Incarcerated Dinner: A 5-Course Dinner Experience Behind Bars

  • July 24, 2025 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM

  • Mecklenburg County Detention Center Central

    801 East 4th Street
    Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
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Description

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🍽️ Would You Ever Dine in a Detention Center?
Not as a visitor. Not as an observer. As a guest… at the table.

We're hosting an unforgettable 5-course dinner inside an active Mecklenburg County detention center. This isn’t just about food. It’s about perspective, possibility, and breaking stigmas.

Chef Erick Crawford, owner of Marlee Jean’s and 2024 UPPY Food Truck of the Year, was once in a treatment center himself. After overcoming addiction, he built a new path forward. Now he returns, not in cuffs, but in service. He’s sharing his story with guests and working directly with the residents (inmates) to develop a menu rooted in creativity.

Each course is inspired by meals made in detention using real commissary ingredients, reimagined and elevated by Chef Erick into a full-size plated dinner. This is not a tasting menu.

What to expect:

  • A 5-course plated dinner, each dish inspired by commissary meals
  • Community-style seating with storytelling behind each course
  • You will be dining with a spork, no other utensils allowed(food will be served pre-cut)
  • Guests may interact with residents (inmates) during the event
  • Doors close and lock at 3:50 PM sharp. No late entry. No refunds
  • No ingredient substitutions or dietary accommodations

Important info:

  • Tickets are $80 per person and include 5 full-size courses and soft drinks (no alcohol will be served)
  • All guests must be 18 or older
  • All attendees must wear the provided event t-shirt
  • Background check through Mecklenburg County is required before attending(no cost to you)
  • Government-issued ID required at check-in
  • Expect security screening upon entry
  • No phones, photography, video recording, or weapons of any kind allowed
  • By attending, you assume all risks associated with entering and dining in an active detention center
  • Ride-share is strongly encouraged. Paid parking available at 915 E 4th St, Charlotte, NC 28204

This is an intimate and intentional dinner created in collaboration with those inside. It’s meant to connect, not separate.

Come as a stranger, leave as a friend.

Date & Time

Thu, Jul 24, 2025 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Venue Details

Mecklenburg County Detention Center Central

801 East 4th Street
Charlotte, North Carolina 28202 Mecklenburg County Detention Center Central
Charlotte Foodies