Charlotte’s Mattie’s Diner To Close August 10, Owner Shifts Focus to Waffle Business

The clock runs out for Mattie's Diner this month. The Plaza Midwood spot will serve its last meal Aug. 10, as Matt King puts the business up for sale to build The Wafflery brand.

"The diner, as much as we love it, it's sort of sucking us dry," said King, according to Axios Charlotte. "It's a different animal ... It's all about volume."

This metal marvel started life in Charlotte back in 2010 at the North Carolina Music Factory. When builders came knocking in 2015, the old railcar went into storage. But spring 2022 brought new life as it rolled into The Plaza.

The story starts in 2005, when King spotted the 1948 railcar in a New Jersey lot. His team turned an old tire shop into today's bigger, brighter space that hosts events and fills more seats.

Guests kept coming back for the meatloaf and shakes. Plant-eaters found their favorites, too. Inside, shiny walls and red seats took folks back in time.

King's social media post lists everything: from kitchen gear to the building lease. Whoever buys can keep the name or start fresh with their own ideas.

"We have decided to sell to focus on growing our other concept," wrote King on Instagram. "We will never forget the memories and the wonderful people and connections we have made."

Since its start last May, The Wafflery has set up shop in Belmont and Boone. King sees more spots popping up across North Carolina soon.