Charlotte, N.C. (March 26, 2026) – Chef Darius Johnson, a military veteran, will celebrate the grand opening of Sage & Citrus at Camp North End on Saturday, April 4. The wellness-forward, fast-casual restaurant is Johnson’s first brick-and-mortar business and located in the Keswick Food Stalls at the heart of the mixed-use destination. 

Following the initial lease announcement last fall, Chef Johnson has refined his vision for the concept to be rooted in intentional eating, community connection, and elevated everyday meals. The restaurant reflects Chef Johnson’s personal journey working in some of the nation’s top kitchens and serving as a private chef for professional athletes, including clients in the NBA and NFL. His farm-to-table approach and commitment to local sourcing have earned him respect within Charlotte’s food community and beyond. Through his catering company, Noelle’s Catering, Chef Johnson continues to support regional farmers, mentor emerging chefs, and champion approachable yet sophisticated dining experiences. 

“The development of Sage & Citrus has been a process – one that pushed me to slow down and really get it right,” said Chef Johnson. “This is my first physical concept, so I wanted it to feel purposeful. From the food to the experience, everything is built around creating something that people can come back to again and feel good about.” 

Grounded in a “food is medicine” philosophy, the menu offers a balance of fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients across greens-based bowls and smoothies, sandwiches, health-conscious sides like roasted redskin potatoes and diced sweet potatoes, and more. Early favorites include the oyster mushroom sandwich, short rib offerings, and signature beverages such as dragon fruit lemonade and the Nipsey Blue smoothie, all of which have already generated buzz ahead of the opening. Guests can also expect seasonal specials later this spring and summer, including rotating tacos and fresh, vegetable-forward dishes.

The fast-casual food stall showcases a sleek, modern design featuring a bright green exterior, an open expo kitchen allowing guests to see the culinary team at work, and self-order kiosks for a seamless, cashless experience.

Beyond the menu and aesthetics, Chef Johnson is focused on building relationships within Camp North End’s creative ecosystem.

“Being at Camp North End is bigger than just opening a restaurant. I’ve been walking the site, meeting other owners, and believe there’s real opportunity here to connect, collaborate, and grow together,” said Chef Johnson. 

Sage & Citrus will host grand opening festivities, including a ribbon-cutting ceremony, on Saturday, April 4, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Once open, the eatery will operate Tuesdays through Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

Located in Camp North End’s Keswick District, Sage & Citrus joins a dynamic lineup of small businesses including specialty beer and wine store Cork & Cap; streetwear brand and boutique Current Nostalgia; blackwork and pop-culture tattoo shop Glitch Tattoo; fast-casual Middle Eastern restaurant Halal Street Food; indie vinyl shop Hardy Boys Records & Comics; retro candy store Life is Sweet; Latin street food stall La Caseta; Korean barbecue fusion stall Blasian Asian Way; local skateboarding staple Parts & Service; personal electric vehicles shop Rent EBoards Charlotte; The Revelry North End, a 600-seat, 23,000-square-foot event venue; boutique cocktail and small bites lounge Room Service; dairy-free ice cream purveyor Seemingly Overzealous; plant-based food stall Soul Miner’s Garden; and gym & wellness center You vs. Yourself.

To learn more about Sage & Citrus, follow the restaurant on Instagram. For more information about Camp North End, visit camp.nc. 

About Camp North End

Camp North End is a 76-acre adaptive reuse development located in Charlotte's North End. Originally constructed in 1924 as a Ford Model T plant and later repurposed as the Charlotte Area Missile Plant (CAMP), the property is being transformed into a vibrant mixed-use destination featuring office, retail, food and beverage, event venues, and public gathering spaces. Camp North End has already redeveloped over 500,000 square feet of space and is recognized as a catalyst for economic growth and cultural vitality in Charlotte. For more information, visit camp.nc or follow @campnorthend on Instagram and Facebook.