Christina and Chris Phillips own Restaurant X on South Main Street, Davidson. (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)
By MADELEINE DICK-GODFREY
DavidsonNews.net
While many businesses are struggling against the weak economy and have no choice but to downsize or shut down, Davidson’s Restaurant X has managed to thrive, and is celebrating its 5th anniversary this week, a milestone highlighted with evolution and growth.
“It has been a hard but a great journey,” co-owner, chef and British native Chris Phillips said. “The best part about it has been the people we’ve met. I love that I can call most of my customers, my friends. We love them as much as they love us.”
The family-owned eatery, known for its fresh ingredients and award-winning soups, has set out to include the community in its celebration of five years of business in the town of Davidson.
The restaurant will celebrate on Thursday, Nov. 17, with a five-course wine dinner. But don’t bother calling to make reservations, tickets are already sold out.
Although the couple had previous restaurant experience in the New York area and elsewhere, Restaurant X is the first they have owned.
“Over the years we had heard a lot of great things about Davidson. We picked the area, spent a little bit of time here and quickly realized that Davidson felt a lot like home,” Mr. Phillips said.
“We have so much repeat business. Our customers are very loyal. Some of them come in three or four times a week for lunch or dinner or both,” said Christina Phillips, Mr. Phillips’ Belfast, Ireland-born wife.
The amazing staff, fresh food and quaint atmosphere repeatedly brings people back through the doors. Even with the increasing number of restaurants opening in Davidson and the surrounding area, Restaurant X continues to be a local favorite. “Of course our customers try new places, but they always come back,” Christina said. “People realize what great value they get in our restaurant.”
Both partners dedicate much of their time to volunteer pursuits. Both see their individual endeavors as a way to give back to the community of Davidson.
“We try to do anything we can for the community,” said Chris. “It is a hand in hand operation.”
Restaurant X has been the winner of “Best Overall Soup” at Davidson Housing Coalition’s annual Souper Bowl Competition, raising money for emergency home repairs. The restaurant is also a proud supporter of Davidson College Men’s Soccer Team.
Chris describes his restaurant as a cozy bistro with a menu made from scratch with fresh, quality ingredients. “We serve fresh food, done right with some integrity,” said Chris.
From vegetarian to gluten free, Restaurant X has something for everyone. When asked their personal favorites, Chris said he would have to go with the Beef Brisket. Christina chose the tuna for dinner and the couscous salad for lunch. Other favorites include shrimp and grits, grilled salmon and the X-Burger.
[Meanwhile, Restaurant X is participating in this month's Dine out for Hospice fundraiser. On Tuesday, Nov. 29, they'll donate 10 percent of lunch and dinner sales to Hospice & Palliative Care of the Charlotte Region.]
Restaurant X is open for lunch Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m and dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Brunch is served the last Sunday of every month. For more information, call 704-892-9369 or visit www.restaurantx-davidson.com.
RELATED COVERAGE
March 24, 2010, “For award-winning soup, ‘X’ marks the spot.”
