Three new eateries for Brevard Court

Pho, cupcakes and espresso: Three new eateries are headed to Brevard Court uptown.

The new businesses will help inject some new life into Brevard Court. The row of restaurants has been busy during the World Cup, but was looking a bit threadbare as empty storefronts crept in.

Here's what's coming to Brevard Court -

Pho Plus: The Vietnamese noodle shop has had a sign up for quite a few months now, in the former China King location. But construction finally appears to be underway, and the joint looks closer to actually opening than I've seen before.

Melt in Your Mouth: This store offering cupcakes and other sweets has a sign in the window across from Pho Plus. The company has one location in Waxhaw, and also does catering and wedding cakes.

Rush Espresso: Serving Lavazza Italian espresso products and coffee, baked goods and other coffee shop staples, Rush is set to open in the spot next to Clover Joe's.

Panera coming to SouthPark mall

Panera Bread said this week it will open a new restaurant inside SouthPark mall's food court.

The company said the store will open in October. The Panera will be about 1,200 square feet. Here's what Panera had to say about itself in a news release:

"With its identity rooted in handcrafted, freshly-baked, artisan bread, Panera Bread is committed to providing great tasting, quality food that people can trust. Highlighted by antibiotic-free chicken, whole grain bread, select organic and all-natural ingredients and a menu with zero grams added trans fat, Panera’s bakery-cafe selection offers flavorful, wholesome offerings. The menu includes a variety of year-round favorites to complement seasonal items and breads baked fresh daily in each bakery-cafe by skilled bakers."

The company already has a store on Fairview Road, down the block from SouthPark mall, so there will be plenty of Panera access for those nearby.

Charlotte Premium Outlets adds 22 retailers

Charlotte Premium Outlets announced 22 new stores on Wednesday, adding to its list of retailers in advance of a planned July 31 opening.

The newly announced stores include:

• Ann Taylor Factory Store
• BeBe
• Charlotte Russe
• Chico’s
• Converse
• Easy Spirit
• Express Outlet
• Fragrance Outlet
• Francesca's Collection
• Janie & Jack
• Johnston & Murphy
• Joseph A Bank
• Lane Bryant
• Loft Outlet
• New York & Company Outlet
• Nine West
• Oakley Vault
• Reebok
• Sunglass Hut
• Talbots
• White House Black Market
• Yankee Candle

You can see a complete list of stores online here.

Charlotte Premium Outlets is in Steele Creek, just southwest of I-485. The mall is the first outlet mall in Charlotte, and is a joint venture of Tanger Factory Outlet Centers and Simon Property Group, which owns SouthPark mall and Concord Mills.

J.Crew Factory open at Concord Mills

J.Crew fans, take heart: There is a J. Crew Factory store open now at Concord Mills.

The new store is in Neighborhood 3, between Victoria's Secret and the Bose Factory store.

Here's what the company has to say about its store: "J.Crew Factory, the retailer that revolutionized casual dressing at affordable prices, offers an unmatched selection of preppy apparel and trendy accessories for men, women and children, including chic dresses, denim, sweater sets, swim wear, outerwear, polos, statement jewelry and more."

Other new stores recently opened at Concord Mills include Torrid, a Lucky Brand outlet and Janie and Jack. Buckle is set to open in July.

Johnny Rockets looks to expand in Charlotte

California-based Johnny Rockets says it's looking to expand into Charlotte and across North Carolina, adding another potential burger player to the region.

The company has one North Carolina location, at Harrah's Cherokee Casino. Johnny Rockets is seeking to open more franchised locations in the state, and chief development officer James Walker presented this weekend at the Charlotte Franchise and Business Opportunities Show.

"North Carolina has always been a target state for expansion due to the need for more restaurants within its metropolitan areas," said Walker, in a statement. "In particular, Charlotte has become a booming destination for families to live, work and visit. With its various malls, shopping centers, arenas and amusement parks, Charlotte is an ideal city for Johnny Rockets due to its flexible footprints and appeal to all ages."

The company is also focused on Raleigh, Walker said.

What do you think of Johnny Rockets? I haven't been since I was on the West Coast, but I recall a tasty burger and a fine milkshake.