Florence Wine & Beer Garden to open on October 7th, 2025

There’s something magical happening inside one of Mooresville’s oldest industrial landmarks. The century-old Powerhouse at Merino Mill, once a hub of steam and electricity for the Mooresville Cotton Mills, has been reborn as Florence Wine & Beer Garden – a fresh new Italian restaurant that combines history, atmosphere, and authentic flavors in one unforgettable dining experience.

From Powerhouse to Gathering Place

Owner Michal Bay saw the potential in the stately brick building on South Church Street and spent two years carefully bringing it back to life. The renovation preserved its historic details – soaring 50-foot ceilings, massive arched windows, and weathered red brick – while adding warm touches like romantic patio lighting and outdoor seating with views of the pond.

The result is a setting that feels both historic and transportive. As Bay describes it, “We wanted to create a place that feels a little magical.”

The Grand Opening Celebration

Though already in a soft opening phase, Florence Wine & Beer Garden will officially celebrate its Grand Opening on Tuesday, October 7 at 11 a.m. The event will feature a welcome from Mayor Chris Carney and complimentary tastings of menu favorites. Locals and visitors alike are invited to see what makes this new addition to Mooresville’s dining scene so special.

A Menu Inspired by Italian Classics

The menu highlights Italian traditions while offering something for everyone. Popular dishes already winning over guests include:

Burrata Salad with creamy Italian cheese, fresh arugula, tomatoes, diced peaches, walnuts, and champagne vinaigrette
Fiorentina Pasta featuring fettuccine tossed in a creamy bacon and spinach sauce
Chicken Parmesan, layered with Parmesan, buffalo mozzarella, and fior di latte for extra depth

For those craving something hearty, there’s house-made lasagna with rich Bolognese and béchamel, or the Ragu Della Casa, a slow-cooked Bologna-style ragu served over wide pappardelle.

Seafood lovers will appreciate the sea bass and salmon entrées, served alongside creamy pasta or a crisp arugula-tomato salad. Vegetarians can enjoy Gnocchi Al Forno, baked with tomato sauce, béchamel, and Parmesan, while vegans have the Toscana – a plant-based ragu paired with fettuccine and cannellini beans. Gluten-free pasta is also available.

Wines, Desserts, and What’s Next

The beverage list features wines from Italy, France, and Spain, plus Prosecco on tap – perfect for toasting a special night out.

And of course, no Italian meal is complete without dessert. The lineup includes beloved classics like tiramisu and cannoli, as well as indulgent twists such as limoncello mascarpone cake, hot honey peach cheesecake, and a selection of rich chocolate specialties. Bay hints that new lamb and beef dishes are already in the works for future menu additions.

Where History Meets Hospitality

The towering smokestack of the old Powerhouse still rises above the Merino Mill complex, a reminder of Mooresville’s textile past. But inside, the building has taken on a new role – not as a generator of steam, but as a place where friends and families gather to share meals, laughter, and memories.

Florence Wine & Beer Garden is more than a restaurant. It’s a chance to step into Mooresville’s history while savoring a taste of Italy, right in the heart of town.