The Colliers' newest restaurant 3rd & Fernwood now open at the Metropolitan

A new restaurant called 3rd & Fernwood is opening at the Metropolitan this fall.

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Why it matters: It’s the latest culinary venture for local restaurateurs Subrina Collier and James Beard-nominated chef Greg Collier, who own Leah and Louise and Uptown Yolk .

• James Beard-nominated chef Cleophus Hethington will be the executive chef.

Rendering courtesy of Bayhaven Restaurant Group

What to expect: 3rd & Fernwood will have an “approachable” menu, according to Greg, who says it’s still being finalized but is planning a fried chicken thigh sandwich, grilled catfish and three cheese mac, among other options.

• The 5,200-square-foot restaurant will have 100 seats, 20 at the bar and 20 outside.
• Eventually, it’ll also have a speakeasy that fits 18 people and will have a separate entrance.

The big picture: The Colliers, who own and operate the Bayhaven Restaurant Group , are some of Charlotte’s most well-known industry experts, not only because of their highly successful restaurants but also because of the work they do in the community.

• “I think the next step of our growth is mentoring and putting people in place to be on their own stage,” Greg told me last year , adding that their mission is centered on uplifting, nurturing and promoting Black culinary excellence.
• You can get a taste of Hethington’s recipes at the Colliers’ third annual BayHaven Food & Wine Festival this October.

Zoom in: Hethington is a two-time James Beard Award finalist from South Florida. He skipped culinary school and worked his way up in restaurants in Miami, New York, Atlanta, Italy and Brazil.

• He was a 2022 James Beard Emerging Chef Finalist for his work at Benne on Eagle in Asheville.

Details: 3rd & Fernwood will be located at 1100 Metropolitan Ave. , where Hickory Tavern used to be.

• It’ll open 11am-3pm to start and eventually will extend its hours to 8pm.

What’s next: BayHaven Restaurant Group plans to open 3rd & Fernwood before Thanksgiving.

Zoom out: Under new ownership, the Metropolitan is in the midst of a refresh that includes the addition of several new tenants. Other new additions set to open soon include Cornelius-based Lost Worlds Beer and Joan’s Bakery and Deli by the Dressler’s.

Rendering courtesy of Bayhaven Restaurant Group