CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Another local business is asking, "where’s the money" as it’s forced to close its doors in Uptown.
Wentworth & Fenn is shutting down its second shop just nine months after opening in The Alley at Latta Arcade. The bakery was excited about the promise of bustling business under Latta Arcade’s rebrand as The Alley, but the owner said the lack of upgrades from the developer made the expansion unsustainable.
Sam Ward loves baking up business at Wentworth & Fenn’s Camp North End location.
"Weekends here are amazing," Ward told WCNC Charlotte.
She was hopeful her second bakery inside The Alley would rise up to success, but it fell flat.
"There's no comparison," she said. "We would be lucky if we would even hit $50 before 11 a.m., which is sad."
Northpond Partners bought the historic Latta Arcade in 2023 and announced the building would be renovated by the end of that year. However, not much has changed and there isn't active construction inside.
Ward thinks vacant office space in Uptown and the lack of upgrades burned the opportunity for foot traffic.
"I’m over $10,000 in debt that I've accrued because of taking a bet on them," she said, "which I know that's business, but it's just really disappointing."
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Felix Empanadas is also in The Alley and noticing dwindling business.
"After the pandemic, people are just not in (uptown) like they used to be," said Ivan Godward, owner and general manager of Felix Empanadas.
The restaurant's sister concept Carnales closed next door in The Alley for the same reasons as Wentworth & Fenn. However, Godward is holding onto hope.
"There's, I think, a lot of potential for the future that still hasn't been realized," Godward said.
A spokesperson for Northpond Partners said the company doesn’t wish to comment directly, but the remodel delays are due to a major plumbing issue that they’ve finally found a solution to. Plus, the spokesperson said all changes need to be approved by the historic commission, which takes time.
Northpond plans to begin construction at The Alley in March. As for Wentworth and Fenn, Ward hopes business at her Camp North End location will help her climb out of debt.
Contact Julia Kauffman at jkauffman@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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