Pop-ups seem to be popping up on the regular these days — and according to Charlotte chefs and restaurant owners, that’s a good thing for everyone.

Andres Kaifer, executive chef and owner of Customshop and Emmy Lou’s, agrees that the pop-ups are happening more often lately, for a number of different reasons. Earlier this year, Customshop hosted several chefs for a collaborative fundraiser benefitting Charlotte’s Latino community, and Emmy Lou’s recently had Uchi chef Shaun King in the kitchen for a guest chef pop-up. Kaifer says it’s sometimes about allowing room for a chef’s creativity; other times, it’s a chance for a budding chef to prove themselves before opening a restaurant.

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