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The new buzzy spot in your neighborhood is owned by private equity

Who's really behind Charlotte's buzziest spots?

Collage of four scenes: a pale blue cafe with outdoor seating, a close-up of sugar-dusted donuts and colorful ice cream, a storefront with a bright yellow "Lala Land" sign, and a hand holding a cup of fried-ice-cream.

Photos: Courtesy of Maman, Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for Alice + Olivia, courtesy of La La Land Kind Cafe, Laura Barrero/Axios

Big-city food and drink spots are popping up across Charlotte — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Maman" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/07/29/maman-opens-on-july-29-in-eastover" data-vars-content-id="2469fbcc-1c54-4511-9899-52348c3ae62d" data-vars-headline="The new buzzy spot in your neighborhood is owned by private equity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/07/29/maman-opens-on-july-29-in-eastover" target="_self">Maman</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="PopUp Bagels" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/06/30/popup-bagels-opens-in-plaza-midwood-july-10" data-vars-content-id="2469fbcc-1c54-4511-9899-52348c3ae62d" data-vars-headline="The new buzzy spot in your neighborhood is owned by private equity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/06/30/popup-bagels-opens-in-plaza-midwood-july-10" target="_self">PopUp Bagels</a> and soon <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="La La Land Kind Café " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/02/la-la-land-kind-cafe-coming-to-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="2469fbcc-1c54-4511-9899-52348c3ae62d" data-vars-headline="The new buzzy spot in your neighborhood is owned by private equity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/02/la-la-land-kind-cafe-coming-to-charlotte" target="_self">La La Land Kind Café </a>— and their customers are queuing up in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lines as viral" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYkpCVLstvX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==" data-vars-content-id="2469fbcc-1c54-4511-9899-52348c3ae62d" data-vars-headline="The new buzzy spot in your neighborhood is owned by private equity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYkpCVLstvX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==" target="_blank">lines as viral</a> as their products.<ul><li>What do these buzzy brands have in common? They&#x27;re backed by deep-pocketed investors cashing in on Charlotte&#x27;s demographics.</li></ul>

News

Latest news on Wall Street, Corporate America and financial regulation.

Business

Charlotte leaders are questioning the legality and constitutionality of the new law that could require a $64 million to $80 million repayment to the state transportation department if the city continues blocking the I-77 South widening.

Why it matters: The provision, tucked into the state budget in July, triggered a 60-day clock for city leaders to either renew support for the controversial toll lanes or fork up millions in taxpayer dollars.

The latest: Monday night's transportation committee meeting was the first time council members have discussed the issue formally.

The city attorney said she does not believe the city could use sales tax money from the newly passed referendum — an option some have floated.

No action was taken Monday night. City staff only presented information. They said the city could pursue an independent analysis of alternatives to I-77, but consultants would need three to five months.

What they're saying: "I'm not sure we can do a whole lot in six weeks that will be respected and accepted by the community," said council member Malcolm Graham. "So, I hope that the governor is listening."

Some local leaders are calling on Democratic Gov. Josh Stein to step in. While Stein has said he disagrees with the payback mechanism, he still signed the state budget into law.

Catch up quick: NCDOT has been meeting with select community leaders recently to try to sway support and has even offered "up to" $300 million in community investments if the project moves forward, such as building recreational amenities or even a grocery store (or two) on the west side.

Council member Victoria Watlington asked that city staff ensure NCDOT's expenses for hosting these I-77-related meetings "are not being added to our tab."

And council member LaWana Mayfield suggested "up to" could also mean a lot less.

Zoom out: Some council members are pointing at Gaston County and questioning why I-85 is being widened without tolls. WFAE reported that NCDOT has split the I-85 widening into three projects to stay below a spending cap for a single highway corridor.

What's next: Council expects to have a full, in-depth discussion at a later date. It could vote by Sept. 14, the last scheduled meeting before the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization's Sept. 23 vote, to reconsider its support for the project.

As the largest city in the region, Charlotte's vote carries the most weight and is influential to CRTPO's decision.

Council member Renee Johnson says she wants a special meeting to pack the chamber and disprove the narrative that it's just "a few" against this project.

"The people have spoken," Johnson said. "This meeting is simply because we're being penalized for representing the people."

Go deeper: The company behind I-77 tolls already touted project to shareholders

Council scrutinizes I-77 repayment as deadline looms

Council questions whether I-77 repayment law is even legal.

A busy, multi-lane highway lined with green trees on both sides; several vehicles, including trucks, travel beneath a partly cloudy blue sky with overhead power lines.

I-77 from Remount Road. Photo: Alexandria Sands/Axios

Charlotte <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="leaders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/07/10/mayor-rob-harrington-77-data-growth-council" data-vars-content-id="2ba50009-1ae9-4402-9b2f-14f74b242c17" data-vars-headline="Council scrutinizes I-77 repayment as deadline looms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/07/10/mayor-rob-harrington-77-data-growth-council" target="_self">leaders</a> are questioning the legality and constitutionality of the new law that could require a $64 million to $80 million repayment to the state transportation department if the city continues blocking the I-77 South widening.Why it matters: The provision, tucked into the state budget in July, triggered a 60-day clock for city leaders to either renew support for the controversial toll lanes or fork up millions in taxpayer dollars.

Transit

Tesla appears to be laying the groundwork for robotaxi service in Charlotte, with Cybercabs stationed in a lot and a job posting for test operators.

Why it matters: Charlotte could become a battleground for autonomous ride-hailing if Tesla and Waymo, which has been testing here for months, race to launch services.

What we know: Photos shared on X this week by longtime Tesla investor Michael Konen, who says he owned one of the first Model 3s in Charlotte, showed 14 Cybercabs and 14 Model Ys with Texas plates in a Charlotte-area lot.

Plus, a job posting on Tesla's website seeks an AI Safety Operator in Charlotte to "oversee daily operations of ride-hailing services" and collect data by driving in a "designated area" for six to eight hours a day.

Tesla did not respond to Axios' request for comment by deadline.

Similar job postings for operators are also posted for more than 30 other locations, including Nashville and Atlanta.

What they're saying: "We're not the bleeding front of these new technologies ... But I love that technology is coming here," says Konen, adding that he's excited about Wing drones expanding in Charlotte.

Zoom out: Tesla so far has driverless robotaxis in service in Houston, Dallas and Austin, Texas and Miami, Orlando and Tampa, Fla. It also has cars in San Francisco, but "safety drivers" are behind the wheel due to California regulations. 

In its latest earnings report, Tesla said it intends to roll out Robotaxis in other U.S. metros — with preparations underway in Las Vegas and Phoenix — but did not mention Charlotte explicitly.

a longtime Tesla investor who says he owned one of the first Model 3s in Charlotte

Tesla robotaxis land in Charlotte

Tesla has stationed Cybercabs in Charlotte.

Low-angle view of a tan sports car in a row of beige cars in a parking lot under a cloudy sky; the front end with a curved windshield leads the line.

Tesla <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="appears" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/22/tesla-earnings-ai-robotics-spending" data-vars-content-id="cb999d05-368a-4913-b53d-29c90971729b" data-vars-headline="Tesla robotaxis land in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/22/tesla-earnings-ai-robotics-spending" target="_self">appears</a> to be laying the groundwork for robotaxi service in Charlotte, with Cybercabs stationed in a lot and a job posting for test operators.Why it matters: Charlotte could become a battleground for autonomous ride-hailing if Tesla and Waymo, which has been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="testing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/07/17/waymo-driverless-cars-testing-mapping-launch" data-vars-content-id="cb999d05-368a-4913-b53d-29c90971729b" data-vars-headline="Tesla robotaxis land in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/07/17/waymo-driverless-cars-testing-mapping-launch" target="_self">testing</a> here for months, race to launch services.

Construction started Wednesday on a 14-story, 295-room hotel in South End.

Why it matters: Hotel construction has been slow in South End, while office and entertainment have boomed, creating demand for hospitality space. There's currently only one other full-service hotel, the Holiday Inn.

"The South End market has matured to a point where a project of this caliber is not only viable, but essential," says Conner White, vice chairman and chief investment officer of hotel developer White Lodging.

What to expect: The Autograph Collection by Marriott hotel, located on 0.6 acres at South Tryon and Bland streets, will feature nearly 10,000 square feet of meeting space and a ground-floor restaurant. Plus, it will have a "first-of-its-kind" open-air pool deck, open to non-guests, on the fifth floor, with:

and a restaurant and bar, accessible by a dedicated ground-floor elevator.

What's next: The hotel — the name is to be announced — is expected to open in late 2028.

White Lodging will develop the restaurant and bar, similar to the JW Marriott it operates in Uptown. (The company also runs Dean's Italian Steakhouse, Caroline's Oyster Bar and Aura Rooftop.)

More details will come out closer to opening, a spokesperson tells Axios.

Zoom out: Indiana-based White Lodging said in a press release it wants to make Charlotte "a long-term priority market."

Modern glass office building with tall vertical metal fins, a covered drop-off area supported by concrete columns, and pedestrians on a sidewalk; trees flank the facade and street with cars.

Low-angle view of a tall glass office building with reflective blue windows, metal frames, and a wooden-louvered overhang, set against a bright blue sky with scattered white clouds.

Outdoor pool area beneath a wooden slatted ceiling; left wall features a lattice pattern, with sun loungers and people in swimsuits around a long rectangular pool, glass railing and modern building in background.

Urban plaza with a large tree in front of a modern glass-front building. Ground-floor shops, people walking, and planters with purple flowers and outdoor seating.

Modern glass-fronted building with an outdoor cafe along a planter-filled terrace. People mingle, metal framing and large windows reflect sunlight as trees shade the scene.

Contemporary glass office tower with a grid of windows and cantilevered balconies; reflective facade. Ground level shows cars, pedestrians, and trees beneath a bright blue sky.

Modern glass office building with a central glass bridge and grid-like windows; wood-toned base, greenery on balconies, busy street with cars, cyclists, and pedestrians against a blue sky.

Evening scene of a modern glass office building with a large canopy, tall windows, and concrete columns. People walk near parked cars beneath a blue twilight sky.

See renderings: 14-story South End hotel starts construction

See renderings of South End's next hotel.

Modern glass skyscraper with stacked balconies and steel frames rises above a tree-lined street; pedestrians, cars, and landscaping populate the busy plaza beneath a clear blue sky.

Construction <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="started" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/07/19/south-end-development-boom-hotel-office-projects" data-vars-content-id="cc5a615d-6af5-4dbb-954b-7bf8483dab2e" data-vars-headline="See renderings: 14-story South End hotel starts construction" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/07/19/south-end-development-boom-hotel-office-projects" target="_self">started</a> Wednesday on a 14-story, 295-room hotel in South End.Why it matters: Hotel construction has been slow in South End, while office and entertainment have boomed, creating demand for hospitality space. There&#x27;s currently only one other full-service hotel, the Holiday Inn.

Development

Data: Charlotte Traffic and Infrastructure Survey; Chart: Alex Sands/Axios

About half of Charlotte voters surveyed support moving forward immediately with the proposed $4-plus billion widening of I-77 South, according to a new poll commissioned by CLT Public Relations.

Why it matters: The survey gauges how everyday Charlotteans — not activists or business leaders — feel about the toll lanes.

And it shows people are generally in favor of the project advancing.

By the numbers: Just over half, or 51.5%, of those surveyed supported the statement, "Charlotte should move forward with the proposed expansion of the southern section of I-77 immediately."

38.3% of those questioned oppose the project moving forward at this time, while 10.2% said they neither support nor oppose it.

Caveat: CLT Public Relations, which shared the poll with Axios, is a lobbying and advocacy firm whose clients include local governments and those who seek influence with local government.

Clients include the Real Estate and Building Industry Coalition and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. It's also worked on campaigns such as Charlotte's "Yes for City Bonds."

"We wanted to get a better understanding on the Charlotte residents opinions on transportation and traffic, particularly concerning conversations that are happening around the southern leg of I-77," says Bryan Holladay of CLTPR.

Driving the news: Charlotte City Council is expected to take a vote between now and Sept. 23 over the controversial I-77 South toll lanes.

Zoom in: A majority of people polled also agree that tolls, charged to users of new lanes, are the best way to pay for the expansion.

Support was low for sales, property or gas tax increases, chosen by just 1.7%, 3.1% and 14.4% of respondents, respectively.

26.7% of people were "unsure" how the widening should be paid for, and 2% chose the option "none of them."

77.4% of people surveyed said that taxes in Charlotte are already too high.

Catch up quick: The I-77 South toll lanes would stretch 11 miles to the South Carolina line, with elevated lanes in Uptown. NCDOT plans to spend $600 million on the project and partner with a private company that would help fund the remainder of the costs and recoup its investment through the tolls.

If it doesn't vote to let the project proceed, the city and other local governments that remain opposed to the project could be required to repay the North Carolina Department of Transportation more than $60 million for planning and design work.

NCDOT has been working to win over skeptical community leaders, offering up to $300 million in "benefits" like greenways and even grocery stores to address food insecurity on the west side.

"We are requesting more information from leaders on what is needed to help solve this problem," an NCDOT spokesperson told Axios this week.

The other side: Some critics of the I-77 toll project say they want a solution to congestion but argue NCDOT didn't present or study other options, despite criticism of the northern toll lanes.

"Show the alternatives that were actually compared," council member Victoria Watlington said in a recent Instagram video.

What's next: After the city votes, all delegates of the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization will vote on whether the project can continue — or their local governments will have to pay the penalty.

As the region's largest city, Charlotte holds the most weight on the CRTPO, and its decision is critical to the region's vote.

The fine print: The survey was conducted from July 15 to 18 among 370 registered Charlotte voters. After weighting results to reflect municipal voter turnout, the effective sample size was 258, with a margin of error of plus or minus 6.1 percentage points.

Editor's note: This story was corrected to reflect that CLT Public Relations' clients include the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (not American Airlines).

About half of Charlotteans support I-77 toll project, new poll finds

Half of Charlotte voters are OK with I-77 toll project advancing.

Road signs directing to Interstate 77 and 277 with arrows pointing right, a no parking sign with towing info, and a green airplane symbol sign next to a city street with buildings.

About <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="half" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/07/22/ferrovial-cintra-i-77-south-investors" data-vars-content-id="ecab4ab4-5ee8-42fe-8fd0-5d3dd443f08a" data-vars-headline="About half of Charlotteans support I-77 toll project, new poll finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/07/22/ferrovial-cintra-i-77-south-investors" target="_self">half</a> of Charlotte voters surveyed support moving forward immediately with the proposed $4-plus billion widening of I-77 South, according to a new poll commissioned by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CLT Public Relations." data-vars-click-url="https://www.cltpr.com/" data-vars-content-id="ecab4ab4-5ee8-42fe-8fd0-5d3dd443f08a" data-vars-headline="About half of Charlotteans support I-77 toll project, new poll finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cltpr.com/" target="_blank">CLT Public Relations.</a>Why it matters: The survey gauges how everyday Charlotteans — not activists or business leaders — feel about the toll lanes.<ul><li>And it shows people are generally in favor of the project advancing.</li></ul>

Alexandria Sands

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About half of Charlotteans support I-77 toll project, new poll finds

See renderings: 14-story South End hotel starts construction