Wine and Cheese Replacing Dilworth Billiards

Cured plans to open in late summer

After 35 years as a staple in the neighborhood, Dilworth Billiards will close on April 30. A new use for the 2,800-square-foot space won't be far behind: Cured, a wine and cheese shop, plans to open in late summer.

Eric Sprouse, owner of Dilworth Billiards and the property housing it, says in a press release he got a lot of interest in the space, with ideas ranging from an ice cream shop to a bar. He decided to lease the space to Lexee Zutz and Meredith Mullins after hearing their idea for a neighborhood hangout with wine, cheese, cured meats, and craft beers. They plan to have more than 200 cheeses and about 30 types of charcuterie on Cured's menu.

“We want to be a place where both men and women are comfortable enjoying fine food and drink at a neighborhood type of spot,” Mullins says of the vision for Cured.

Mullins' focus will be the wine, an interest she developed in college while waitressing and taking a course in viticulture. Zutz comes from generations of cheese; her grandfather worked as a cheese monger in Wisconsin before passing down the business to her father in 1977. 

Sprouse recently turned 65, and, despite steady business, no longer wanted to run the billiards club. Without someone to pass the place on to, he made the decision to close it down. To celebrate the life of Dilworth Billiards, there will be a party on April 24 from 4 to 6 p.m. at 300 E. Tremont Ave.

If you're looking for a replacement pool hall, check out this roundup from the January issue of Charlotte magazine.