On The Nines
Restaurateur Chris Boukedes ’92 takes us inside his popular Euro-southern bistro.
Written by Jenny Matz
Photos by Amy Hart
In the vibrant culinary and entertainment landscape of the Charlotte region, one name stands out with undeniable passion and flair — Chris Boukedes. A Charlotte native and 1992 UNC Charlotte alumnus, Boukedes was introduced to the hospitality industry at an early age, owning his first restaurant at just 19 years old.
Nearly 30 years later, he has carved out a reputation for creating exceptional atmospheres and experiences. On the Nines Neighborhood Bistro & Cocktails is just one spoke of a hospitality hub that includes The Comedy Zone, The BoatYard at Lake Norman, the Venues at Langtree and Bouk Catering & Events. And he’s not slowing down anytime soon.
Greek to Me //
The son of Greek immigrants, Boukedes grew up in restaurants — his parents owned South 21 Drive In and Sam’s Sandwich Shop. Every day after school, he would head over to the family business, making onion rings and washing dishes. As a teenager, Boukedes worked at Strutters Restaurant in SouthPark, taking on managerial and operational responsibilities while a sophomore at UNC Charlotte. He eventually purchased the restaurant, recasting it as Cluckers Mediterranean in Pineville.
Original Cluckers ad (left) and Sam’s Sandwich Shop, owned by Boukedes’ father (right).
After graduating with a degree in business management from UNC Charlotte’s Belk College of Business, Boukedes dug in. Over the next few years, he opened the Brickhouse Tavern in Davidson in conjunction with Showmars Restaurant Group, The Galway Hooker Pub on Lake Norman (he’s since sold his ownership stake in both), The Comedy Zones with locations at the NC Music Factory, Mooresville and the most recent at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and Resort outside of Asheville. Boukedes’ hard work and dedication paid off, with each location achieving success — and he loved every second of it.
Galway Hooker Irish Pub in Lake Norman.
Boukedes with founding partner Brian Heffron at the Comedy Zone.
“I’ve never worked a day in my life — I’m passionate about building incredible experiences, and I’m so incredibly fortunate to love what I do. It’s not work at all.”
Chris Boukedes inside On The Nines.
Link Up //
In 2016, Boukedes was approached by Mooresville town leaders who were looking for a restaurant to anchor the newly renovated Mooresville Golf Club. The opportunity was a no-brainer for Boukedes, who had recently met and become fast friends with Chef Steve Jordan, a Charleston Johnson and Wales graduate. Chef Jordan’s love of cooking was inspired by his family and shaped in some of Charleston’s most renowned restaurants like Blossom, Magnolia and Union Hall.
Teaming up, the visionary owner and the culinary mastermind developed On The Nines Neighborhood Bistro & Cocktails to showcase traditional Southern fare with a European twist. The co-owners won the town’s support and On The Nines opened in 2017, along with Tavern at The Turn, located in the middle of the course featuring fried baloney sandwiches, burgers, bacon-wrapped cheesy hot dogs and cold beverages.
On The Nines owners Chris Boukedes and Chef Steve Jordan
A testament to the food, atmosphere and staff, On the Nines has no slow night of the week. At 5 p.m. on a random Wednesday, the restaurant was already buzzing, and the bar was half full. Along with beloved bartender “Captain” Patrick Anderson, Chef Jordan and Boukedes can be found on the floor interacting with guests — many of them regulars. Because he believes in supporting local farms and serving to the season, Chef Jordan frequently adds new features to the expansive menu rounded out by Captain’s creative cocktails and mocktails.
Cocktails //
Take a peek at some of the drinks and dishes Boukedes serves up at On The Nines.
Cloud 9
Old Fashioned
Smoked bourbon with bitters, orange peel and a cherry.
Blueberry
Buck
Tito’s vodka, blueberry juice, lemon and ginger kombucha.
Nines
Spritz
Refreshing gin, aperol, bubbly and lemon.
Appetizers //
Homemade Biscuits
Scratch made, buttermilk biscuits inspired by Chef Jordan’s grandmother, Ruby, are served warm to every table along with a delicate fruit butter that changes weekly.
Baby Beet and Arugula Salad
Baby arugula, topped with raspberry pickled beets, pistachio-crusted goat cheese, golden raisins and a white balsamic vinaigrette.
French Onion Soup
A piping hot classic onion broth with crusted gruyere and sourdough croutons.
Nines Duck Egg Rolls and Deviled Eggs
These crispy egg rolls are stuffed with duck confit, shitake mushrooms and duck sauce. The deviled eggs are made with Virginia ham and black truffle, topped with crispy shallots.
Entrees & Desserts //
Grilled Grouper
The fresh catch with shiitake mushrooms, corn, tomato and bacon fricassee, beurre blanc and lime butter.
Pan-Seared Scallops
Fresh seared scallops are served with a shrimp saffron and pea risotto with a citrus beurre blanc.
Salmon Meuniere
Salmon, grilled to perfection, is paired with with lobster mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach, finished with lemon, capers and microgreens.
Cajun Tofu
Cajun blackened tofu with eggplant caponata, red pepper coulis and grilled broccolini.
Lobster and Shrimp Linguini
Generous portions of lobster and shrimp, tossed in a sun-dried tomato and basil pesto cream sauce.
Portland Coffee En Fuego
Proofed rum, triple sec, Kahlua and coffee served in a fired glass with a sugar rim, topped with whipped cream and nutmeg.
Baked Alaska
Spongy chocolate cake with coffee ice cream, enrobed in delicately toasted meringue and served flambe-style with warm chocolate sauce.
In the last few years Boukedes has hit his stride, opening the BoatYard at Lake Norman, a one-stop hot spot featuring live music, cocktails and dining. The ultimate music venue, BoatYard boasts three stages, social space for 1,000, four full-service bars and on-site chef and catering services. BoatYard is pretty much always packed, hosting upward of 125 concerts a year and Music Bingo on Thursdays.
In 2020, Boukedes and business partner Chris McKee ’93, a fellow Lambda Chi fraternity brother and lifelong friend, invested in The Venues at Langtree, a stunning nine-acre estate in Mooresville, dating to 1850. The Venues feature five different full-service event and meeting spaces with more than 26,000 square feet across its 16-acre footprint and new additions in the works. The pair plan to host festivals, concerts and other food/beverage events.
While Boukedes stays insanely busy, he wouldn’t have it any other way. He enjoys creating positive experiences for others — and that same love has passed to his two daughters. His eldest, Ella, is studying dentistry at NC State and his youngest, Zoey, launched a non-profit when she was just 11 years old. Designed to promote positivity in the face of life’s challenges, Yay!Day was inspired as a way to combat bullying, educate and provide support to those committed to improving people’s lives.
Zoey Boukedes started Yay!Day to encourage positivity
Boukedes with youngest daughter Zoey, wife Danielle Boukedes ‘95 and eldest daughter Ella
Boukedes credits his time at UNC Charlotte — as well as the friendships he’s made — for helping him on his path. “UNC Charlotte is an incredible university and such a driver for the Charlotte region. It has enabled so many people to find their unique path to success, and that’s what continues to make our city so great.”
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Making Niner Nation Proud
We all come to UNC Charlotte from distinct backgrounds and leave on different paths. What we have in common is that we all take a piece of Niner Nation with us to use in a special way. When you think of it like that, we’re all striking gold.
RELATED STORIES:
Niner Restaurants
Niner Owned Pubs and Taverns
On The Nines
Restaurateur Chris Boukedes ’92 takes us inside his popular Euro-southern bistro.
Written by Jenny Matz
Photos by Amy Hart
In the vibrant culinary and entertainment landscape of the Charlotte region, one name stands out with undeniable passion and flair — Chris Boukedes. A Charlotte native and 1992 UNC Charlotte alumnus, Boukedes was introduced to the hospitality industry at an early age, owning his first restaurant at just 19 years old.
Nearly 30 years later, he has carved out a reputation for creating exceptional atmospheres and experiences. On the Nines Neighborhood Bistro & Cocktails is just one spoke of a hospitality hub that includes The Comedy Zone, The BoatYard at Lake Norman, the Venues at Langtree and Bouk Catering & Events. And he’s not slowing down anytime soon.
Greek to Me //
The son of Greek immigrants, Boukedes grew up in restaurants — his parents owned South 21 Drive In and Sam’s Sandwich Shop. Every day after school, he would head over to the family business, making onion rings and washing dishes. As a teenager, Boukedes worked at Strutters Restaurant in SouthPark, taking on managerial and operational responsibilities while a sophomore at UNC Charlotte. He eventually purchased the restaurant, recasting it as Cluckers Mediterranean in Pineville.
Original Cluckers ad (top) and Sam’s Sandwich Shop, owned by Boukedes’ father (bottom).
After graduating with a degree in business management from UNC Charlotte’s Belk College of Business, Boukedes dug in. Over the next few years, he opened the Brickhouse Tavern in Davidson in conjunction with Showmars Restaurant Group, The Galway Hooker Pub on Lake Norman (he’s since sold his ownership stake in both), The Comedy Zones with locations at the NC Music Factory, Mooresville and the most recent at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and Resort outside of Asheville. Boukedes’ hard work and dedication paid off, with each location achieving success — and he loved every second of it.
Galway Hooker Irish Pub in Lake Norman.
Boukedes with founding partner Brian Heffron at the Comedy Zone.
“I’ve never worked a day in my life — I’m passionate about building incredible experiences, and I’m so incredibly fortunate to love what I do. It’s not work at all.”
Chris Boukedes inside On The Nines.
Link Up //
In 2016, Boukedes was approached by Mooresville town leaders who were looking for a restaurant to anchor the newly renovated Mooresville Golf Club. The opportunity was a no-brainer for Boukedes, who had recently met and become fast friends with Chef Steve Jordan, a Charleston Johnson and Wales graduate. Chef Jordan’s love of cooking was inspired by his family and shaped in some of Charleston’s most renowned restaurants like Blossom, Magnolia and Union Hall.
Teaming up, the visionary owner and the culinary mastermind developed On The Nines Neighborhood Bistro & Cocktails to showcase traditional Southern fare with a European twist. The co-owners won the town’s support and On The Nines opened in 2017, along with Tavern at The Turn, located in the middle of the course featuring fried baloney sandwiches, burgers, bacon-wrapped cheesy hot dogs and cold beverages.
On The Nines owners Chris Boukedes and Chef Steve Jordan
A testament to the food, atmosphere and staff, On the Nines has no slow night of the week. At 5 p.m. on a random Wednesday, the restaurant was already buzzing, and the bar was half full. Along with beloved bartender “Captain” Patrick Anderson, Chef Jordan and Boukedes can be found on the floor interacting with guests — many of them regulars. Because he believes in supporting local farms and serving to the season, Chef Jordan frequently adds new features to the expansive menu rounded out by Captain’s creative cocktails and mocktails.
Cocktails //
Take a peek at some of the drinks and dishes Boukedes serves up at On The Nines.
Cloud 9 Old Fashioned
Smoked bourbon with bitters, orange peel and a cherry.
Blueberry Buck
Tito’s vodka, blueberry juice, lemon and ginger kombucha.
Nines Spritz
Refreshing gin, aperol, bubbly and lemon.
Appetizers //
Homemade Biscuits
Scratch made, buttermilk biscuits inspired by Chef Jordan’s grandmother, Ruby, are served warm to every table along with a delicate fruit butter that changes weekly.
Baby Beet and Arugula Salad
Baby arugula, topped with raspberry pickled beets, pistachio-crusted goat cheese, golden raisins and a white balsamic vinaigrette.
French Onion Soup
A piping hot classic onion broth with crusted gruyere and sourdough croutons.
Nines Duck Egg Rolls and Deviled Eggs
These crispy egg rolls are stuffed with duck confit, shitake mushrooms and duck sauce. The deviled eggs are made with Virginia ham and black truffle, topped with crispy shallots.
Entrees & Desserts //
Grilled Grouper
The fresh catch with shiitake mushrooms, corn, tomato and bacon fricassee, beurre blanc and lime butter.
Pan-Seared Scallops
Fresh seared scallops are served with a shrimp saffron and pea risotto with a citrus beurre blanc.
Salmon Meuniere
Salmon, grilled to perfection, is paired with with lobster mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach, finished with lemon, capers and microgreens.
Cajun Tofu
Cajun blackened tofu with eggplant caponata, red pepper coulis and grilled broccolini.
Lobster and Shrimp Linguini
Generous portions of lobster and shrimp, tossed in a sun-dried tomato and basil pesto cream sauce.
Portland Coffee En Fuego
Proofed rum, triple sec, Kahlua and coffee served in a fired glass with a sugar rim, topped with whipped cream and nutmeg.
Baked Alaska
Spongy chocolate cake with coffee ice cream, enrobed in delicately toasted meringue and served flambe-style with warm chocolate sauce.
In the last few years Boukedes has hit his stride, opening the BoatYard at Lake Norman, a one-stop hot spot featuring live music, cocktails and dining. The ultimate music venue, BoatYard boasts three stages, social space for 1,000, four full-service bars and on-site chef and catering services. BoatYard is pretty much always packed, hosting upward of 125 concerts a year and Music Bingo on Thursdays.
In 2020, Boukedes and business partner Chris McKee ‘93, a fellow Lambda Chi fraternity brother and lifelong friend, invested in The Venues at Langtree, a stunning nine-acre estate in Mooresville, dating to 1850. The Venues feature five different full-service event and meeting spaces with more than 26,000 square feet across its 16-acre footprint and new additions in the works. The pair plan to host festivals, concerts and other food/beverage events.
While Boukedes stays insanely busy, he wouldn’t have it any other way. He enjoys creating positive experiences for others — and that same love has passed to his two daughters. His eldest, Ella, is studying dentistry at NC State and his youngest, Zoey, launched a non-profit when she was just 11 years old. Designed to promote positivity in the face of life’s challenges, Yay!Day was inspired as a way to combat bullying, educate and provide support to those committed to improving people’s lives.
Zoey Boukedes started Yay!Day to encourage positivity
Boukedes with youngest daughter Zoey, wife Danielle Boukedes ‘95 and eldest daughter Ella
Boukedes credits his time at UNC Charlotte — as well as the friendships he’s made — for helping him on his path. “UNC Charlotte is an incredible university and such a driver for the Charlotte region. It has enabled so many people to find their unique path to success, and that’s what continues to make our city so great.”
Making Niner Nation Proud
We all come to UNC Charlotte from distinct backgrounds and leave on different paths. What we have in common is that we all take a piece of Niner Nation with us to use in a special way. When you think of it like that, we’re all striking gold.
RELATED STORIES:
