The Changebaker Place

Description: A new East Charlotte cafe is opening Jan. 17 from Manuel “Manolo” Betancur, owner of the longtime neighborhood favorite Manolo’s Bakery, serving as a direct extension of that bakery’s coffee and pastry program. The cafe takes its name from The Changebaker Place, an award-winning documentary about Betancur that premieres the same day at Carolina Theatre.

Expect espresso and coffee drinks made with Colombian beans, a new in-house gelato line, and a pastry case focused on high-end pastries and croissants rather than grab-and-go baked goods. The space is housed in a former hair salon and was designed by Betancur’s wife, Lady, who will also run the cafe, giving it a more intentional sit-and-stay feel than the original bakery while keeping the same heart behind it.