FOOD
Gaston County dining scene grows with new openings
Will MacDonaldGaston Gazette
Aug. 1, 2026, 5:09 a.m. ET
Gaston County’s food scene continues to grow, with new restaurants opening, local favorites expanding and popular businesses finding new homes
From Indian cuisine and drive-thru coffee to Italian ice, sandwiches and nightlife destinations, residents have more options than ever to explore
Here’s a look at some of the latest restaurant and dining developments happening across Gaston County
Sunset Slush
Sunset Slush is serving sweet treats in Stanley
Amanda and Chris Wall opened the newest location of their growing dessert business on June 9 at 538 Charles Raper Jonas Highway. As Gaston County natives and longtime Stanley residents, the couple said opening a shop in their hometown community was a natural next step
The Stanley location is also expected to stand out from the family’s other stores. In addition to Italian ice, ice cream and specialty desserts, the Walls plan to add an arcade, giving local teens and families a place to gather and have fun
The Stacked Social
Dallas residents will soon have another downtown dining option
The Stacked Social plans to open later this summer at 190 E. Trade St. in the former Aloha Poke Bowl space. Owners Marisa Hawkins and Cierra Stamey-Lucas envision the nonalcoholic concept as a community gathering place, serving sandwiches, salads, baked goods and specialty beverages
On Friday and Saturday nights, the shop will shift into a late-night hangout spot with bite-sized foods, dirty sodas, specialty lemonades and energy drinks
Nawab Kabab Grill & Bar
Gastonia diners have another option for Indian cuisine with the opening of Nawab Kabab Grill & Bar
Owner Rehan Jutt opened the restaurant in June at 3758 E. Franklin Blvd., Unit 150, saying it helps meet growing local demand for Indian food. The menu features favorites such as chicken tikka masala, korma and a variety of lamb dishes
In addition to table service, Nawab Kabab Grill & Bar offers a daily buffet from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with free buffet meals for children ages 5 and younger. The restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m
BC Battery Lounge on Main
BC Battery Lounge has expanded from Bessemer City to downtown Gastonia with a second location focused on nightlife and entertainment
Owner Jeanneth Vasquez and her family opened BC Battery Lounge on Main at 190 W. Main Ave. less than two years after launching the original Bessemer City location. The first lounge built a following through karaoke nights, live music, dancing and other events
The new venue features cocktails, a cigar lounge and live entertainment, along with its most talked-about attraction: a mechanical bull named “Buck Norris.” The family says the larger Gastonia space allows them to build on the energy and atmosphere that made the original lounge a local favorite
Canal Coffee Co
Canal Coffee Co. has expanded its footprint in Gastonia with a second drive-thru location near Publix
The coffee chain opened the new shop in late May at 1957 Hoffman Road, adding to its existing Gastonia location on New Hope Road. Co-owner Elliott Davies said the new store was designed to help meet growing customer demand in the area
Canal’s menu includes espresso drinks, cold brews, teas, refreshers, smoothies, dirty sodas and Lotus Energy beverages, along with a value menu featuring items such as yogurt parfaits, protein bars and beef sticks. The company operates locations in both North and South Carolina
Downstair’s Ice Cream
Downstairs Ice Cream may have moved upstairs, but the name isn’t changing
Owners Megan and Tripp Mazzucco recently relocated the downtown Gastonia shop from 167 W. Main Ave. to 111 E. Main Ave., just a short distance from its original location
Known for its homemade ice cream, the business remains a favorite among local customers and was voted Gaston County’s top ice cream shop in a Gaston Gazette readers poll. The new location allows the shop to continue serving customers while remaining in the heart of downtown Gastonia
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