By Cameron Lee
February 15, 2026
For nearly two decades, Petra’s has been the heartbeat of Plaza Midwood, a place where live music, art, and locally focused eccentric events converge in a tight-knit corner off Commonwealth Avenue. But as the neighborhood swells with new development, the beloved venue is evolving to meet the times.
Rising rent and changing nightlife habits have prompted co-owner Perry Fowler — singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist of the folk duo Sinners & Saints — and his wife, Marta Suarez del Real, to rethink how Petra’s can thrive.
“It’s just us trying to either sink or swim. People aren’t drinking as much anymore. People aren’t coming out to shows as much,” Fowler said.
They’re reimagining the space adjoining the stage and bar — once home to rotating art exhibits and pop-up events — to now house The Little Shop of Petra’s, a vintage consignment shop open Thursdays through Saturdays, noon to 6 p.m.
Managed by Joey Whit of Charlotte rock band Comino, the shop will carry vintage clothing, records, video games, accessories, and a collection of unique household items — a daytime draw for locals and passersby alike.
“What I’m really hoping to see is just a cool neighborhood spot — somewhere you can come, shop, chill at the bar, maybe have a drink,” Whit said.
Vintage shopping isn’t new to Petra’s. Suarez del Real has hosted the Hot Stuff Market for six years, and Whit envisions this iteration as a community marketplace — a way for neighbors to consign items, support the venue, and make a little extra cash along the way.
“People from the neighborhood…they can just give it to us, tell us what they want for it, and we’ll put it on the rack,” Whit said.
Petra’s has long been a pillar of Charlotte’s music and arts scene. Since 2007, founders Petra Fugger, Connie Huddleston, and local educator Jerry Brown — who passed away in 2016 — curated cabaret shows, concerts, and eclectic performances that drew diverse crowds. Longtime patron Curtis Tutt became a co-owner in 2011, and Fowler ushered in a new era starting in 2016, booking local, regional, and national acts across a wide range of genres. The venue is home to Bill Hanna’s Jazz Jam (since 2019), one of the city’s longest-running legacy jazz events, and Hazy Sunday, a semi-weekly DJ patio party (since 2018).
Fowler sought guidance from fellow musician Hope Nicholls (Fetchin Bones, Sugarsmack, It’s Snakes), owner of the boutique Boris & Natasha (located on The Plaza between Tip Top Daily Market and Hattie’s Tap & Tavern) and a North Carolina Music Hall of Fame inductee.
“I was talking to her about it, and she’s like… that’s a fantastic idea… just start doing it, and figure it out as you go along,” Fowler said.
Even with his optimism, Fowler is acutely aware of the challenges facing small businesses and independent music venues in today’s economy:
“Small businesses aren’t doing well right now, independent music venues aren’t doing well right now. So we need to figure out how we can keep the lights on, and I think the store will bring a new element and energy to the space.”
The Little Shop of Petra’s keeps the venue’s quirky, winsome character alive while creating a small-scale economic ecosystem, letting locals consign items to help a cherished community hub survive — and thrive.
A fresh sign, designed by musician and artist Nicholas Holman (Coughing Dove), funded by a Live Music Society grant, and manufactured by Charlotte-based agency Evergreen Creative Projects, signals a new chapter.
Whether you’re a longtime regular or a first-time visitor, the Little Shop of Petra’s invites you to shop, consign, or just hang out — supporting a local business while appreciating a piece of Plaza Midwood’s creative spirit.
“You can go sell it on eBay and give that corporation your 10%, or you can give it to a local business to help sell,” Whit said.
For Fowler and Suarez del Real, it’s about complementing the music experience and keeping Petra’s a vibrant, adaptive hub for years to come.
The Little Shop of Petra’s at Petra’s (1919 Commonwealth Avenue) is open Thursdays through Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
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