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Charlotte mixologist Bob Peters is back behind the bar at Soul Gastrolounge, where he says his creative career took off.
Why it matters: Peters’ early work with Soul helped define Charlotte’s modern cocktail identity, long before “craft cocktails” were a buzzword.
Driving the news: Peters has reunited with Soul owners Andy and Lesa Kastanas to lead the bar program at the restaurant’s new location inside The Pass and guide future beverage businesses.
What they’re saying: “It feels like coming home,” Peters said in a statement.
- “Andy and Lesa believed in me before anyone else did. Working with them just feels right — like we’re picking up where we left off, but with more wisdom behind us.”
Context: Back in the 2000s, Peters and the Kastanas duo collaborated at Alley Cat and later at the original Soul Gastrolounge location in Plaza Midwood.
- His influence is still felt citywide at many of Charlotte’s favorite restaurants and bars, including The Goodyear House, Folia, and maybe most notably Chief’s — an homage to Peters’ childhood home, named after his dad.
Between the lines: Peters is no longer the beverage director of Built On Hospitality, the restaurant group led by chef Chris Coleman, owner of The Goodyear House, Folia and Chief’s.
- “We wish Bob continued success in his next chapter,” the restaurant group told Axios in a statement. “Chief’s remains a neighborhood bar serving elevated craft cocktails alongside the staples and classics you’d expect from your favorite cocktail lounge.”
What’s next: Peters will also helm the drink program at Stylus Soundlounge, the Kastanas’ new bar opening next to Soul.
- The intimate venue will showcase Andy’s vintage audio collection — from reel-to-reel decks to 40,000 vinyl records — in a “disco noir” setting designed by Scott Weaver.
- Expect plush leopard carpet, a solid wood bar and the four-foot disco ball salvaged from Charlotte’s legendary Mythos nightclub.
Stop by: The new Soul is at 4100 Raleigh St., next to Borderline Bar & Billiards, inside The Pass, a mixed-use development near the Independent Picture House, Charlotte Art League, Eighty Eights and Blackbox Theater.