NoDa restaurant changes its game plan amid the pandemic

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Goodyear House had been open in NoDa for just 48 days when Covid-19 shut down Charlotte’s dining scene.

That next day was the lowest point in chef Chris Coleman’s career. Employees were told to come in, given a beer and thanked for their hard work — then 80% of them were let go.

“It was hard,” Coleman says. “I don’t ever want to lay off our staff again.”

The restaurant turned to takeout orders, but by the end of the first week realized it didn’t fit the business structure. Coleman and his partners shuttered the restaurant and started considering next steps — all the while plotting what needed to happen behind the scenes to reopen when phase 2 arrived.

Changes include an expanded patio area and streamlined menu.

Read the full story and check out photos here.