By Kurtavia Burton
In the heart of Uptown Charlotte, a unique café is mixing up more than just lattes. Eric Hicklen Jr., owner of Gotcha Matcha & Espresso, is redefining the local beverage scene with his original crafted matcha creations.
Hicklen’s journey to opening his own coffee shop was far from a straight shot — a testament to his unwavering vision and determination. His seed of inspiration was planted during a family trip to Thailand in 2019. It was there on his trip, immersed in the rich culture, Eric enjoyed a Belgian waffle matcha that left a lasting impression. He vividly remembers the experience, emphasizing the presentation — a detail that resonates in the matcha beverages and desserts offered at Gotcha Matcha today.
Upon returning to the United States, Hicklen said he realized he needed practical barista experience, so he started working at Starbucks to groom his barista skills. It was during this period that the vision for his own establishment began to solidify. The name, logo, and even 3D cup mockups took shape emphasizing his coffee shop dream. “You gotta see it to believe it,” Hicklen said.
He took another spontaneous trip in 2019, this time to Seattle. A visit to a local matcha shop reignited his entrepreneurial fire, reinforcing his long-held aspiration. For nearly four years, the dream of opening his own space had been brewing. His barista experience, though cut short to about five months due to the onset of the covid pandemic, provided him with a strong foundation. Even during the feelings of uncertainty he experienced during the pandemic, his vision remained clear.
Initially, a friend suggested the Hicklen open his shop through her winery. He said he thought, “If I’m ever going to do it, it’s got to be now.” Gotcha Matcha officially opened its doors in September 2023. The first opening of the business, which lasted until December 2023, proved to be a helpful testing ground. Social media was a powerful ally for Gotcha Matcha during this time, bringing early awareness and excitement. Following this 90-day period, Gotcha Matcha transitioned to a temporary coworking space from March to August 2024.
This move paved the way for another opportunity — the negotiation and securing of the current Uptown location for the coffee shop on South Tryon Street. “The best location in Charlotte,” Hicklen said about this initial space. All this has occurred for Gotcha Matcha in less than a year, from the initial launch through the present. “It doesn’t always take long. You have to hit the ground running and everything can happen quickly,” said Hicklen.
Now, at the Uptown shop, Gotcha Matcha has a loyal following – customers who are drawn to the shop’s unique offerings and Hicklen’s infectious passion, Hicklen said Customer favorites like “The Panda,” a nutty-flavored sensation, and the refreshing strawberry matchiato, a twist on the classic macchiato with organic strawberries, exemplifies the creativity infused into every item on the ever-expanding menu.
What sets Gotcha Matcha apart is its commitment to originality and quality, said Hicklen. “My goal is to be the best of matcha,” he said. Every beverage is crafted from scratch with no replications. As for foundation, he stated the standard milk offering is oat milk, with a variety of other non-dairy options like macadamia, soy, almond,and coconut milk readily available alongside traditional dairy. Customers also appreciate the option of having their matcha beverages, sugar-free or unsweetened.
Beyond just matcha, a ceremonial green tea, Eric lauded how great matcha is for its health benefits, such as “100x the antioxidants of regular green tea,” which helps lower high blood pressure and provides a jitter-free caffeine source. Matcha also contains an anxiety-combating amino acid; and it’s also a superfood, Eric said. “If you don’t like matcha, you should learn to like matcha.”
Gotcha Matcha cultivates connection and personalization, Hicklen said. The atmosphere is welcoming, and the menu reflects an intentional approach to what is shared, emphasizing customer appreciation and support, he added.
Hicklen is currently in the final stages of securing a second Gotcha Matcha location in Charlotte, slated to open this summer, he said. Gotcha Matcha is a dream coming to fruition, said Hicklen. Gotcha Matcha is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and can be found on all major social media platforms as Gotcha Matcha CLT. Matcha bags are also available for purchase at the shop, giving customers a chance to bring a piece of the Gotcha Matcha experience home.