Lake Norman Publications

Denver’s business community grows with gun range, restaurants, music school



In what proved to be an unusual year with a mix of economic impacts, a familiar trend continued as Denver remained a popular location for new business ventures. Here are some of the enterprises that opened in the area in 2021:

Palmetto State Armory 

Palmetto State Armory, a South Carolina-based firearm retailer known for its line of American-made rifles and pistols, opened a shooting range and retail store at 1417 N.C. 16 Business in Denver. Sig Sauer, Federal Ammunition, Leadstar Arms, Vortex Optics and Magpul are among the featured brands along with firearm accessories, fishing gear and apparel. In June, county commissioners unanimously approved a rezoning request from the store’s owners to construct a metal forge, along with an expansion to the existing building for a classroom, warehouse and office space.

Pride Beauty Supply & Salon 

The store, specializing in beauty products for ethnic hair, is at 7840 N.C. 73 in Stanley and operated by Denver resident Joelle Gwynn. The shop carries a variety of hair products, extensions, weaves and wigs from brands like ThriftySlay and Black Panther Edge Control. There is also an assortment of custom-made earrings, necklaces and bracelets.

Fresh Market Produce 

Fresh Market Produce, stocked with a variety of products from local vendors, opened at 4819 N.C. 16 Business in Denver, joining Market locations in Lincolnton and Hickory. Lincoln County native Shelby Gilmore runs the operation with store owner Clay Heafner, who grows most of the fruits and vegetables at Indian Creek Farms in Vale. Carolina sweet onions, Brussells sprouts, iceberg lettuce, asparagus, kale, celery, broccoli, beets and fruits are featured.

Main Street Craft Coffee 

Main Street Craft Coffee, with a flagship store in Mooresville, brought a large selection of premium coffee and fresh pastries to 117 N. Pilot Knob Road in Denver. Owners Sean Flynn and wife Kalea, said there were an “overwhelming” number of requests for them to expand to the lake’s west side. Coffee, espresso and tea selections are available. “Pup cups,” small containers with whipped cream and a dog treat for four-legged companions, are free with the purchase of any drink.

Lake Norman Music School

Lake Norman Music School 

Friends and former bandmates Gary Espin and Mike Luce opened Denver’s first music school at 3130 N.C. 16 Business. The school offers private music lessons to all ages and skill levels with a focus on primary instruments like guitar, drums and piano, as well as brass instruments like trumpet and trombone. A team of teachers, some with master’s degrees in music education, are part of the school.

Mix Grill 

Mix Grill, 3650 N.C. 16 Business in Denver, features kebab platters, with two skewers of savory chicken, beef or lamb paired with rice and a side salad. The restaurant also offers a novel take on the traditional Greek gyro – stuffed with your choice of roasted meat, tomatoes, lettuce, feta cheese and a side of tzatziki sauce – and more than 20 flavors of fried chicken wings and a full sandwich menu.

Your Wine Stop 

Owner Ed Pomeroy runs the shop 7616 Natalie Commons Drive with his son Edward and daughter Kelsey. The store carries nearly 200 types of wine, ranging from Chardonnay, Cabernet and Pinot Grigio to Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel, along with an assortment of seasonal craft beers that typically can’t be found at grocery stores in the area. There are also wine tasting events at the shop, where customers can sample up to 16 wines for a small fee.

Lobster Dogs

The popular Lake Norman-area food truck specializing in Maine-style seafood rolls opened its first brick-and-mortar location at 1219 N.C. 16 Business Denver. The restaurant offers its signature chilled lobster, crab and shrimp rolls, topped with warm butter and seasonings; and avocados stuffed with black bean corn salsa, pico de gallo garnished with chimichurri and chipotle ranch. Craft beer and wine are also served at the restaurant’s 20-foot bar.

CC’s Cafe and Catering 

Western New York natives Angel Schoenhardt and her sister, Crystal Chudoba, a former culinary arts teacher at Maiden High School, opened CC’s Cafe and Catering after their mother, who also had a passion for cooking, died in January. The northern-inspired menu includes specialty subs  and breakfast selections. Espresso, tea and hot chocolate beverages are also available.

Scoops by the Square

Lincolnton additions

In Lincolnton, new 2021 businesses include Local Roots & Provisions, specializing in Southern-inspired cuisine;  Riverbend Creamery, a new ice cream shop at a family-owned dairy farm; and Scoops by the Square, an ice cream shop with towering treats and Mason Jar milkshakes.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *