A popular Plaza Midwood bar has closed. What happened — and what’s next

Lorem Ipsum, a popular listening bar in Plaza Midwood, has officially closed.

Owner Justin Hazelton confirmed the news Wednesday, July 15, in a farewell message shared on Instagram. The pop-up concept operated inside The Refuge hotel on Central Avenue for more than two years.

In 2025, Esquire named it one of the 15 best bars in America, CharlotteFive previously reported.

“Because of all of you, Lorem grew into something far greater than a cocktail bar,” Hazelton wrote. “Over the next few weeks, I’d like to look back, celebrate the story we wrote together, and take my time showing you what we built.”

Lorem Ipsum debuted in 2023, offering curated music from local artists and DJ’s along with a menu of cocktails, beer, wine and zero-proof sips.

The bar was a conceptual residency at the hotel and was slated to end in late July, Hazelton told CharlotteFive. However, HVAC issues during Charlotte’s recent heat wave expedited the closure, Unpretentious Palate first reported.

So, what’s next?

Hazelton told CharlotteFive he plans to launch a new concept at the Innovation Barn nearby, just off Central Avenue. Details are slim, but Hazelton promised to share more on what’s to come soon.

According to Unpretentious Palate, a radio venture featuring live music and DJ sets is also in the works.

Hazelton was flooded with kind words and well wishes after sharing news of Lorem Ipsum’s closure. Locals expressed their excitement as Hazelton gears up for his next venture:

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Location: 1101 Central Ave Unit B, Charlotte, NC 28204 (inside Refuge hotel)

Cuisine: Listening bar

Instagram: @loremipsum.bar

This story was originally published July 16, 2026 at 12:30 PM.