Guard and Grace Adds Firepower to Queensbridge Collective
A new steakhouse called Guard and Grace plans to open in mid-2026 atop Queensbridge Collective, a $700 million mixed-use development at 1111 S. Tryon St. The Denver-based TAG Restaurant Group has secured 10,224 square feet on the 10th floor, where it intends to serve grass-fed, prime, and Wagyu steaks with a proprietary spice rub.
Executive chef and owner Troy Guard describes Guard and Grace as modern and chef driven, with everything made in-house. The menu includes a Filet Flight featuring 4-ounce cuts of all three steak varieties, oak-fired carrots, oak-grilled octopus, and freshly made gnocchi—once lauded by Oprah Winfrey’s magazine as the best she’d tried. The restaurant also plans a raw bar with oysters, shrimp, king crab, or lobster, plus house-made charcuterie and seasonal vegetarian offerings. Diners can watch an open kitchen and choose from an extensive wine collection guided by sommelier Nikki Guard.
The design features a 2,000-square-foot outdoor terrace overlooking Charlotte’s skyline, multiple private dining rooms, a 10-seat raw bar, and a wine wall. Guard is working with design firm Rowe in Columbus, Ohio, and hopes to select a local contractor soon. The goal is a flexible space where visitors can grab a casual drink or celebrate a major milestone.
Guard and Grace, which started in Denver 13 years ago, has been recognized by the Michelin Guide, FSR’s Top 50 Independent Restaurants, and Tasting Table’s Top 20 Steakhouses in America. TAG Restaurant Group now operates 13 restaurants in Denver and Houston. Guard says the Charlotte location was chosen for its growth and vibrant community. He aims to engage local philanthropic efforts as the brand expands.
Queensbridge Collective, developed by Riverside Investment & Development and Woodfield Development, sits at the edge of uptown and South End. The site was once occupied by Uptown Cabaret and Midnight Diner. It was purchased from longtime owner Brian Dominick for $35 million in late 2021. The 42-story tower will house 409 apartments, about 25,000 square feet of retail, and a 400-space parking deck. Plans include indoor and outdoor fitness facilities, green space, and event areas. A 35-story, 600,000-square-foot office tower is also slated for the site, though no firm timeline is public.
Night Swim Coffee is the only other announced retail tenant so far. Leasing for Queensbridge Collective’s retail component has been handled by Charles Thrift and Lucy Butler of Thrift Commercial Real Estate Services.
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