Tupelo is a long time favorite. When I learned it was moving to Charlotte I was stoked! Though it has been no replacement for the real deal in Asheville, it's been pleasant to have Tupelo here.
Yesterday for Mother's Day our family went for lunch as we did last year. They did a great job with the reservation and the people we're pleasant but that's about the end of it.
We were very disappointed in every other aspect of our long journey. I first noticed the menu was not what I was accustomed to, seemed more limited and less of the southern "Tupelo" vibe we love.(When did Guacamole Toast become a Southern Food and Carolina Mountains tradition?) While we were seated on time, once we ordered our meal it took over an hour to actually get the food. I understand being busy but an hour for our order is ridiculous. Meanwhile the AC was freezing us out, but we had plenty of time to go outside and thaw, despite our several requests to turn the AC back. Once the food did arrive there were a several misses from what was ordered but after waiting an hour we ate what we could and got out if there. What we did eat was not great and a couple of us had digestive "challenges" that evening. I've never said that about Tupelo.
Afterwards we saw the sign outside about a new chef. Not sure if that's the reason for the not so Southern menu changes and poor execution but something is definitely off.
I really want Tupelo to do well but it seems things are going downhill after comparing our experience with some of the recent reviews. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. PLEASE BRING BACK THE TUPELO WE LOVED.