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Axios Charlotte gets you smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in your backyard.

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Another big Uptown office is flipping to apartments, hotel

Office conversions are remaking Uptown Charlotte.

News

Another <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="prominent" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/24/office-market-jobs-vacancies-conversions" data-vars-content-id="aae76616-7bca-497f-bd5b-237eee83c7f2" data-vars-headline="Another big Uptown office is flipping to apartments, hotel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/24/office-market-jobs-vacancies-conversions" target="_self">prominent</a> Uptown tower, 400 South Tryon, is headed for a major conversion to housing and hotel after falling into <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="foreclosure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/uptown-tower-foreclosure-heads-auction/RSCLE3BHTJHDFO2XWFPIY5HRT4/" data-vars-content-id="aae76616-7bca-497f-bd5b-237eee83c7f2" data-vars-headline="Another big Uptown office is flipping to apartments, hotel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/uptown-tower-foreclosure-heads-auction/RSCLE3BHTJHDFO2XWFPIY5HRT4/" target="_blank">foreclosure</a> in 2024.Why it matters: Uptown has lost some of its vibrancy in the years since the pandemic. Adding more visitors and residents will enliven the city&#x27;s business district beyond the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="three days" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/20/work-from-home-hybrid-policies" data-vars-content-id="aae76616-7bca-497f-bd5b-237eee83c7f2" data-vars-headline="Another big Uptown office is flipping to apartments, hotel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/20/work-from-home-hybrid-policies" target="_self">three days</a> a week most workers now come in.

New Creole restaurant to bring Louisiana flavors to South End

A Baton Rouge chef is opening her first full restaurant after quickly outgrowing a shared kitchen.

Food and Drink

Kristy&#x27;s Creole Kitchen, a new Louisiana-inspired restaurant, will open in South End this spring.Why it matters: The formerly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="takeout-only spot" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/08/17/must-try-takeout-spots-charlotte-336879" data-vars-content-id="f2cd6a98-9418-476f-b353-4fc63f2be620" data-vars-headline="New Creole restaurant to bring Louisiana flavors to South End" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/08/17/must-try-takeout-spots-charlotte-336879" target="_self">takeout-only spot</a> is the latest ghost kitchen success story. It&#x27;ll open its first brick-and-mortar location April 10.

The 30 best brunch spots in Charlotte

Spring has sprung, the weather is finally cooperating and outdoor patios are packed to the brim. That can only mean one thing: It's time to brunch.

Spring has sprung, the weather is finally cooperating and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="outdoor patios" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/03/09/best-patios-charlotte-nc" data-vars-content-id="3d11b77e-1320-4ce1-9509-789bb217fbc6" data-vars-headline="The 30 best brunch spots 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/2023/03/09/best-patios-charlotte-nc" target="_self">outdoor patios</a> are packed to the brim. That can only mean one thing: It&#x27;s time to brunch.Why it matters: Several of your <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="favorite local restaurants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/06/27/best-restaurants-charlotte-2025" data-vars-content-id="3d11b77e-1320-4ce1-9509-789bb217fbc6" data-vars-headline="The 30 best brunch spots 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/2025/06/27/best-restaurants-charlotte-2025" target="_self">favorite local restaurants</a> have added brunch menus to their lineups. For that reason, we removed non-North Carolina-based chains (like Snooze and First Watch) from our list.

17 of the biggest events in Charlotte this April

April in Charlotte is when the city fully shakes off winter and leans hard into festival season.

Culture

April in Charlotte is when the city fully shakes off winter and leans hard into festival season.What to expect: Charlotte SHOUT! takes over Uptown, food festivals stack up, neighborhood street events return — and outdoor everything is back in action.

Japanese "megabank" SMBC to open global hub with 2,000 jobs in Charlotte

In a testament to Charlotte's talent and business community, the Tokyo-headquartered bank will invest $50.5 million in the area by 2028.

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, one of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Japan&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/27/north-carolina-japan-trade-investment-manufacturing-trump" data-vars-content-id="52f58cb1-74a0-492f-b96e-c0a6fd35c896" data-vars-headline="Japanese &quot;megabank&quot; SMBC to open global hub with 2,000 jobs in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/27/north-carolina-japan-trade-investment-manufacturing-trump" target="_self">Japan&#x27;s</a> biggest banks, has chosen Charlotte to establish its next hub.Why it matters: In a testament to Charlotte&#x27;s talent and business community, the Tokyo-headquartered bank will invest $50.5 million in the area by 2028 and create 2,000 jobs within five years, the state&#x27;s Economic Investment Committee said Tuesday.

Scoop: Davidson farm village with market, restaurants and homes opens next spring

A farm-to-table village with restaurants, homes, commercial space and a farm is coming to Davidson.

Summit Farms, a 62-acre farm-to-table village from the team behind <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Summit Coffee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/03/26/something-s-brewing-for-summit" data-vars-content-id="b0fadce3-0e21-43e1-949a-638331359186" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Davidson farm village with market, restaurants and homes opens next spring" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/03/26/something-s-brewing-for-summit" target="_self">Summit Coffee</a>, is set to open in spring 2027 in Davidson.Why it matters: Inspired by small European towns, Summit Farms will be a Lake Norman destination, centered on a 10-acre organic farm that will grow produce for the on-site market, deli and wood-fired pizza restaurant.

A more personal approach to banking is taking hold in Charlotte

Relationship-driven banking can offer more context — without sacrificing convenience.

Partners

More than half of Americans say they feel less connected to their bank than in years past, according to a 2025 The Harris Poll report.<ul><li>Plus, the survey found that online-only banking customers are more likely than customers of any other bank type to seek a better option.</li></ul>Why it&#x27;s important: Big financial decisions — like growing a business, buying property or planning for the future — require more than speed and convenience. They require context, guidance and an understanding of local markets.

How a Charlotte startup is turning fencing into streetwear

Founder Tylen Butler is building a Charlotte-based brand to connect fencing with lifestyle and culture.

Charlotte native Tylen Butler launched <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="TAB DEPT" data-vars-click-url="https://tabdept.com/" data-vars-content-id="ec53fe6f-185c-4e7a-8ba1-0ebe1cc5c3d1" data-vars-headline="How a Charlotte startup is turning fencing into streetwear" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tabdept.com/" target="_blank">TAB DEPT</a>, a fencing-inspired apparel brand, in 2024. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Butler" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGWEi5uNLMw/" data-vars-content-id="ec53fe6f-185c-4e7a-8ba1-0ebe1cc5c3d1" data-vars-headline="How a Charlotte startup is turning fencing into streetwear" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGWEi5uNLMw/" target="_blank">Butler</a>, an aspiring Olympian, hopes to introduce more people to a sport that is very popular abroad, but isn&#x27;t mainstream in the United States. As a Black fencer, he&#x27;s also working to redefine what <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="representation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usafencing.org/news/2025/march/26/miles-of-progress-miles-to-go-usa-fencing-s-ongoing-journey-toward-greater-impact?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="ec53fe6f-185c-4e7a-8ba1-0ebe1cc5c3d1" data-vars-headline="How a Charlotte startup is turning fencing into streetwear" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usafencing.org/news/2025/march/26/miles-of-progress-miles-to-go-usa-fencing-s-ongoing-journey-toward-greater-impact?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">representation</a> looks like in the sport.

TikTok-famous La La Land Kind Café is coming to Charlotte

The viral coffee chain, known for its bold yellow cups and mission to "normalize kindness" will open in the former Bitty and Beau's Coffee space in South End.

The viral La La Land Kind Café is coming to Charlotte, taking over the former <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bitty &amp; Beau&#x27;s Coffee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVrSRfNFsqR/" data-vars-content-id="b7bf6e94-1271-41a0-aaca-7473a8e5ea13" data-vars-headline="TikTok-famous La La Land Kind Café is coming to Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVrSRfNFsqR/" target="_blank">Bitty &amp; Beau&#x27;s Coffee</a> space in South End.Why it matters: One mission-driven coffee shop is replacing another. Bitty &amp; Beau&#x27;s was known for employing people with developmental disabilities, and now <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="La La Land" data-vars-click-url="https://lalalandcafe.com" data-vars-content-id="b7bf6e94-1271-41a0-aaca-7473a8e5ea13" data-vars-headline="TikTok-famous La La Land Kind Café is coming to Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://lalalandcafe.com" target="_blank">La La Land</a>, which hires and mentors foster youth, is stepping into that same space.

DoorDash drone delivery expands across Charlotte suburbs

DoorDash drones now fly to 60,000 Charlotte-area houses.

DoorDash <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="and its drone" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/27/robots-driverless-cars-drones-waymo" data-vars-content-id="6964e169-0fd1-4ab5-b5c6-9a687891bd70" data-vars-headline="DoorDash drone delivery expands across Charlotte suburbs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/27/robots-driverless-cars-drones-waymo" target="_self">and its drone</a> partner, Wing, have doubled their flying food delivery in the Charlotte area, adding two new operations in Matthews and Indian Trail.Why it matters: The companies&#x27; rapid expansion to reach more than 60,000 households signals Charlotte is embracing futuristic technology, just as more robots (like Waymo&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="driverless cars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/24/waymo-driverless-cars-spotted-uptown-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="6964e169-0fd1-4ab5-b5c6-9a687891bd70" data-vars-headline="DoorDash drone delivery expands across Charlotte suburbs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/24/waymo-driverless-cars-spotted-uptown-charlotte" target="_self">driverless cars</a>) are set to come here.

23 most anticipated new restaurants and bars in Charlotte

Get ready for creative spots serving everything from sushi to tapas to Indian cuisine.

We&#x27;re tracking 23 highly anticipated restaurants and bars opening in Charlotte.

Fresh renderings: New Italian pasta bar Lady Funari coming to South End

A new Rail Trail spot will feature handmade pasta, vermouth and an intimate chef counter.

Lady Funari, a new Italian restaurant, will open in the former <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Futo Buta" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/24/futo-buta-pasta-bar-south-end-vinyl-rail-trail" data-vars-content-id="f7102d57-0f3f-4802-8aab-3848c8f9a511" data-vars-headline="Fresh renderings: New Italian pasta bar Lady Funari coming to South End" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/24/futo-buta-pasta-bar-south-end-vinyl-rail-trail" target="_self">Futo Buta</a> space in South End this spring. Why it matters: The new restaurant on the Rail Trail is the latest venture from B-Side Group, the Charlotte hospitality team behind <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="VINYL" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/11/vinyl-launches-new-brunch-menu-for-fall" data-vars-content-id="f7102d57-0f3f-4802-8aab-3848c8f9a511" data-vars-headline="Fresh renderings: New Italian pasta bar Lady Funari coming to South End" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/11/vinyl-launches-new-brunch-menu-for-fall" target="_self">VINYL</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mi Cariño" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/14/vinyl-teams-mi-carino-opens-this-month-in-south-end" data-vars-content-id="f7102d57-0f3f-4802-8aab-3848c8f9a511" data-vars-headline="Fresh renderings: New Italian pasta bar Lady Funari coming to South End" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/14/vinyl-teams-mi-carino-opens-this-month-in-south-end" target="_self">Mi Cariño</a>.

Tito's Handmade Vodka is North Carolina's top-selling spirit

State liquor sales brought in nearly $700M, with Mecklenburg County driving the biggest share.

Business

Tito&#x27;s Handmade Vodka led North Carolina <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spirit sales" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/03/06/fireball-pennsylvania-top-selling-spirit" data-vars-content-id="74eedfcb-2890-4f85-a1dd-e38a8330cc8c" data-vars-headline="Tito&#x27;s Handmade Vodka is North Carolina&#x27;s top-selling spirit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/03/06/fireball-pennsylvania-top-selling-spirit" target="_self">spirit sales</a> in fiscal years 2024 and 2025.Why it matters: Alcohol sales generate revenue that helps support public services, including the state&#x27;s general fund, the Department of Health and Human Services, county and city operations, and local law enforcement.

Business 🏦

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