October 31, 2024 – Hornets Sports & Entertainment (HSE) and industry-leading Levy, the arena’s food and beverage partner, today announced a culinary and hospitality collaboration with Charlotte-based restaurant group Rare Roots Hospitality, the team behind chef-driven concepts including Dressler’s, Fin & Fino, The Porter’s House and more. As part of the multi-year Re!magine Spectrum Center project, which will enhance the overall guest experience throughout the arena, HSE, Levy and Rare Roots Hospitality will work together on new menu offerings, culinary showcases, and experiences grounded in world-class hospitality across all levels. New offerings will roll-out gradually, beginning with a selection of favorite dishes from Rare Roots restaurants featured in concessions and club locations to start the season. 

“We are thrilled to partner with the Rare Roots team to offer some really magnificent culinary experiences to our guests at Spectrum Center,” said Hornets Sports & Entertainment Executive Vice President & Chief Venues Officer Donna Julian. “In our search for a Carolinas-based restaurant group to collaborate with, Rare Roots really stood out, as their efforts align with our vision and renewed focus on providing a high-quality, diverse food and beverage experience that meets the needs and tastes of everyone who walks through our doors. Over the next few years, we’re placing increased focus on finding new and exciting ways to put our community on display here in the arena.”

Focused on a chef-driven approach, innovative offerings and infusing rich flavors with homegrown ingredients from across the Carolinas, the consulting partnership will bring elevated and diverse restaurant-quality food and beverage offerings to guests at Hornets home games and Spectrum Center events. Guests can enjoy select Rare Roots favorites in concession and premium areas, including Rob’s Hot Pastrami Sandwich from Joan’s Bakery & Deli (Grab & Go markets outside sections 208 and 226), Prime Rib Sandwich with au jus from Dressler’s (Wicked Weed Cart by section 116), Mom’s Cheesecake from Joan’s (Suites) and Poké Bowl from Fin & Fino (Hardwood Club). Rare Roots and Levy will gradually introduce new offerings throughout the year through a variety of activations including guest chef appearances.

“We’re thrilled to embark on this exciting journey with Hornets Sports & Entertainment, Levy and Spectrum Center,” said Rare Roots Hospitality Owners Kim and Jon Dressler. “It's an honor to be a part of Re!magine Spectrum Center and bring a taste of our restaurants to the arena. While each of our restaurant concepts is unique, they’re each deeply rooted in the desire to treat guests like they are family, and we're excited that will now include thousands of Hornets fans."

Additional Rare Roots Hospitality restaurants include Chapter 6, Joan’s Bakery & Deli, as well as Dressler’s Improv Kitchen at Middle C Jazz Club. Dogwood Southern Table & Bar – previously in South Park – will reopen at The Westin in Uptown Charlotte.

“We’re excited to come to the table with HSE and Rare Roots to draw up an incredible gameplan for the next era of Spectrum Center hospitality,” said Andy Lansing, Chief Executive Officer of Levy. “Together, we’re celebrating the dishes, flavors, and culinary creativity of Charlotte, with new signature offerings and premium experiences fans are going to love.”