top of page

RECENT STORIES

Home for the Holidays: new businesses that opened in Gaston County in 2025

  • Writer: Kayla Adams
    Kayla Adams
  • 2 days ago
  • 5 min read

Updated: 4 minutes ago


Feet in red socks rest on a car dashboard, with a view of a rainy, mountainous road. The mood is relaxed and cozy.

As the holidays approach, there's no better time to return home and experience the exciting changes across Gaston County. Whether you've been away for a few months or years, 2025 has seen a vibrant blossoming of new businesses, community spaces, and cultural hotspots across towns like Gastonia, Belmont, Mount Holly, Dallas, McAdenville, Cherryville, and Kings Mountain. Whether you're visiting for the season or living here year-round, here's your guide to the fresh new gems and updates that make this holiday season even more special.



GASTONIA

Modern bar interior with empty black chairs, white countertops, and hanging globe lights. Shelves display bottles, under high ceilings.

Located in Gastonia’s growing FUSE District, Waterbean Coffee brings a fresh, quality-driven café experience to the neighborhood. The shop brews USDA-certified organic coffee and is known for its clean, modern atmosphere and consistently excellent service—making it an inviting new stop for locals looking for a reliable go-to coffee spot.


Now open inside Gastonia’s historic Loray Mill, Arbor Coffee offers a warm, community-focused space built on the mission to “serve well, connect deeply, and build something that lasts.” With thoughtfully crafted drinks and a welcoming environment, it has quickly become a neighborhood gathering place where good coffee and meaningful conversation go hand in hand.


Bringing bold Latin flavor to Downtown Gastonia, Savory Calle blends street-style energy with authentic dishes from across Latin America. Guests can enjoy everything from tacos and pupusas to empanadas and fresh cocktails—making it a vibrant new option for takeout, late-night bites, or a flavorful drink with friends.


Situated on over 50 acres in Gastonia, Hampton Homestead Farm is a newly revitalized event venue that pairs natural beauty with over a century of history. Its curated outdoor spaces offer charming backdrops for weddings, reunions, and celebrations of all sizes—providing families with a picturesque, legacy-rich setting for milestone moments.


Serving Gaston County and located in Main Avenue in Gastonia, Graze & Piece elevates any gathering with beautifully styled charcuterie boxes, cones, graze boards, and a versatile grazing cart. Whether for weddings, corporate events, or cozy in-home celebrations, they deliver creative, ready-to-enjoy spreads that bring flavor and flair right to your doorstep.


A delicious new addition to Downtown Gastonia, Elena’s Argentinian Café brings the tastes of Argentina to Main Street. Guests can enjoy traditional pastries, empanadas, decadent desserts, espresso drinks, and yerba mate in a cozy, welcoming setting—perfect for a morning treat or an afternoon pick-me-up.



BELMONT

Outdoor seating at The Banana Bar with yellow umbrellas and string lights. A colorful flag waves against a blue sky. Cozy, inviting mood.

A fun new addition to Downtown Belmont, The Banana Bar offers a fresh twist on frozen treats with hand-dipped bananas, chocolate-covered cheesecake slices, and sweet strawberries coated in your favorite toppings. Their soft-serve ice cream has already become a local favorite—perfect for cooling off after a stroll through town.


Now brewing in Belmont, Jade & Elise Obsidian Coffee Shop brings a true seed-to-cup experience to Gaston County with beans sourced from a family-owned farm in Colombia and roasted locally. What began as a hobby has grown into a specialty coffee brand where visitors can enjoy bold, authentic flavors and a warm, community-minded atmosphere.


South Point Social is one of Belmont’s newest entertainment hubs, offering a mix of indoor and outdoor activities for families, friends, and even four-legged guests. With its spacious layout, event-friendly design, and welcoming atmosphere, it’s quickly becoming a local hotspot for casual hangouts, celebrations, and community events.


Located in downtown Belmont, Whiskerville Kitty Cat Café provides a cozy, uplifting space where guests can enjoy coffee, small bites, and the company of roaming rescue cats. Designed as both a café and an adoption-focused sanctuary, it offers a peaceful environment to relax, connect, and possibly meet your future furry companion.



MOUNT HOLLY

White two-story building labeled "The Holland Wine Bar & Restaurant" with large windows, an American flag, and a lamppost on a street corner.

A stylish new addition to downtown Mount Holly, The Holland Wine Bar and Restaurant pairs a curated wine selection with elevated, approachable dishes in a warm, modern setting. Located in a beautifully restored historic building that once served as the town’s general store and pharmacy, it blends old-world charm with contemporary dining—perfect for date nights, gatherings with friends, or special events.


We Kan Go Play brings a fresh, screen-free indoor play experience to Mount Holly with a bright, kid-focused space designed for safe, active fun. Featuring slides, a ball pit, a climbing wall, and a hands-on sensory table, it’s an ideal spot for playdates, rainy days, and letting little ones burn energy while exploring and using their imagination.




DALLAS

Iced coffee in a glass jar on a white table, with a pink brick wall and coffee grinder in the background. Menus are visible on the wall.

Growing from its mobile café roots into a charming brick-and-mortar shop in Dallas, The Traveling Sip continues to serve handcrafted coffee and specialty drinks in a warm, inviting atmosphere. With customer favorites like “The Betty” and a focus on quality ingredients, it’s quickly become a cozy community spot for both regulars and new visitors.




KINGS MOUNTAIN

Spacious bar with wooden barrels as tables, high stools, and counter with bottles. Sunlight streams through large windows onto red-toned floor.

A new addition to Kings Mountain, Southern Artisan Spirits is reviving the art of craft distillation with small-batch spirits served in a welcoming tasting environment. Nestled in a scenic location with beautiful mountain views, the distillery offers a unique stop on the local craft beverage trail—pairing quality spirits with a relaxed, picturesque setting.




CHERRYVILLE

Brick steakhouse with "Five Spur Steakhouse" sign, red striped awnings, and blue sky. Energetic and inviting atmosphere.


Bringing elevated dining to downtown Cherryville, Five Spur Steakhouse offers expertly cooked USDA steaks, fresh seafood, and classic cocktails with a Southern twist. Led by restaurateur Johnny Ray, the restaurant blends rustic charm with refined flavors, making it a standout destination for date nights, celebrations, and memorable meals on Main Street.


Located in the heart of downtown Cherryville, Hendricks Laser Works creates personalized, handcrafted gifts using precision laser engraving on wood, acrylic, metal, and more. From custom décor to fundraiser pieces, each item is thoughtfully designed, making it a go-to shop for meaningful, one-of-a-kind gifts.


Noble Artistry is a family-rooted, full-service florist in downtown Cherryville offering custom floral designs, curated gifts, décor, and its cozy in-house wine spot, Cellar 215. Blending generations of floral craftsmanship with modern creativity, it's a welcoming destination for beautiful arrangements, thoughtful gifts, and intimate gatherings.


Mr. Chile Express brings fresh, authentic Mexican cuisine to Cherryville with a wide selection of customizable dishes made from high-quality ingredients. Whether you're building your perfect bowl, burrito, or plate, each bite delivers bold, traditional flavors inspired by the heart of Mexico.


Georgia Bea’s Boutique adds stylish charm to Cherryville with a curated mix of trendy clothing, accessories, and unique gifts that celebrate individual style. Warm, welcoming, and Southern-inspired, it offers a personalized shopping experience that makes every customer feel confident and beautifully themselves.


MCADENVILLE

Brick steakhouse with "Five Spur Steakhouse" sign, red striped awnings, and blue sky. Energetic and inviting atmosphere.

La Delizia Italian Market brings true old-world flavor to McAdenville, with Nonna Rita crafting fresh pasta, rich gelato, artisan desserts, and sandwiches on house-baked focaccia. The shop also offers premium Italian products and ready-to-bake meals, making it an inviting stop for a quick bite or the ingredients for an authentic Italian feast.


Bonico is a charming new shop in downtown McAdenville offering curated home décor, artisan gifts, stationery, and seasonal finds. Every item is thoughtfully selected, making it an ideal spot to treat yourself or pick up a beautifully unique gift.


2025 New business in Gaston County

Gaston County is evolving, with each town offering something unique. This year, from new businesses to community spaces, exciting developments have made the area even more special to call home. As you return for the holidays, explore the new businesses, visit the familiar favorites, and make this holiday season one to remember in Gaston County.

GoGastonNC-Blue.png
bottom of page