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James Beard-nominated chef revives Mattie's Diner

Sam Diminich will reopen it as Grey's Diner, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

Food and Drink

Mattie&#x27;s Diner on The Plaza, which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="closed last summer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/08/04/matties-diner-closing-the-plaza" data-vars-content-id="130cf239-0fe2-4989-94ef-e65b6c9bcfb2" data-vars-headline="James Beard-nominated chef revives Mattie&#x27;s Diner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/08/04/matties-diner-closing-the-plaza" target="_self">closed last summer</a>, will reopen this spring as Grey&#x27;s Diner. Why it matters: In buying Mattie&#x27;s, James Beard–nominated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="chef Sam Diminich" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/02/22/chef-sam-diminich-is-opening-a-restaurant-a-mile-from-where-he-used-to-be-homeless-285932" data-vars-content-id="130cf239-0fe2-4989-94ef-e65b6c9bcfb2" data-vars-headline="James Beard-nominated chef revives Mattie&#x27;s Diner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/02/22/chef-sam-diminich-is-opening-a-restaurant-a-mile-from-where-he-used-to-be-homeless-285932" target="_self">chef Sam Diminich</a> and the team behind <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Your Farms Your Table Group" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/01/07/restaurant-constance-your-farm-your-table-hopeway-mental-health-facility-meals" data-vars-content-id="130cf239-0fe2-4989-94ef-e65b6c9bcfb2" data-vars-headline="James Beard-nominated chef revives Mattie&#x27;s Diner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/01/07/restaurant-constance-your-farm-your-table-hopeway-mental-health-facility-meals" target="_self">Your Farms Your Table Group</a> want to provide Michelin-level hospitality in a space where families, neighbors and regulars can grab a booth without a reservation.<ul><li>The approach aims to challenge the perception that farm-to-table dining is exclusive.</li></ul>

Weekender: 30 things to do in Charlotte this weekend including live music and a street market

Events happening Feb. 20-22 include Jurassic Quest, a bridal show, Hornets game, food truck rodeo and indoor skating.

Things to Do

This weekend is filled with family-friendly activities from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jurassic Quest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/14/interactive-jurassic-quest-event-comes-to-concord-this-february" data-vars-content-id="7354553f-52b9-4f01-b302-71c83bcd96cc" data-vars-headline="Weekender: 30 things to do in Charlotte this weekend including live music and a street market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/14/interactive-jurassic-quest-event-comes-to-concord-this-february" target="_self">Jurassic Quest</a> to a South End street market.

Ballantyne 2026 event guide: Festivals, concerts and markets

Ballantyne's event calendar is filling up for 2026, with returning festivals, outdoor concerts and even more to experience at The Bowl.

Neighborhoods

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ballantyne&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2021/03/10/guide-to-ballantyne-including-bowl" data-vars-content-id="dbc446dd-d3c0-4760-b827-793745e0f292" data-vars-headline="Ballantyne 2026 event guide: Festivals, concerts and markets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2021/03/10/guide-to-ballantyne-including-bowl" target="_self">Ballantyne&#x27;s</a> event calendar is filling up for 2026, with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="returning festivals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/03/31/ballantyne-event-guide-2025" data-vars-content-id="dbc446dd-d3c0-4760-b827-793745e0f292" data-vars-headline="Ballantyne 2026 event guide: Festivals, concerts and markets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/03/31/ballantyne-event-guide-2025" target="_self">returning festivals</a>, outdoor concerts and even more to experience at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Bowl" data-vars-click-url="https://thebowlnc.com/?utm_source=2060digital&amp;utm_medium=localseo&amp;utm_campaign=gbp" data-vars-content-id="dbc446dd-d3c0-4760-b827-793745e0f292" data-vars-headline="Ballantyne 2026 event guide: Festivals, concerts and markets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thebowlnc.com/?utm_source=2060digital&amp;utm_medium=localseo&amp;utm_campaign=gbp" target="_blank">The Bowl</a>.Why it matters: As the area keeps growing, its mix of live music, buzzy dining spots and green space is turning this once-corporate corner of south Charlotte into one of the city&#x27;s go-to hangouts.

The evolution of Bank of America Stadium

From site selection in 1989 to what the stadium will look like in 2030, here's a timeline of Bank of America Stadium.

Sports

By 2030, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bank of America Stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/06/03/nfl-stadium-renovations-panthers-bank-of-america-tepper" data-vars-content-id="e78b5e93-6f6a-4540-af79-e5ade529995b" data-vars-headline="The evolution of Bank of America Stadium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/06/03/nfl-stadium-renovations-panthers-bank-of-america-tepper" target="_self">Bank of America Stadium</a> will have a fresh look. Why it matters: An $800 million renovation will transform the 30-year-old venue, which is among the oldest in the NFL. Tepper Sports &amp; Entertainment&#x27;s deal with the city also keeps its teams — the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC — here through 2045.

Why Mecklenburg County sheriff is the most intense race on the ballot

Sheriff Garry McFadden is running for reelection during one of the most volatile periods of his career.

News

Sheriff <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Garry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/12/north-carolina-democrat-primary-voter-guide" data-vars-content-id="6dba2005-00b3-43eb-afb6-f96e33d7a2d2" data-vars-headline="Why Mecklenburg County sheriff is the most intense race on the ballot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/12/north-carolina-democrat-primary-voter-guide" target="_self">Garry</a> McFadden is running for reelection during one of the most volatile periods of his career, as he faces a state investigation into misconduct allegations and national GOP scrutiny over his handling of ICE detainers, prompting the Trump administration&#x27;s November Border Patrol crackdown in Charlotte.Why it matters: In a usually quiet Democratic primary, McFadden has drawn intense challenges from three opponents, all of whom have law enforcement backgrounds and one who has NFL power behind his campaign.

Elections 2026: Charlotte Democratic primary guide

Early voting is Feb. 12 through Feb. 28, and Primary Election Day is March 3.

Charlotte-area Democrats and some unaffiliated voters who opt into voting blue will essentially decide many local <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="elections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/19/nc-election-triangle-republican-democrat-primary" data-vars-content-id="45770166-6a22-4f56-bd09-31cb6e30754e" data-vars-headline="Elections 2026: Charlotte Democratic primary guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/19/nc-election-triangle-republican-democrat-primary" target="_self">elections</a> in the primaries held over the next few weeks.Why it matters: With so few Republicans running in Mecklenburg County, the nominees for offices like sheriff and most county commission seats will be unopposed in the November general election.

Elections 2026: Charlotte Republican primary guide

Voters in the Republican primary will only have a few <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="decisions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/19/nc-election-triangle-republican-democrat-primary" data-vars-content-id="7cf7306c-b778-490a-95d1-3154b8b2bea1" data-vars-headline="Elections 2026: Charlotte Republican primary guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/19/nc-election-triangle-republican-democrat-primary" target="_self">decisions</a> to make, but none is insignificant in a county with shrinking red representation.Why it matters: Republicans will want strong candidates to advance to the general to heighten their party&#x27;s chances of electoral success in Democrat-controlled Charlotte.

Elections 2026: Who filed to run in Mecklenburg County

Who's running in Charlotte? A guide to the 2026 field.

Candidate filing in North Carolina closed on Friday with a long list of names jumping in to run for federal, state and local offices, marking the official start of what will be a fiery <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026 midterm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/05/democrats-and-republicans-line-up-candidates-for-competitive-north-carolina-midterms" data-vars-content-id="b7d1b381-d063-49f2-86aa-9adf048834a3" data-vars-headline="Elections 2026: Who filed to run in Mecklenburg County" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/05/democrats-and-republicans-line-up-candidates-for-competitive-north-carolina-midterms" target="_self">2026 midterm</a>.Why it matters: From the U.S. Senate to Mecklenburg County commissioners, there are lots of races to watch this year that will affect your daily life and the future of where you live.

Election results 2025: City council, school board and transit tax

Election Results 2025: Charlotte region approves 1-cent transit sales tax

Mecklenburg County voters approved <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a landmark 1-cent sales tax increase" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/03/mecklenburg-county-referendum-sales-tax-transportation" data-vars-content-id="ab0dea0d-5f75-4374-a5ec-90382f2db948" data-vars-headline="Election results 2025: City council, school board and transit tax" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/03/mecklenburg-county-referendum-sales-tax-transportation" target="_self">a landmark 1-cent sales tax increase</a> projected to generate $19.4 billion over 30 years to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="build new rail lines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/02/03/cats-rail-lines-corridors-silver-red-gold-blue-transit-sales-tax" data-vars-content-id="ab0dea0d-5f75-4374-a5ec-90382f2db948" data-vars-headline="Election results 2025: City council, school board and transit tax" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/02/03/cats-rail-lines-corridors-silver-red-gold-blue-transit-sales-tax" target="_self">build new rail lines</a>, overhaul the bus system, and expand road, bike and pedestrian infrastructure.Why it matters: The measure raises the local sales tax rate from 7.25% to 8.25%, unlocking a perpetual funding source for a transformative expansion of the region&#x27;s public transit network, starting with the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="25-mile Red Line commuter rail from Uptown to the Lake Norman towns." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/04/17/red-line-commuter-train-rail-passenger-north-mecklenburg-county-design" data-vars-content-id="ab0dea0d-5f75-4374-a5ec-90382f2db948" data-vars-headline="Election results 2025: City council, school board and transit tax" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/04/17/red-line-commuter-train-rail-passenger-north-mecklenburg-county-design" target="_self">25-mile Red Line commuter rail from Uptown to the Lake Norman towns.</a>

Election Day 2025: 6 races we're watching in Charlotte

What to watch on Election Day: Will the 1-cent tax pass?

On Nov. 4, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Charlotte voters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/09/election-november-2025-voter-guide-cms-city-council-transit-sales-tax-referendum" data-vars-content-id="811f3813-e6ab-4b83-95e7-9b4966bbcb84" data-vars-headline="Election Day 2025: 6 races we&#x27;re watching 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/2025/10/09/election-november-2025-voter-guide-cms-city-council-transit-sales-tax-referendum" target="_self">Charlotte voters</a> will elect city council and school board representatives, and make a potentially transformational decision on the countywide transportation sales tax.Why it matters: Local elections are often overlooked and result in low turnout, but they can greatly affect how our tax dollars are prioritized and how the region grows.

Voter guide 2025: What's on the ballot in Charlotte

Voters will decide Charlotte mayor, council and school board seats, and transit tax referendum

This fall, Charlotte-area residents will elect a mayor, four at-large city council members, and individual district representatives to council and school board.Why it matters: Local elections are often overlooked, but city council members make consequential decisions related to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="affordable housing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/02/05/udo-development-regulations-eliminating-single-family-only-zoning-city-council" data-vars-content-id="ce2d8f3c-be5a-4fc2-b465-e526553138cf" data-vars-headline="Voter guide 2025: What&#x27;s on the ballot 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/2024/02/05/udo-development-regulations-eliminating-single-family-only-zoning-city-council" target="_self">affordable housing</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="transportation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/08/14/gateway-station-ncdot-amtrak-uptown-scoop-records" data-vars-content-id="ce2d8f3c-be5a-4fc2-b465-e526553138cf" data-vars-headline="Voter guide 2025: What&#x27;s on the ballot 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/2025/08/14/gateway-station-ncdot-amtrak-uptown-scoop-records" target="_self">transportation</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="police" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/05/26/cmpd-police-chief-retire-johnny-jennngs" data-vars-content-id="ce2d8f3c-be5a-4fc2-b465-e526553138cf" data-vars-headline="Voter guide 2025: What&#x27;s on the ballot 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/2025/05/26/cmpd-police-chief-retire-johnny-jennngs" target="_self">police</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/05/20/charlotte-city-council-cmpd-chief-johnny-jennings-dave-boliek-state-auditor" data-vars-content-id="ce2d8f3c-be5a-4fc2-b465-e526553138cf" data-vars-headline="Voter guide 2025: What&#x27;s on the ballot 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/2025/05/20/charlotte-city-council-cmpd-chief-johnny-jennings-dave-boliek-state-auditor" target="_self">more</a>.

Everything to know about the 1% transportation sales tax referendum

Are you voting for a 1% transportation sales tax this November in Mecklenburg County?

Are you <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="voting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/10/charlotte-city-council-primary-results-election-turnout" data-vars-content-id="46f413a9-16eb-4989-9dbf-2b838dddaf55" data-vars-headline="Everything to know about the 1% transportation sales tax referendum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/10/charlotte-city-council-primary-results-election-turnout" target="_self">voting</a> for the 1% transportation sales tax referendum in November?Why it matters: It&#x27;s a complicated question — much more so than the language on the ballot will suggest.<ul><li>Here are the key facts you should know to begin forming a decision.</li></ul>

Election results: Mayor Lyles sweeps despite light rail stabbing criticism

Mayor Lyles sweeps, Tiawana Brown loses reelection in Charlotte City Council primary.

Charlotte Democratic Mayor Vi Lyles has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="swept" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/07/16/mayor-vi-lyles-reelection-bid-campaign-2025-municipal-files-roberts" data-vars-content-id="64a4535d-fd7f-434e-a3ef-50aa318b10c4" data-vars-headline="Election results: Mayor Lyles sweeps despite light rail stabbing criticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/07/16/mayor-vi-lyles-reelection-bid-campaign-2025-municipal-files-roberts" target="_self">swept</a> another primary, nearly clearing the path for her win in November, despite the Aug. 22 light rail stabbing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rising in national attention" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/08/iryna-zarutska-stabbing-video-republicans-maga" data-vars-content-id="64a4535d-fd7f-434e-a3ef-50aa318b10c4" data-vars-headline="Election results: Mayor Lyles sweeps despite light rail stabbing criticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/08/iryna-zarutska-stabbing-video-republicans-maga" target="_self">rising in national attention</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on Election Day." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/09/state-auditor-investigation-cats-light-rail-stabbing" data-vars-content-id="64a4535d-fd7f-434e-a3ef-50aa318b10c4" data-vars-headline="Election results: Mayor Lyles sweeps despite light rail stabbing criticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/09/state-auditor-investigation-cats-light-rail-stabbing" target="_self">on Election Day.</a><ul><li>In a separate, closely watched race, councilmember Tiawana Brown, facing a federal indictment, lost her District 3 race.</li></ul>Why it matters: While municipal primaries often go under the radar, city council makes consequential decisions about the future of the city and the spending of your tax dollars on a range of priorities, like police and transit, for instance.

There's little hope for MeckDems if they can't mend fractures over Black voter turnout

After a stinging election loss, MeckDems point fingers at each other.

Politics

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mecklenburg County Democrats" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/10/30/early-voting-numbers-north-carolina-mecklenburg-county-democrats-republicans-2024-election" data-vars-content-id="ac8aaca5-6845-4248-b74c-2eee3dd2519d" data-vars-headline="There&#x27;s little hope for MeckDems if they can&#x27;t mend fractures over Black voter turnout" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/10/30/early-voting-numbers-north-carolina-mecklenburg-county-democrats-republicans-2024-election" target="_self">Mecklenburg County Democrats</a>&#x27; failure to reach Black voters has become a fiery point of contention within the party, fueling and exacerbating dysfunction and racism allegations, Axios has learned through interviews.Why it matters: If left unresolved, the infighting could be a reason Democrats continue to lose high-stakes elections in North Carolina, even with full coffers and abundant resources.<ul><li>Of seven people who spoke to Axios on record, many voiced concerns about seeing the same presidential election outcome in four years.</li></ul>

Election 🗳️

Why Mecklenburg County sheriff is the most intense race on the ballot

Elections 2026: Charlotte Democratic primary guide

Elections 2026: Charlotte Republican primary guide

Elections 2026: Who filed to run in Mecklenburg County

Election results 2025: City council, school board and transit tax