Morganton’s former Bella Vino location sits vacant at 112 W. Union St. The city, which owns the building, is still looking for a new family-friendly restaurant to fill the space.
Morganton’s former Bella Vino location sits vacant at 112 W. Union St. The city, which owns the building, is still looking for a new family-friendly restaurant to fill the space.
The City of Morganton is moving toward selling the former Bella Vino building on West Union Street — a property it has owned for decades and one that houses the Main Street office upstairs. What began as a search for a new restaurant tenant has shifted into something larger.
City Manager Sally Sandy confirmed the city has received multiple proposals. One, however, stood out: a purchase offer from Cranford Hospitality, a well-known regional restaurant group. The company is proposing to buy the building, keep the Main Street office in place, and transform the property into a new dining destination.
The City Council voted unanimously to pursue the sale, setting in motion a state-required process that could bring fresh energy — and a proven hospitality brand — to Morganton’s downtown. If no competing bids emerge, renovations could begin as soon as early 2026.
Quick Highlights
The Offer: $425,000 purchase price with a $25,000 earnest deposit and reduced/free rent for the Main Street office.
The Buyer: Cranford Hospitality, operators of Charolais Steakhouse, City Walk Brewing & Distilling, Standard Oyster Company, and others.
The Next Step: A 10-day upset bid process begins Thursday. If no higher bid is filed, council approval could finalize the deal within 30 days.
Read full details and more in Saturday's edition of The Paper
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