New restaurant in University City puts spin on Southern fare

CHARLOTTE — The Golden Owl Tavern puts its twist on Southern cuisine with a new venture in University City.

The roughly 7,000-square-foot restaurant opened Wednesday at the UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel & Conference Center. It’s part of the $87 million, 226-room hotel at the intersection of North Tryon Street and J.W. Clay Boulevard.

[RELATED: A look at the newly opened hotel, conference center at UNCC]

Denver, Colorado-based Sage Restaurant Concepts is behind the tavern venture — its first in the Tar Heel State. The company operates more than 30 restaurants and bars in 11 states.

“Golden Owl Tavern is going to be one of a kind,” says Jim Ragin, general manager. “It’s a concept that is specifically designed for this market, and I think it’s going to skyrocket.”

Read more and check out photos here.