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These UNC Charlotte alumni are giving the city its flavor

Niner-owned restaurants + bars have helped put Charlotte on the map as a Carolina culinary hotspot.

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A plated dish from Pisco in front of a sign. A group of people partying in Pisco. Two ornate bull figurines.

Pisco isn’t Renzo Bellido’s first hospitality rodeo — he also helped establish the wildly popular Tequila House nightclub.

Photos provided by UNC Charlotte.

If you’ve spent any time chowing down in Charlotte, chances are you’ve dined somewhere founded by a former Niner.

UNC Charlotte alumni are known for cooking up some of the best spots in the city, providing authentic options that elevate our growing culinary scene.

🇵🇪 Meet Pisco Gastrolounge

One such rising star is Pisco Gastrolounge, the vibrant downtown destination captivating the city with its unique blend of Peruvian culture, cuisine, and nightlife. Founded by Renzo Bellido, a UNC Charlotte grad, Pisco Gastrolounge is more than just a destination for delicious food; it’s an immersive, multi-faceted experience.

By day, you’ll find a vast menu of authentic Peruvian dishes. By night, guests dance to salsa rhythms under the glow of llama-themed décor — a nod to Peru’s national symbol.

🥘 More Niner restaurants + bars

Bellido’s journey mirrors that of other UNC Charlotte grads (like this star Charlotte restaurateur) — a testament to how Niners are shaping Charlotte’s rich food scene, one delicious dish at a time.

See Niner eateries, breweries + more

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