Fast Casual Asian Brand Launching in Charlotte and Poised for Growth

CHARLOTTE, NC — Three Lanters, a fast casual Asian kitchen specializing in cuisine from Korea, Japan, and Vietnam, is planning a summer 2026 debut with a central hub location in Charlotte's South End, founder Hervé Laveaud told Business Debut. The team is currently searching for a site that will serve as a commissary-style hub, which will supply satellite locations to follow.

What to Expect

Three Lanters is being designed as an all-day, flexible stop for guests. The hub will offer grab-and-go coffee and breakfast starting around 7 a.m., followed by a fast casual lunch and dinner service. Guests will be able to dine in a cozy setting with Wi-Fi and lounge-style seating or take their food to go.

Laveaud said he wants guests to feel comfortable staying to work on laptops or meet friends, without being rushed. The concept also calls for a full bar with Asian-inspired drinks and cocktails, as well as late-night grab-and-go food and beverages on Fridays and Saturdays.

Menu and Vision

Three Lanters will focus on Korean, Japanese, and Vietnamese flavors in a fast casual format. Laveaud said the menu will feature items such as poke-style bowls and other Asian-inspired dishes at accessible price points.

Laveaud comes from a fine dining and hotel background, including more than 20 years of experience launching, scaling, and selling restaurant concepts.

“You can serve caviar and french fries the same way; the price does not matter,” he told Business Debut, explaining that service standards will match his fine dining roots even in a fast casual setting. He plans to operate the restaurant himself for at least the first year to train the opening team and set customer service standards.

Growth Strategy

Three Lanters is being built around a hub-and-satellite model. Laveaud is targeting a roughly 3,500–4,000-square-foot South End hub with a large kitchen that will use sous vide and commissary-style production.

Smaller satellite units of about 1,500–2,000 square feet will receive prepared items from the hub, allowing them to operate with minimal back-of-house space. He plans to grow to five total locations in North Carolina by 2029, with potential future satellites in neighborhoods such as NoDa and Ballantyne.

Laveaud said his advisors and board of directors include industry veterans such as Alonzo Cudd, a former marketing executive at Chipotle, among others.

Opening Timeline

The first Three Lanters hub is targeting a summer 2026 opening in South End Charlotte. The exact address and opening date are to be announced. Satellite locations will follow after the South End hub is established.

Hours

Operating hours are to be announced. Laveaud said the plan is for all-day service, including morning coffee and breakfast, lunch, dinner, late-night grab-and-go on weekends, and brunch. Final hours will be confirmed closer to opening.

Follow for More

Visit the Three Lanters website for updates and future location announcements.

Are you a restaurant vendor? Join our referral network and reach more interested prospects.