Food Network Shines Light on Two NoDa Restaurants

CHARLOTTE, NC – Two NoDa eateries are about to get a whole lot of national attention, thanks to the Food Network’s hit show “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.” The show, which features host Guy Fieri taking a cross-country road trip to visit “greasy spoon” restaurants, will feature Salud Beer Shop March 24 and Heist Brewery a week later on March 31.

Tonight’s episode will feature a riff on traditional chicken and waffles that is helping put NoDa on the foodie map.

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“This trip, Guy Fieri's going off the beaten path to check out some funky finds,” Food Network said in a statement. “In Charlotte, N.C., an eatery tucked inside a beer store slingin' crazy waffle creations. In Houston, a not-your-everyday fusion joint mashing up killer barbecue with sushi. And in Cancun, a beachy spot surprising guests with nurse shark pescadillas and a unique Mayan fresh-fish specialty.”

“They just literally called us out of nowhere,” Said Salud owner Jason Glunt. “I’ve heard great things [about being on the show], that it’s great for your brand and your business. I hope that it’s true,” Glunt said, who said he had not yet seen the episode.. “But to be honest, I don’t know what to expect.”

The focus of their segment of the show will be on Salud’s signature dish, the Chicken and Waffles Waffle-wich. Picture two Belgian waffles hugged up around homemade chicken salad, candied walnuts, bacon and maple syrup. “It’s what we’re known for,” Glunt said.

Heist Brewery’s episode will showcase it’s duck confit flatbread and BBQ Burger with bacon jam and goat cheese on a brioche roll.

“I think it’s great they came to NoDa… and went to a different part of town instead of the more ritzier parts of town,” and that the show is finding small, unique spots, Glunt said.

NoDa, however, likely won’t be small for long. More restaurants are opening up and new apartment developments come online. “It seems that we’re getting more diverse food,” Glunt said.

The Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" airs at 9 p.m.

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