The Changebaker Place

Description: A Colombian-rooted cafe on Central Avenue in East Charlotte, operating as a direct extension of the neighboring Manolo's Bakery. The menu features espresso and coffee drinks made with Colombian Arabica beans, a house-made gelato line, and a pastry case focused on high-end pastries and croissants rather than grab-and-go baked goods.

Housed in a converted hair salon suite designed by Lady Betancur, the space has a more intentional sit-and-stay feel than the original bakery next door. Named after an award-winning documentary about the bakery's founder, Manuel "Manolo" Betancur, a Colombian immigrant, social activist, and 2021 World Bread Hero.

Comments: This spot has a great story behind it. Manolo Betancur is legitimately one of Charlotte's most beloved food figures. His bakery (Manolo's) is consistently mentioned around town, particularly when it comes to best Latin pastries in Charlotte. The Change baker Place is right next door to the original bakery in Suite B, which used to be a hair salon. Lady Betancur (Manolo's wife) designed the space and runs it. The whole idea is that it's the elevated cafe experience complementing the bakery, with proper espresso drinks, gelato, and high-end pastries instead of the bakery's grab-and-go format.

The documentary connection is cool. "The Change Baker" premiered at Mountainfilm in Telluride and won an award before getting its Charlotte premiere at the Carolina Theatre on the same day the cafe opened (January 17, 2026). The film follows Manolo's journey from Colombian Army captain fleeing war to Charlotte baker to activist. The Carolina Theatre listing describes the bakery as "a hub for activism, compassion and opportunity" with the motto "Made in America by the Hands of Immigrants."

The gelato here has its own Instagram at @artisengelato, and Manolo runs a nonprofit called By Immigrant Hands out of the same address. The nonprofit coffee they sell supports bakers in Ukraine, which Manolo has visited three times to deliver aid. The depth of mission behind this place is rare!