In Charlotte’s ever-evolving food scene, collaboration is now a mainstay. Camaraderie here is uniquely admirable, especially when compared with highly cutthroat and competitive restaurant cities like Charleston and New York City.

Each week seems to bring a fresh pairing of creative culinary minds, but these collabs are more than just buzzy events or Instagram bait. For the chefs involved, they’re opportunities — for creative skill-sharing, deepening industry friendships and even a jolt of team inspiration. There’s obvious publicity and exposure benefits for both restaurants’ fans and patrons, especially if the collaborations are with notable Michelin restaurants or award-winning chefs. (The Carolinas are the Michelin Guide’s next big region to explore.)

Customshop in the Elizabeth neighborhood is perhaps one of the most notable in the city for collaborations.

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