May 5, 2026
Homegrown creativity is the heartbeat of Cabarrus County, and The District Exchange is an outstanding place to experience the vibrance of our region. The two-story marketplace, located on historic Union Street in downtown Concord, is filled with local independent entrepreneurs, great food and craft beverages as well as opportunities to meet friends and connect with the community.
A Vibrant History
The District Exchange’s building first served as the Cabarrus Theatre, which opened in 1939 at 22 Union Street North. “At the time, it was a remarkable building,” explains Kristen Adamczuk, who with her husband Tristan Adamczuk is owner and developer of The District Exchange. “It was the first structure in Cabarrus County to feature air conditioning!”
The single-screen theater was a central gathering place for the community until it closed in 1977 and was converted into offices by Concord National Bank, which later became Fifth Third Bank. During that time, a second floor covered the theater’s mezzanine, covering the original vaulted barrel bow truss ceiling from public view for almost 50 years.
“For nearly 50 years the building was closed to the public, meaning generations walked past it without realizing what was inside. But older residents often share vivid memories of attending movies there, from sticky theater floors covered in soda and candy to exchanging bottle caps for tickets,” says Adamczuk.
When plans for The District Exchange began, restoring that architectural character became a top priority. The mezzanine level was reopened, revealing the dramatic ceiling. “The result is a space unlike anything else in the region — the only two-story micro-retail hub in Cabarrus County,” Adamczuk explains.
An Expanding Experience
The District Exchange keeps expanding. Here are some of the most exciting new additions:
First-N-Flights: Owners Meg and Eric Granillo, retired air traffic controllers, began with a small retail shop offering beer and wine. They have since expanded into a 2,500-square-foot bar featuring premium cocktails, top-shelf liquor, local and national drafts, and live music on their 1,000-square-foot back patio, alongside weekend food trucks.
Bae’s Burgers: A foodie favorite across the greater Charlotte area, the smash burgers and comfort food draw crowds from across the region, and their burger joint’s arrival is expected to bring even more energy to the building.
Crane Coffee chose The District Exchange for its flagship location, bringing specialty eco-friendly coffee and a relaxed gathering space to Downtown Concord. With its own staircase entrance from Union Street leading to the mezzanine level, the shop has quickly become a favorite meeting place for both small groups and larger gatherings.
“Beyond those anchors, visitors will discover more than a dozen micro-retailers throughout the building, each offering something different,” says Adamczuk. Visitors can find gourmet popcorn, candy, baked goods and dog treats. Other shopping options include mommy-and-me apparel, perfume and home scents, a painting studio, vinyl records and music culture, curated athletic footwear and sports memorabilia, sewing supplies and classes, a barber shop and handmade clothing and décor.
A Unique Experience
One thing that makes The District Exchange unique is that nearly every shop is owner-operated, meaning visitors are often meeting the people behind the products they’re buying. “That entrepreneurial spirit gives The District Exchange its authentic, welcoming energy,” says Adamczuk. It fosters the community feeling, too.
Today, social media (@thedistrict.exchange), word of mouth, passionate entrepreneurs and support from local organizations are helping bring the building’s story back to life. What was once a historic movie theater is again becoming a place where people gather, this time through local businesses, shared experiences and a renewed sense of community in downtown Concord.
Come Explore With Us
There’s so much to do in Cabarrus, whether you’re visiting or this is your home. Check out our Destination Guide for unique and memorable experiences.
