It Started With a Friendly Disagreement
Brian and Shelley had been working in restaurants since they were teenagers. Shelley said grilled cheese — Brian needed convincing. Turns out, Shelley was right.
Papi Queso | Our Story
The Compromise That Changed Everything
In 2010, Brian and Shelley decided to build something of their own. They'd start with grilled cheese — with full plans to reinvent it later. They never did.
From the Truck to Optimist Hall
Papi Queso hit Charlotte streets in 2012 as a food truck, building a following one melty sandwich at a time. Optimist Hall became the permanent home Charlotte asked for.
A Handful of Ingredients, Treated Well
Shelley's fine dining instincts show up in every sandwich — pain de mie bread, a proprietary butter-mayo blend, and a crust that has to be golden or it doesn't leave the griddle.
Charlotte Noticed. Then the Country Did.
The Pig Mac earned a Food Network spotlight on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and Queen City Nerve readers named Papi Queso Best Food Truck Concept in 2024.
Brian and Shelley, Still at It
Brian is behind the counter; Shelley is dreaming up what's next. The scrappy, two-person heart of this place isn't going anywhere.