Food Lion Will Open New Charlotte Store October 7

The grocer is launching a 47,437-square-foot location at the former site of a Harris Teeter on Wyalong Drive.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Modern supermarket exterior with glass and brick facade and a wide parking lot, representing a new grocery store opening.
Food Lion will open its new 47,437-square-foot grocery location in the Mintworth Commons shopping center in Charlotte on October 7, 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Food Lion will officially open a new grocery store in the Mintworth Commons shopping center on October 7, 2026. The 47,437-square-foot facility occupies a space at 5706 Wyalong Drive that previously housed a Harris Teeter.

Why it matters

The new store aims to meet local customer needs and further integrate into the existing Food Lion network. It represents the latest step in the company's regional expansion strategy within the competitive Charlotte grocery market.

Food Lion maintains 103 stores in the Charlotte region and employs approximately 75 people per location. The company previously invested $484 million to renovate 153 stores across the area.

The players

Food Lion

This grocery chain operates more than 1,100 stores across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states.

Harris Teeter

This grocery retailer previously operated the store location on Wyalong Drive before closing in April 2026.

Wegmans

This regional grocery chain is planning to expand its footprint with a new location in Ballantyne.

Sprouts Farmers Market

This grocery retailer specializes in natural and organic foods and is adding a fourth store to the area.

The details

The new site offers cashier-assisted lanes, self-checkout, and pickup and delivery options to serve the neighborhood. The facility features an island bar for grab-and-go meals designed for an easy-to-shop customer experience.

Timeline

  1. The former Harris Teeter location closed in April 2026.

  2. The new Food Lion store holds its grand opening on October 7, 2026.

  3. A new Wegmans is scheduled to open in Ballantyne on October 14, 2026.

  4. A new Sprouts Farmers Market will open in Concord on November 13, 2026.

Market Landscape

This opening underscores the aggressive competition for square footage in the Charlotte grocery market, which contains 737 total stores. Food Lion currently holds the third-largest market share in the region and continues to challenge rivals for dominance.

Shoppers can expect additional grocery access in the neighborhood with the availability of both cashier-assisted and self-checkout lanes. The new location also introduces expanded service options, including pickup and delivery.

The takeaway

The addition of this store highlights the ongoing evolution of local retail space as chains vie for prime locations. Residents now have an additional option for daily shopping with updated amenities and convenience services.

Further reading

For more information on retail changes in the area, visit the Openings & Closings section.

Live Poll

Do you believe having more grocery store options in your area makes shopping better?