Drink shop with hip-hop vibes plans to move into Charlotte’s Camp North End

Hip Hop Smoothies — known around Charlotte for musically named drinks like I Got Five On It, Get Low and Regulate — is expanding to a third location this fall.

By mid-September, you’ll be able to get one of the popular Charlotte smoothies at Camp North End, where Hip Hop Smoothies is leasing a vintage Airstream in the Boileryard District, ATCO Properties & Management announced in a news release.

Husband and-wife team Shamika and Roberto (Carlos) Brooks opened the smoothie shop as a mobile trailer in 2018. Since then, their small business has grown to two local brick-and-mortar locations and two mobile units, blending fruity drinks with hip-hop vibes.

At Camp North End, expect to see smoothies, acai bowls and other health-focused options, plus outdoor seating with — what else? — hip-hop music setting the tone.

“We are over the moon to be expanding to Camp North End, which has demonstrated its commitment to supporting and uplifting local businesses,” Carlos Brooks said in the news release. “We can’t wait to join the dynamic mix of local businesses and creatives and serve our favorite blends to both longtime fans and new friends.”

The opening comes after a period of change at Camp North End, which has seen some food and beverage tenants leave and others struggling with a lack of business.

Leah & Louise left with plans to regroup in Historic West End, and food stalls Saru and Bleu Barn Bistro closed — as did Popbar . But there have been opening announcements, too. Other new food and drink tenants coming on board include Gravity Sourdough Pizza Co. — a concept from the team behind Camp North End’s Crossroads Cinema — and Blasian Asian Way.

[DIG DEEPER: It started with a viral post. Why Camp North End bakery stirred talk about slow Charlotte sales.]

“We are delighted to welcome Hip Hop Smoothies to Camp North End,” said Tommy Mann, Development Director of Camp North End. “Their family-owned business and unique fusion of fresh, vibrant smoothies and hip-hop culture is a perfect match for our creative and eclectic community.”

Hip Hop Smoothies

Location: Camp North End, 300 Camp Rd, Charlotte, NC 28206 (coming September 2024)

Location: 5800-H Sharon Amity Rd, Charlotte NC 28215

Location: 224 E 7th St., Charlotte, NC 28202

Menu

Cuisine: Smoothies, ice cream

Instagram: @hiphopsmoothies