Photo contributed by Hank Thrasher
If you ever ask someone from the Myers Park area, “Where are the best wings in town??”, many will say Moosehead Grill. Montford Road is lined up with many restaurants and bars such as Angry Ale’s, Brazzwells, Park Lanes, The Roasting Company, and Moosehead. Moosehead stands out among the others. The unique restaurant design is an homage to the Pizza Hut that was leased in the same spot during the 90s. Each night loads of people find their way into Moosehead Grill to watch games, jam to music, or just the flavorful and diverse menu that features everything from wings to the quesadillas.
The Origin of the Moosehead
On the inside of the restaurant on the wall is a large taxidermied moose head. Owner Chris Neilson explains the origin of the taxidermied moose, Nielsen stated, “The moose came from a Passamaquoddy Indian that hunted with my father in the Moosehead Lake region in Maine”, His father specifically got the moose mounted to be the restaurant staple.
The Beginnings
“We maxed out nine credit cards and had five friends invest to finance opening,” said owner Chris Neilson. Nielsen’s ambitious yet intelligent goal of opening a restaurant in Charlotte was driven by the fact that “in the 90s, there was nowhere to eat after 10 PM”. Partner Donnie Anderson and Neilson met a man named Ken Mullins, a restaurant supply store owner with, “a handshake, no contract” deal and, Moosehead got the equipment ready to start serving customers and they finally opened in 1996. Moosehead’s unique serving of fresh food till 2 AM. Their business hasn’t looked back with 28 years of success. Donnie and Chris took a high-risk chance and it paid off as they created the perfect bar & grill in the Myers Park area.
Support a Small Business
Moosehead is a local staple. There’s nothing like it. When supporting small businesses, customers play an important role in boosting the local economy. Nielson stated, “I am able to create a sense of community and give back to our community.” He adds, “It takes years and is still a work in progress but we have built a team that works together to problem solve and continue to grow.” From the ground up, Moosehead is a true reflection of hard work and dedication to serve the community; as a result, Moosehead has grown into a business that is worth much more than a price tag.
Food Staples
13 unique wing flavors, potato skins, nachos, quesadillas, comfort food, and many more filling sides are the core of the menu. They also offer a diverse spread of wings, the household staple is The Uncle Donnie’s Famous Blackened Wings- given the name to pay homage to the original partner Donnie Anderson. The Bee Sting wings have the unique taste of honey and habanero. Similar to the Bee Stings, the Killer Bees have more heat with a hint of mango. The PB & J’s are the most interesting wing with; thai spices, peanut butter, and apple jelly. The original hot Buffalo offers a spicy kick as well as the Poison Poison wings which are made with Carolina Reaper peppers. Moosehead is the dream for the avid chicken wing enthusiast.
Moosehead’s “watering hole” for adults provides 17 draft beers and 10 different bottles. Moosehead supports local breweries by selling local IPAS like NODA’s Jam Session and Olde Meck Copper. Customers enjoy the late nights and the wide offering of drinks.
Nielsen stated, “It’s the quality of the food, the environment we have created, and good staff that keeps customers coming back.” Charlotte has so much to offer, but no restaurant and bar compare to the Culture Chris Neilson and Donnie Anderson started back in 1996. Moosehead Grill serves the heart of the Myers Park Community. Nothing can beat the Moose!