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Axios Charlotte
Plaza Midwood slowly turns into an open-container neighborhood
Plaza Midwood businesses say the neighborhood's social district is gradually growing with about 3,000 cups either sold or on bar shelves since the program's launch four months ago.Why it matters: The social district rollout seems to have quickly squashed any fears Central Avenue would turn into Bourbon Street, but it also hasn't proven to be a huge boost for businesses as promised — at least not yet.Yes, but: Plaza Midwood Merchants Association intentionally kept the launch low-key to meet the demand for cups."We're very happy with the foundation that's been laid," the association's executive director Jason Michel tells Axios.Catch up...
Plaza Midwood slowly turns into an open-container neighborhood
Plaza Midwood businesses say the neighborhood's social district is gradually growing with about 3,000 cups either sold or on bar shelves since the program's launch four months ago.Why it matters: The social district rollout seems to have quickly squashed any fears Central Avenue would turn into Bourbon Street, but it also hasn't proven to be a huge boost for businesses as promised — at least not yet.Yes, but: Plaza Midwood Merchants Association intentionally kept the launch low-key to meet the demand for cups."We're very happy with the foundation that's been laid," the association's executive director Jason Michel tells Axios.Catch up...
175 housing units coming to Elizabeth's booming 7th Street after controversial rezoning
Charlotte city leaders OK'd a highly debated development that will introduce more dense housing between the burgeoning East 7th Street corridor and Elizabeth's quiet residential community.Why it matters: The development demonstrates the ongoing division in Elizabeth. Neighbors are split over how to preserve the area's history while embracing its inevitable future as an expansion of center city.Flashback: Last month, Charlotte City Council voted to defer the rezoning necessary for this project. Some members worried the maximum height of 78 feet would set a precedent for taller buildings. Plus, city staff had recommended denial.But city staff has since changed its position...
Zara will open at SouthPark mall in 2026, marking the popular retailer's first store in NC
Zara will open at SouthPark mall in 2026, the mall confirmed Monday. This will be the popular retailer's first store in North Carolina.Why it matters: Zara, a trendy Spanish clothing chain, has a feverish following. Fans for years have been clamoring for a local store.The nearest location to Charlotte is in Atlanta.Zoom in: The SouthPark location will be next to Belk and Fink's Jewelers, in the space formerly occupied by Gap and J.Crew.The big picture: The local expansion is part of the retailer's larger plan to open or revamp 30 stores in the U.S., according to Insider.Óscar García Maceiras, CEO of Zara's parent company Inditex, had indicated last year the new U.S. stores would open in 2025, Axios reported.Zara, a fast-fashion retailer, is known for its low-cost men's, women's and kid's clothing.What they're saying: "Charlotteans have long awaited the arrival of Zara, and the buzz surrounding its opening at SouthPark mall is palpable," said Holly Roberson Van Cleave, director of marketing and business development at SouthPark, said in a statement.Sign up for Axios Charlotte for free.
Zara will open at SouthPark mall in 2026, marking the popular retailer's first store in NC
Zara will open at SouthPark mall in 2026, the mall confirmed Monday. This will be the popular retailer's first store in North Carolina.Why it matters: Zara, a trendy Spanish clothing chain, has a feverish following. Fans for years have been clamoring for a local store.The nearest location to Charlotte is in Atlanta.Zoom in: The SouthPark location will be next to Belk and Fink's Jewelers, in the space formerly occupied by Gap and J.Crew.The big picture: The local expansion is part of the retailer's larger plan to open or revamp 30 stores in the U.S., according to Insider.Óscar García Maceiras, CEO of Zara's parent company Inditex, had indicated last year the new U.S. stores would open in 2025, Axios reported.Zara, a fast-fashion retailer, is known for its low-cost men's, women's and kid's clothing.What they're saying: "Charlotteans have long awaited the arrival of Zara, and the buzz surrounding its opening at SouthPark mall is palpable," said Holly Roberson Van Cleave, director of marketing and business development at SouthPark, said in a statement.Sign up for Axios Charlotte for free.
Historic Charlotte LGBTQ+ bar The Scorpio will reopen inside a former South End nightclub
The Scorpio, one the oldest LGBTQ+ bars in Charlotte, will soon have a new home inside the former nightclub-turned-event space RSVP South End at 225 Fairwood Ave.Why it matters: The transition marks a new chapter — and collaboration — for two local businesses. Starting July 1, The Scorpio will take over ownership and management at RSVP South End.Context: The Scorpio closed its original Freedom Drive location in October 2023 after operating there for 55 years, reads its closing statement on Instagram.RSVP opened in South End in early 2023 as a multi-level nightclub with distinct atmospheres on each floor. In May,...
Welcome the first week of summer with these 20 things happening in Charlotte
It's the first week of summer, and we've got plenty of ways to have fun in the sun — and beat the heat — in Charlotte. Monday, June 17🏃 Run with Mad Miles Run Club at Bank of America Stadium followed by a workout celebration with music from a DJ. | Free | 6pm | Details🎤 Perform your original music at The Evening Muse's open mic night. | 7pm (doors) | $5 | Details🏳️🌈 Play Pride month drag trivia at Monarch Market in Uptown. | 6pm | Free | Details🦪 Hand over your "shell" phone while you dine to get...
Charlotte loves its cars more than almost all U.S. cities
Charlotte is doing more driving than almost all other major U.S. cities, a new analysis finds.Why it matters: Charlotte strives to be a walkable, bikeable city and dreams of shiny rapid transit. Realistically, people are still tethered to their cars, though. That won't change any time soon.Driving the news: Raleigh has the most daily per capita vehicle miles traveled (VMT) among the 50 most-populated U.S. metros, with 38.1. Charlotte is not far behind at 35.5.San Francisco (21.7), Philadelphia (21.1) and New York City (14.4) came up last — which makes sense, given their relatively well-developed public transit networks, walkability and...
Mexican restaurant The Matador opens in South End with twice daily food specials
The Matador, a Mexican restaurant chain in cities like Portland, Boise, Tacoma and Charleston, will open Friday, June 14, on South Boulevard in South End. The vibe: Known for its wide collection of agave spirits and Mexican cuisine, The Matador will open in a building that once housed Charlotte's second-oldest fire station. The restaurant will have more than 4,300 square feet that can seat over 300 guests with both an indoor dining room and covered patio. The interior, filled with booths and a spacious bar, holds 260 guests alone. Photo: McKenzie Rankin/AxiosDig in: Guests can expect a twice-daily food happy...
Charlotte to host new immersive dinosaur exhibition
The Lost Kingdoms, a touring outdoor attraction with life-size dinosaurs, is coming to Charlotte this summer. What to expect: The exhibit is meant to be an immersive exploration of the Jurassic period and the Ice Age with more than 50 animatronic creatures."It almost seems like you're back in time," David Neff, spokesperson for The Lost Kingdoms, told Axios, describing the exhibition as an "outdoor museum."The intrigue: Although the website says the exhibit is coming to Charlotte in July, a spokesperson for The Lost Kingdom tells me that they do not have the dates finalized and cannot release the location yet. Photo: Moyo Adeolu/AxiosIf you go: Tickets start at $25 for adults and children if you buy online, and $30 at the door. Watch Axios' Moyo Adeolu walk the trails as she explores the installation in Chicago's Washington Park.What's next: The producers plan to continue the outdoor show in other cities, including San Francisco, Dallas, Philly and Austin. Go deeper: VR, immersive art hub to replace Charlotte Pipe warehouse in UptownSign up for Axios Charlotte for free.
Hot homes: 5 houses for sale in Charlotte ranging from $625K to $7.5M
Charlotte's hottest homes are all about range this week — from luxurious multimillion-dollar estates built for entertaining to cozy digs nestled in nature.6100 Kingstree Dr. — $625,000Why we love it: This ranch-style home is just minutes from Park Road shopping center and SouthPark mall.Neighborhood: Quail HollowRealtor: Erum Faruqui• Savvy + Co Real EstateSpecs: 3 beds, 2 baths, 1,672 square feet Notable features: Fenced-in backyard, fireplace, detached garage with bonus room and walking access to greenway. Photos courtesy of Erum Faruqui/ Savvy + Co Real Estate803 Herrin Ave. — $824,9000Why we love it: You'll live within walking distance...
New cafe opens at Queen City Quarter in Uptown
Lottie's is the latest tenant to open at Queen City Quarter in Uptown.Why it matters: Queen City Quarter is starting to make a comeback now that more businesses are opening in what was formerly the EpiCentre.Catch up quick: Lottie's, which is in its soft opening phase until June 15, is the second new business to open in the former EpiCentre.Southern comfort food restaurant Kitchen & Kocktails opened June 1.A seafood restaurant across from the cafe called Sea Grill is expected to open this summer.Lip Print, a Raleigh-based custom makeup company, is opening soon next door to Lottie's.What to expect: Its...
Charlotte can land Super Bowl "at least once," industry experts say
Charlotte is well prepared to host an NFL draft or Super Bowl, industry experts say.Why it matters: Charlotte leaders seem willing to put $650 million in public dollars toward Bank of America Stadium improvements largely because of their aspirations for the venue — and city — to be "world-class."Yes, but: Tepper Sports & Entertainment has not included a retractable roof in its $800 million plan to overhaul the stadium. A cover would improve the city's chances of landing major events like a Super Bowl and Final Fours but would cost hundreds of millions, city leaders say."It is an incredibly costly...
9 boat rentals near Charlotte starting at $255
It’s boat season, and local companies recommend you book in advance if you want to spend time on the water this summer.Why it matters: Charlotte may be landlocked, but hydrophiles will find a way to be near water — whether it's a pool, lake, ocean or puddle.Know before you go: You can’t just pull up to the lake, rent a boat and drive off into the sunset.Before you drive, you need to take a free boat safety class online.If you don’t have your boat safety certificate, or you don’t have a designated driver, many companies offer captains for an additional...
Weekender: 28 things to do in Charlotte this Father's Day weekend
You can plan a busy agenda for the family this Father's Day weekend with celebrations like a block party in Uptown or a Havana-themed night in Camp North End.Friday, June 14👯♀️ Watch aerial artists perform to queer anthems at Hi-Wire Brewing. Proceeds benefit local LGBTQ+ non-profit, Time Out Youth. | $20 | 7pm | Details🧠 Network, learn and collaborate at a leadership summit hosted by TV personality and businessman Mauricio Umansky at the JW Marriott in Uptown. | $199 | 9am | Details🍽️ Grab dinner from one of several Black-owned food trucks at Hippin Hops Brewery. | Free | 3-9pm...
Uptown office tower gets post-pandemic makeover
Wells Fargo is turning 550 S. Tryon in Uptown, the former Duke Energy Center, into a place where employees actually want to come into work.Why it matters: The days of reserving the best office spaces for the higher-ups are over.Companies have accepted that they must entice workers back to the office with sleek amenities, cool collaborative rooms and cafe-like seating.Driving the news: Wells Fargo hopped on the trend by opening its three highest, occupiable floors at 550 S. Tryon — 46, 47 and 48 — to all employees. The floors on the second-tallest building in Charlotte offer some of the...
Charlotte residents rip apart Bank of America Stadium renovations in online comments
The optics of using public funds to renovate a private football stadium in Charlotte aren't good right now, as evident from hundreds of online comments recently submitted to the city.Why it matters: Charlotte's tourism and business leaders have voiced staunch support for plans to overhaul Bank of America Stadium using taxpayer dollars. But Charlotte citizens are slamming the project.What they're saying: Locals are concerned about the city contributing $650 million to the stadium makeover as property taxes are rising, inflation is up and the region is seemingly behind on building infrastructure.On top of that, the Carolina Panthers are a losing...
See inside Nourish Up's new Hunger Hub headquarters
Nourish Up — a nonprofit that gives groceries and meals to people across Mecklenburg County — provided food to 55,000 people in the first four months of 2024. Why it matters: That's 40% higher than the same period in 2023, a record-breaking year, underscoring a local housing crisis and a lack of living wages, Nourish Up CEO Tina Postel tells Axios.State of play: Nearly 50% of those served are children and seniors. They're bracing for the summertime surge when kids are out of school and some won't have as much access to food.Context: Loaves & Fishes merged with Friendship Trays in...
Making a summer bucket list? Add these 21 warm weather activities
Here are 21 warm-weather activities in Charlotte worth adding to your summertime bucket list. Of note: This guide is in no particular order. It is not a ranking.Go to a River Jam Concert at the U.S. National Whitewater Center.What to expect: The USNWC puts on outdoor concerts every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from May to September. They bring in a variety of artists from all different genres, including roots rock, Americana, bluegrass, folk and funk beginning at 6:30pm.Check out this summer's lineup. Cost: Free, $12 daily parking fee. Photo: Ashley Mahoney/AxiosCatch one of Camp North End's outdoor movies during their...
Copperhead Social Club is a new neighborhood bar taking over the Pepperbox Doughnuts spot
Copperhead Social Club is a new neighborhood bar opening in the former Pepperbox Doughnuts spot on North Davidson.Why it matters: Its owners, all born and raised in Charlotte, say they want to do their part to retain the city's local charm despite its increasing commercialization and growth. What they're saying: "We desire to bring cool things to our city — helmed by locals who want to retain some of that old Charlotte," says Alex Beebe, co-owner of Copperhead Social Club.Context: Pepperbox Doughnuts closed its NoDa location on May 31, its owners announced on Instagram, while simultaneously hinting at their...
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