Briefing for Monday October 12: Same-sex marriage to Viva Chicken

One year ago this weekend, a court decision made same-sex marriage legal in North Carolina and changed people’s lives throughout Charlotte. And in the “City of Churches,” things are still changing rapidly in the faith community.

We take a deep dive in today’s Agenda into how some of Charlotte’s most influential churches are responding now that they’ve been forced off the sidelines. In short, pastors are treading carefully, but the general trend is toward acceptance and inclusion. Read: WWJD: A year after gay marriage became legal, Charlotte churches take sides. 

VITALS

Today’s Weather: 76. Mainly sunny. 0% chance of rain.
Today’s Stat: $816.4 million. Size of the community investment program the city of Charlotte approved to fix bridges, improve housing, upgrade roads and build police stations. 
Today’s Job: Research Analyst at Raycom. Apply.
Today’s Charlottean: Jordan Moore, the new bicycle program director of Sustain Charlotte.

ORIGINALS

BREAKING: Viva Chicken opening new location on corner of Montford and Park [Williams]
Peruvian rotisserie. This is at Montford and Park, but not the side of Montford you’re thinking about.  Should be open in the next year.

An old-school barbershop and 13 other things to know about Indian Trail [Long]
A lot of people overlook this town because it doesn’t really have a downtown, but there’s a lot of history here. Fantastic story from Tim on this ink-blot on the map (you’ll see in the story).

Chopt who? 6 reasons Crisp still reigns supreme in Charlotte [Levans]
I love a good counterpoint. Katie is coming down on the pro-Crisp side based on the generosity with toppings, beverage selection and ambiance. This issue threatens to tear the Agenda HQ apart. I’m staying neutral.

Here’s the schedule for Good Bottle Co.’s #3GoodYears week-long anniversary party [Williams]
Feel free to plan your week around this. $2.50 pints on Thursday, and they might just kick a dozen kegs or more.

Breakin’ Convention showcases local and international hip-hop talent in immersive two-day festival [Levans]
Graffiti tutorials to freestyle rap to dance performances. I had no idea the local breakdancing community was so big. 10 photos.

15 free(ish) ways to stay fit this fall [Cribb]
Yoga, cycling, running and more. Love how Erin included average calories burned per hour. Great way to plan out your week. Everything is $5 or less, but most of the stuff is free.

What do the Head of School at Charlotte Country Day and the CEO of Southwest Airlines have in common? [Formato]
Seeing the boss out on the front lines makes a big difference. I love leadership lessons, and this is a great one. 

TALKING POINTS 

Big apartment complex coming to Parkwood Avenue [Portillo/Observer]. File this one in the “close to the light rail extension” category. 351 units.

Walmart is the No. 1 grocer in Charlotte [Shapiro/CBJ]. Harris Teeter comes in second, but only by one-tenth of a percentage point. Publix moved up six spots this year.

Pappas Properties wants public money for new Midtown complex [Portillo+Harrison/Observer]. This is close to the Metropolitan and by the same people. At Kenilworth Avenue and Greenwood Cliff Road.

Sur La Table expanding in Huntersville [Thomas/CBJ]. The specialty foods store will be at Northcross shopping center by the end of the month. 

I wasn’t quite ready to buy pumpkins yet, but got forced into it by my 5-year-old this weekend. We went to the Providence United Methodist Church sale for the fourth year in a row. Great selection and great cause. Plus wheelbarrows. Get after it.

– Andrew