Four bars under one roof. A new concept debuts as South End nightlife destination

A new entertainment destination is making its South End debut with four bars under one roof in Charlotte.

RSVP South End opens Friday at 225 Fairwood Ave. with a “multi-concept nightlife experience.”

The 14,807-square-foot venue has four separate spaces: a bar, cocktail lounge, rooftop bar and nightclub.

“This is quite differentiated from other concepts in the area. There really isn’t anything that offers exactly what RSVP does,” said Scott Jermyn, co-managing partner for RSVP with Paul Chen. Jermyn and Chen also are co-founders of the restaurant and bar The Fairwood 226 across the street.

Originally two brick buildings on the half-acre site, RSVP South End Holding Company purchased the property in 2021 for $1.9 million, Mecklenburg County property records show.

“Everything was built with more of a traditional look to incorporate the idea for private rentals and more of a timeless design,” Jermyn said.

What to expect at RSVP South End

Each concept at RSVP South End has its own atmosphere and different beverage menus. RSVP is an acronym for the name of each space:

▪ Rooftop: The full-service bar above RSVP’s Parlor with views of uptown Charlotte. With retractable sides and heaters and fans throughout the space, it will be open for year-round use. “It’s more modern, trendy,” Jermyn said. Beverages will focus on wines and frozen drinks.

▪ Stage: The nightclub with a dance floor has an elevated DJ booth and professional sound and color-changing lighting system. VIP booths are available for rent for up to 12 people. There will be live music and entertainment, such as country night and throw-back Thursdays, RSVP growth marketer Paige Chiaretta said. The beverage menu will include drafts and canned beers and ciders, plus craft draft cocktails such as espresso martini by Night Swim Coffee.

▪ Veranda: A two-story, full-service bar with outdoor covered seating. With automated sides and built-in heaters and a fireplace, it’s open year-round. It’s more of a Charleston feel with a lot of greenery and brick floor, Jermyn said. It also has an automated pergola roof system that wraps around the bar and can open and close. The beverage menu focuses on wine and frozen drinks.

▪ Parlor: A laid-back, speakeasy-style lounge, the beverage menu emphasizes bourbon and whiskey craft cocktails. Nestled along the the library is a VIP table for rent. On weekends, the space will open to Stage.

There’s also a full-service kitchen with high-end, shareable plates, Jermyn said, plus an outdoor food truck branded under RSVP.

RSVP will employ about 90 people.

VIP treatment and rental space

RSVP South End’s VIP packages at Stage and Parlor include private booths, bottle service, valet parking and a private entrance.

RSVP South End and all of its spaces are available to rent for events like corporate parties or weddings.

“Considering event space is short in Charlotte, especially in the South End area, we thought it was a good idea, as opposed to just being a full-time bar and restaurant,” Jermyn said.

RSVP South End is near the light rail’s New Bern Station but also has its own 100 parking spots. “We’re very lucky to have some parking,” Jermyn said.

This story was originally published January 20, 2023 at 7:38 AM with the headline "Four bars under one roof. A new concept debuts as South End nightlife destination."