New Coffee and Cocktail Concept Opening in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, NC — Plot Twist, a new coffee and cocktail concept from Nikki Velazquez and Eric Flanigan, is targeting an early April opening at 1518 Lyon Ct, Charlotte, NC 28205. Velazquez told Business Debut the team is roughly seven weeks out, with major inspections complete and interior buildout moving into final stages.

The space, a former auto garage and tattoo shop, is being transformed into what the owners describe as an immersive third space designed all coffee and cocktail service.

What to Expect

The 1,627-square-foot interior will seat approximately 50 to 60 guests, with an additional patio bringing total seating capacity to around 100, plus standing room.

Inside, guests can expect an industrial setting that balances approachability with intention. “Yes, we sell coffee and we have cocktails, but we’re selling more of an experience,” Velazquez told Business Debut. “It’s supposed to feel like you can be any version of yourself that you want to be when you’re in our space.”

The concept centers on a cross-functional beverage program, ensuring that whether someone wants coffee, a cocktail, a nonalcoholic option or THC-infused beverage, they can all enjoy the experience of visiting Plot Twist.

Menu and Vision

Plot Twist will offer a cross-functional beverage program, allowing signature drinks to be prepared four ways: coffee, cocktail, mocktail or THC. Rather than building drinks around a single spirit, the menu is developed around flavor profiles that translate across formats.

Classic cocktails will remain available, alongside specialty lattes, cold brew and matcha. Light snacks such as chips and nuts will be offered, and the business plans to host local food pop-ups on weekends.

"I image Plot Twist to be the place you'd go to debrief with you cool older sister," Velazquez said.

Bootstrapped Founders

The owners have bootstrapped the business, operating as a 50-50 partnership without outside equity investment. Velazquez, who has extensive experience launching restaurant concepts, shared that handling the launch of her own business has been uniquely challenging.

“I’ve done this for very successful brands,” she told Business Debut, “but it is completely different when you’re doing it for yourself.”

“Writing the checks and seeing it come out is definitely different. You feel it a lot more,” co-owner Eric Flanigan told Business Debut. "We give everything a second and a third thought,” he said.

Opening Timeline

The team is targeting an early April opening, pending final inspections and finishing touches.

Hours

Plot Twist plans to operate Tuesday through Thursday from 7 a.m. — 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. — 11 p.m., and Sunday with modified hours, expected to follow an 8 a.m. — 9 p.m. model.

The business will be closed on Mondays.

Follow for More

For more information, visit their Website and follow on Instagram and TikTok.