Charlotte City Club, located in the heart of Uptown, offers panoramic city views, gourmet food and the opportunity to rub elbows with Charlotte's elite.
Why it matters: Founded in 1947, the private membership club has gone through a few adaptations, including $7 million in renovations in 2020 . Now club leaders are making even more changes to appeal to a broader audience, adding more events and a new food pricing method.
What they're saying: "COVID changed everything, especially in the hospitality industry, but also how people see clubs," general manager and COO Brett Curley tells Axios, adding that the interest in city and country clubs grew with people's desire to reconnect in person.
The lower club level is the private event space. The second floor serves as the primary gathering area for club members. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios
The vibe: The club, with its blend of old-school and new-school traditions, tries to customize the experience for anyone who walks through the elevator door on the 31st floor of Uptown's 121 W. Trade Tower.
- The dress code is relaxed, for example, meaning you can wear jeans and (gasp) skip the tie.
- But you're also paying for a certain level of "member-centric" service, as Curley puts it. This is evident when you eat at the club, for example. Servers get a personalized ticket for each guest which lists their name, allergies and preferences.
Members can rent ballrooms and conference rooms for special events. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios
The club's dues are $470 per month. Plus a $7,500 initiation fee.
- Recently, the club updated the pricing model for their restaurant — members now pay 10% above cost, which cuts down on bills. "A great martini will cost about $3," Curley said.
City clubs, unlike country clubs, don't typically have outdoor amenities like golf courses and tennis courts. CCC has a small outdoor patio. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios
To become a member, you can send an inquiry through the club's website, or be introduced by a current member. If you're new to the area, staff can help you find a sponsor.
- At least two references are required in the application. And all prospective members are invited to tour the club, where staff will explain the membership process.
- Then, the membership committee will review the application.
The club has about 500 members. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios
What to expect: In addition to its amenities (cigar lounge ... work cubicles ... did we mention the view?) Charlotte City Club prides itself in being a center for engagement. They're hosting more than 150 social and networking events this year, including family events like light-up mini golf and an adult Halloween monster mash.
- They also have subgroups, like a brewers club, wine club, bourbon club and cigar club for people with shared interests.
- "It's not just a place to get a business lunch," Curley said.
CCC also hosts tasting menu dinners where diners can speak to the chef while they eat, like at many popular Charlotte restaurants. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios
Zoom out: Members get access to other city clubs, such as the City Club of Greenville .
Curley tells us they want to add more office space for people who work remotely. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios
One of many dining spaces. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios
Dig in: The menu changes monthly, according to Executive Chef Michael Gardner, who has worked at the club for 18 years.
- During my visit, I tried the prosciutto and arugula salad, a white bean salsa, a chicken vermicelli bowl, duck fritters, pasta with scallops and a meringue dessert — an estimated cost of $69.60 if I were a club member ($126 if not).
Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios
Stop by: Charlotte City Club is located on the 31st and 32nd floors of the 121 West Trade Tower, at the intersection of Trade and Tryon.
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