Baku, the swanky Japanese restaurant and bar that has anchored Sharon Station in Charlotte’s SouthPark for 13 years, is officially on the clock. Owner Birdie Yang announced on Instagram that the beloved spot will close in April 2026, ending a run that made it a go-to for robata-grill favorites, omakase-style menus and a sake list that could humble even the most confident enthusiast. Regulars are already trading memories as the modest strip across from SouthPark Mall braces for a major facelift.
According to the Charlotte Observer, Yang said the lease will be returned to the landlord to allow for future redevelopment, with Baku’s final month of service set for April 2026. At the same time, the Yang restaurant group lists a “Yama SouthPark” marked “Coming May 2026” on its site, suggesting at least part of his restaurant portfolio will stay rooted in the neighborhood; see Yama SouthPark.
Chef Behind Multiple Local Concepts
Yang, who purchased Baku in 2016 and has steadily expanded the Yama brand across Charlotte, now runs several neighborhood spots, including the tasting-menu restaurant Sora. Charlotte Magazine has chronicled his work building Baku’s ambitious sake program and elevating its menu. Coverage of his growing footprint has also highlighted investments in additional Yama locations and other concepts, underscoring how firmly his group is planted in the city’s dining scene.
Sharon Station Redevelopment Could Change The Block
On the real estate side, redevelopment plans help explain why Baku’s run is ending. A land-development construction plan for 4415 Sharon Road, across from SouthPark Mall, lists “Amwins Headquarters” and sketches a single mixed-use tower with office space, ground-floor retail and structured parking, according to city records reported by Yahoo. A broker listing for Sharon Station outlines a 2.3-acre cluster of small buildings and restaurants, including Baku, that would be cleared to make way for a larger project, per Childress Klein. It remains unclear whether Amwins will actually relocate its headquarters to the site or when construction might start.
What This Means For Diners
For diners, the news is not a total wipeout. Yang has signaled that his other Yama-brand locations will remain open, and the Yama SouthPark listing that pegs May 2026 hints at a nearby follow-up once Baku closes. The filings and Yang’s Instagram message together suggest the current property will revert to the landlord for redevelopment, and no relocation plans for Baku itself have been announced, the Charlotte Observer reported…