DaBaby restaurant menu draws viral attention

DaBaby’s first restaurant, No Knife Chicken & Waffles, opened at 10 a.m. on Sunday, September 6, at 700 Atando Ave. in north Charlotte, according to WSOC-TV. By Monday, September 7, screenshots of the menu and opening-day accounts were circulating on X and other social platforms, with users focusing on the restaurant’s prices as much as its celebrity owner. WSOC-TV reported the Charlotte rapper held a grand opening for the restaurant, while local coverage described long lines and a menu built around specialty waffles and Southern comfort dishes. The restaurant is tied directly to DaBaby, whose real name is Jonathan Kirk. A North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association activity report listed “DaBaby” as owner of No Knife Chicken & Waffles at the Atando Avenue address, and described the concept as a brunch restaurant with chicken and waffles, fish and grits, lobster and grits, desserts, lemonade refreshers and a full bar. Axios Charlotte had previously reported that the Charlotte rapper’s first restaurant was planning a summer opening in north Charlotte. (wsoctv.com) ### Which menu prices set off the online reaction? A Charlotte Observer review published Sunday said single waffles ranged from $15 for the “Plain Jane” to $45 for the “Soulfood Cornbread,” a waffle topped with collard greens, candied yams and mac and cheese. The same review said bottled water was priced at $6, a detail that spread quickly online as users debated whether the menu matched the experience. (ncrla.org) The available source material does not show a full official price list for every item, but it does establish that the menu includes premium combinations and specialty waffles rather than a low-cost diner format. The restaurant’s own website describes the concept as a “sophisticated yet welcoming environment” centered on comfort dishes made with fresh ingredients. (yahoo.com) ### Is this actually DaBaby’s restaurant, or just a branding deal? The June 30 industry report identified DaBaby as owner, not just a promoter or partner. WSOC-TV and WCNC also described No Knife Chicken & Waffles as the Charlotte native’s first restaurant. That matters because some of the online debate centered on whether the rapper was merely lending his name to the business. The public records and local coverage tie him directly to the opening. (noknifechickennwaffles.com) WCNC reported that the restaurant grew out of DaBaby’s “Cooking with Kirk” videos, in which he used the nickname “No Knife.” That outlet said the online persona became a brick-and-mortar venture in his hometown. ### What do local reports say the restaurant is serving? (ncrla.org) WSOC-TV reported that No Knife Chicken & Waffles offers 10 waffle varieties, including red velvet, banana pudding, birthday cake, plain, blueberry lemon, peach cobbler and sweet potato. The station also said the restaurant includes a health and wellness bar with acai bowls, smoothies, yogurt parfaits, oatmeal bowls and wellness shots. (wcnc.com) The industry report added fish and grits, lobster and grits, Southern sides, homemade desserts and fresh lemonade refreshers to that picture. Axios Charlotte previously said the concept would include late-night dining and a full bar. ### How busy was opening day in Charlotte? Hundreds of people gathered outside the restaurant before the 10 a.m. opening on Sunday, according to the Charlotte Observer review carried by Yahoo. (wsoctv.com) The reviewer said he arrived at 9:30 a.m. and waited three hours before getting inside, as customers complained that the line was barely moving. (ncrla.org) WSOC-TV reported the restaurant had its grand opening on Sunday, and as of Monday said business hours had not yet been posted. For now, the next concrete reference point for customers is the restaurant’s Charlotte location at 700 Atando Ave. and its official website, which remains live as the menu continues to draw attention online. (wsoctv.com) (yahoo.com)