in the area.
The takeaway
The transformation of the former Arby's site into a new dining venue highlights the ongoing evolution of the retail landscape along S. Tryon Street. Residents in the Whitehall and Ayrsley areas now have an additional option for weekend brunch and late-week dining.
What happens next
Que Onda Tacos & Tequila is scheduled to open its flagship restaurant in February 2027.
Further reading
For more on new businesses arriving in the region, check out our Charlotte Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Charlotte Observer.
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