Nationwide — Rapper DaBaby has opened a new restaurant in Charlotte, North Carolina, and its high menu prices have quickly become a major topic of discussion. No Knife Chicken & Waffles opened Sunday morning on Atando Avenue, serving waffles, chicken wings, seafood, and other dishes. Despite the high prices, customers showed up for the grand opening, with some waiting in line for several hours to try the food.
According to the Charlotte Observer, the restaurant’s waffle prices range from $15 for a plain waffle to $45 for a waffle topped with collard greens, candied yams, and mac and cheese. Customers who want chicken with their waffles can add six wings for another $10. The prices have sparked much of the conversation surrounding the new restaurant, especially because even its cheapest drink comes with a $6 price tag for bottled water.
One customer who attended the opening said the food was good despite the long wait. However, the prices became a bigger concern after the experience was shared online. A video posted about the grand opening prompted numerous reactions from CharlotteFive readers, with several people questioning whether the food was worth the cost. One commenter described the prices as “diabolical,” while others said a plain waffle should cost significantly less.
The $25 waffle price also drew criticism, particularly because chicken does not automatically come with the meal. Customers have to pay an additional $10 to add six wings. The $6 bottled water became another target of jokes in the comments, with one person questioning the price and another jokingly asking whether the water came from “Jesus’ pond.”
Some Charlotte residents responded to the criticism by recommending other restaurants with less expensive options. Suggestions included Uptown Yolk, The Wafflery and Ten58 Sports Bar & Lounge. One commenter pointed to Ten58’s $10.58 lunch special, which includes six wings. The recommendations added another part to the online discussion as people compared the new restaurant’s prices with other dining options in Charlotte.
However, some people defended the restaurant and said customers can decide for themselves whether the prices are worth paying. One commenter argued that the criticism should not automatically be viewed as coming from people who cannot afford the food. Others said customers may be willing to pay more if they believe they are getting a good dining experience. Supporters also praised the restaurant for creating jobs in the local community and expressed hope that the business succeeds.