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New Uptown nightclub aims to resurrect the former EpiCentre's party scene

Circa is bringing nightlife vibes back to the old Suite nightclub space, with a dance floor, rooftop patio and more.

Food and Drink

A new club called Circa is bringing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nightlife" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/07/27/best-late-night-bars-in-charlotte-141675" data-vars-content-id="2186e043-b3a9-4e29-b2c7-e03446cc73fb" data-vars-headline="New Uptown nightclub aims to resurrect the former EpiCentre&#x27;s party scene" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/07/27/best-late-night-bars-in-charlotte-141675" target="_self">nightlife</a> back to the former EpiCentre.Why it matters: The nightclub could signal a return to what once made the Uptown development a lively go-to party destination after dark.

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

Who's really behind Charlotte's buzziest spots?

News

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>

Charlotte private equity firm acquires Wemby-backed BARCODE

Axum Capital Partners, a Charlotte-based private equity firm, is acquiring controlling interest in BARCODE, the hydration brand backed by NBA All-Star Victor Wembanyama.

Sports

Axum Capital Partners, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Charlotte-based private equity firm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/24/charlotte-athlete-investors-wellness-private-equity" data-vars-content-id="50c35ea3-8657-4b33-be7f-42ab2c62f91b" data-vars-headline="Charlotte private equity firm acquires Wemby-backed BARCODE" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/24/charlotte-athlete-investors-wellness-private-equity" target="_self">Charlotte-based private equity firm</a>, is acquiring controlling interest in BARCODE, the hydration brand backed by NBA All-Star <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Victor Wembanyama" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/06/03/san-antonio-spurs-victor-wembanyama-emotions-cry" data-vars-content-id="50c35ea3-8657-4b33-be7f-42ab2c62f91b" data-vars-headline="Charlotte private equity firm acquires Wemby-backed BARCODE" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/06/03/san-antonio-spurs-victor-wembanyama-emotions-cry" target="_self">Victor Wembanyama</a>.The big picture: Former Carolina Panthers player Muhsin Muhammad II is a co-founder and managing partner of Axum, which launched a $300 million fund focused on food and beverage companies fostering health and wellness last fall. <ul><li>Axum is also an investor in Charlotte-based Clean Juice, Le Botaniste in New York City and Belgium, Texas-based Salata Salad Kitchen and California-based VitaHustle.</li></ul>

Why Charlotte's hot dog crawl was about much more than the glizzies

If you saw crowds of people dressed as hot dogs last Saturday...here's what was happening.

Culture

More than 1,000 people spent last Saturday wandering Charlotte in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hot dog suits" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/04/16/hot-dog-start-up-gleezy-brisket-sport-golf-official" data-vars-content-id="8eae628e-f4df-4670-923f-d85c79ad287d" data-vars-headline="Why Charlotte&#x27;s hot dog crawl was about much more than the glizzies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/04/16/hot-dog-start-up-gleezy-brisket-sport-golf-official" target="_self">hot dog suits</a> and condiment costumes on a mission to eat as many &quot;glizzies&quot; as possible. To anyone passing by, it probably looked like a fever dream.<ul><li>But somewhere between the sold-out hot dogs, packed sidewalks and strangers chatting in line, it became clear Charlotte was not just hungry for hot dogs but for a reason to gather. </li></ul>Why it matters: As Charlotte grows, so does the demand for low-pressure <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ways to meet people" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/03/19/ways-to-make-friends-in-charlotte-nc-social-groups-to-join" data-vars-content-id="8eae628e-f4df-4670-923f-d85c79ad287d" data-vars-headline="Why Charlotte&#x27;s hot dog crawl was about much more than the glizzies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/03/19/ways-to-make-friends-in-charlotte-nc-social-groups-to-join" target="_self">ways to meet people</a>. The hot dog bar crawl proved community doesn&#x27;t have to be polished or expensive. Sometimes it just takes a ridiculous idea — and a willingness to commit to the bit.

Inside the Plaza Midwood house that's become a one-stop wellness hub

The four locally-owned businesses have organically created a neighborhood wellness network tucked behind Supperland.

Health

A small house in Plaza Midwood is becoming a one-stop <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wellness" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/29/new-fitness-and-wellness-openings-charlotte-2026" data-vars-content-id="8df53325-07b6-4765-a064-e08f197015e1" data-vars-headline="Inside the Plaza Midwood house that&#x27;s become a one-stop wellness hub" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/29/new-fitness-and-wellness-openings-charlotte-2026" target="_self">wellness</a> hub.Why it matters: Step into the painted brick home tucked behind Supperland, and you&#x27;ll find a tea house, a primary care doctor&#x27;s office, a clinical research startup and a life coach all sharing the same space.<ul><li>It wasn&#x27;t planned that way, but the businesses have naturally become a neighborhood wellness network.</li></ul>

Scoop: Uptown salon Kenna Kunijo expands with viral Japanese head spa

One of the city's top salons, Kenna Kunijo is evolving into a one-stop beauty and wellness destination.

Kenna Kunijo, one of Charlotte&#x27;s best-known hair salons, is evolving into a full-service <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="beauty and wellness" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/health?utm_source=paid_search&amp;utm_medium=google&amp;utm_campaign=pmaxlocal&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=24080107180&amp;gbraid=0AAAAACBUgDRj1HJj8BcSeHSTGpcNG6H7U&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw-MDTBhCgARIsAKAkdlQKVS3dFE6vTYVhHwhtXmJW5c1MeDWfVuNghnMLsaEMAD2MARWHtxoaAiVPEALw_wcB" data-vars-content-id="73fc7f93-77f6-419d-84b3-02f35c132c6f" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Uptown salon Kenna Kunijo expands with viral Japanese head spa" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/health?utm_source=paid_search&amp;utm_medium=google&amp;utm_campaign=pmaxlocal&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=24080107180&amp;gbraid=0AAAAACBUgDRj1HJj8BcSeHSTGpcNG6H7U&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw-MDTBhCgARIsAKAkdlQKVS3dFE6vTYVhHwhtXmJW5c1MeDWfVuNghnMLsaEMAD2MARWHtxoaAiVPEALw_wcB" target="_self">beauty and wellness</a> destination with the addition of a Japanese head <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spa" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/06/26/best-spas-massage-studios-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="73fc7f93-77f6-419d-84b3-02f35c132c6f" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Uptown salon Kenna Kunijo expands with viral Japanese head spa" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/06/26/best-spas-massage-studios-charlotte" target="_self">spa</a>.Why it matters: The new service is the latest step in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="salon&#x27;s yearslong expansion of services" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kennakunijo.com" data-vars-content-id="73fc7f93-77f6-419d-84b3-02f35c132c6f" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Uptown salon Kenna Kunijo expands with viral Japanese head spa" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kennakunijo.com" target="_blank">salon&#x27;s yearslong expansion of services</a>, part of a growing trend of businesses making it easier to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stack multiple wellness appointments" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/07/i-tried-full-body-light-therapy-the-wellness-trend-that-requires-you-to-do-nothing" data-vars-content-id="73fc7f93-77f6-419d-84b3-02f35c132c6f" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Uptown salon Kenna Kunijo expands with viral Japanese head spa" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/07/i-tried-full-body-light-therapy-the-wellness-trend-that-requires-you-to-do-nothing" target="_self">stack multiple wellness appointments</a> into one visit.

Scoop: Massage studio Mood House gears up for biggest expansion yet

Popular massage studio Mood House is growing again.

Popular <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="massage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/06/26/best-spas-massage-studios-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="dfc3690a-77ad-46db-bf50-8cc5101b8f62" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Massage studio Mood House gears up for biggest expansion yet" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/06/26/best-spas-massage-studios-charlotte" target="_self">massage</a> studio Mood House is growing again, with plans for two more Charlotte-area locations and a new CEO to lead the company.Why it matters: In just over five years, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mood House" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thisismoodhouse.com" data-vars-content-id="dfc3690a-77ad-46db-bf50-8cc5101b8f62" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Massage studio Mood House gears up for biggest expansion yet" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thisismoodhouse.com" target="_blank">Mood House</a> has gone from a single massage studio in Dilworth into one of Charlotte&#x27;s best-known wellness brands, underscoring the city&#x27;s growing demand for health and wellness services.

Diarrhea outbreak reaches 29 cases in the Charlotte area

The cyclospora outbreak has reached 29 cases in Mecklenburg County.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cyclospora outbreak" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/07/15/diarrhea-cyclosporiasis-food-mecklenburg-cases" data-vars-content-id="1b1b79f7-c380-4775-ab67-d312696b8396" data-vars-headline="Diarrhea outbreak reaches 29 cases in the Charlotte area" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/07/15/diarrhea-cyclosporiasis-food-mecklenburg-cases" target="_self">Cyclospora outbreak</a> has reached 29 cases in Mecklenburg County, according to a county spokesperson. The big picture: Cyclosporiasis cases, which can cause <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="severe diarrhea" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/07/cyclosporiasis-stomach-bug-cases-symptoms-outbreak" data-vars-content-id="1b1b79f7-c380-4775-ab67-d312696b8396" data-vars-headline="Diarrhea outbreak reaches 29 cases in the Charlotte area" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/07/cyclosporiasis-stomach-bug-cases-symptoms-outbreak" target="_self">severe diarrhea</a>, continue to climb across the country. <ul><li>People are questioning produce safety and whether washing fruits and vegetables is enough to prevent infection. Experts say washing produce may reduce — but not eliminate — the risk of infection.</li></ul>

Diarrhea outbreak on the rise in Charlotte area with 18 cases

What to know about cyclosporiasis in North Carolina

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sickness" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/07/cyclosporiasis-stomach-bug-cases-symptoms-outbreak" data-vars-content-id="d394507a-3559-4174-89ab-b4b8a31eb328" data-vars-headline="Diarrhea outbreak on the rise in Charlotte area with 18 cases" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/07/cyclosporiasis-stomach-bug-cases-symptoms-outbreak" target="_self">sickness</a> causing explosive diarrhea across the United States has reached more than 300 reported cases in North Carolina, including 18 in Mecklenburg County, health officials said Tuesday.Why it matters: Investigators still haven&#x27;t identified a common contamination source for the cyclosporiasis outbreak, limiting the guidance health officials can give consumers as the outbreak grows.

The latest mental health treatment in Charlotte: Ketamine

The club drug once known as "Special K" is becoming an unlikely treatment for depression.

A longtime party drug is finding a new role treating depression and PTSD for hundreds of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Charlotteans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/29/charlotte-lonelines-cigna-isolation" data-vars-content-id="43e25325-3326-47c5-9ea0-5c13321f4c12" data-vars-headline="The latest mental health treatment in Charlotte: Ketamine" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/29/charlotte-lonelines-cigna-isolation" target="_self">Charlotteans</a>.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ketamine infusion clinics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/28/uncertain-future-ketamine-therapy" data-vars-content-id="43e25325-3326-47c5-9ea0-5c13321f4c12" data-vars-headline="The latest mental health treatment in Charlotte: Ketamine" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/28/uncertain-future-ketamine-therapy" target="_self">Ketamine infusion clinics</a> are growing in the city and across the country as research points to the drug&#x27;s mental health benefits.

A Charlotte dentist is rethinking how patients afford a better smile

A new South Charlotte dental practice offers an alternative to costly cosmetic treatments.

Partners

Cost, access and dental insurance limitations can make cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry unattainable for the people who need it most — but a Charlotte dentist is creating an alternative.The background: Dental insurance, not dental clinics, sets fixed prices for in-network care, then caps how much it will actually pay each year, typically around $1,000-$2,500.

16 new fitness and wellness openings in Charlotte

We've rounded up a list of recently opened and anticipated fitness concepts across Charlotte.

Charlotte&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fitness and wellness scene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/05/five-wellness-trends-charlotte-2026" data-vars-content-id="7ad43bd0-3b33-492e-8312-0eb36e69580b" data-vars-headline="16 new fitness and wellness openings 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/2026/01/05/five-wellness-trends-charlotte-2026" target="_self">fitness and wellness scene</a> is growing fast.Why it matters: The city is seeing an influx of both national brands and local concepts offering everything from Lagree and heated sculpt classes to bodybuilding gyms and recovery clubs.

Fitness studio Jungle expands to keep up with demand for heated classes

The west Charlotte boutique fitness studio is adding a second heated mat room after nonstop demand.

Things to Do

Jungle Cycle + Strength Studio, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a locally owned fitness studio" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/06/16/jungle-cycle-strength-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="25fdf719-8908-4654-868e-07560dcce42b" data-vars-headline="Fitness studio Jungle expands to keep up with demand for heated classes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/06/16/jungle-cycle-strength-charlotte" target="_self">a locally owned fitness studio</a> in west Charlotte, is expanding next door to keep up with demand for its heated workouts.Why it matters: It&#x27;s another reminder that heated fitness classes remain one of Charlotte&#x27;s hottest workouts.

A massive luxury gym and wellness center is opening in LoSo

Carbon Performance combines high-end equipment, saunas, cold plunges, HYROX classes and co-working under one roof.

Carbon Performance is a 45,000-square-foot <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="luxury fitness and recovery center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/06/11/cold-plunge-cryotherapy-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="5cdf032a-2425-46e9-b92d-2fe5f3d9057a" data-vars-headline="A massive luxury gym and wellness center is opening in LoSo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/06/11/cold-plunge-cryotherapy-charlotte" target="_self">luxury fitness and recovery center</a> opening in Lower South End later this summer.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tennessee-born fitness company&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://carbonperformance.com/about-us/" data-vars-content-id="5cdf032a-2425-46e9-b92d-2fe5f3d9057a" data-vars-headline="A massive luxury gym and wellness center is opening in LoSo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://carbonperformance.com/about-us/" target="_blank">Tennessee-born fitness company&#x27;s</a> expansion to Charlotte reflects the city&#x27;s growing appetite for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high-end wellness spaces " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/05/five-wellness-trends-charlotte-2026" data-vars-content-id="5cdf032a-2425-46e9-b92d-2fe5f3d9057a" data-vars-headline="A massive luxury gym and wellness center is opening in LoSo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/05/five-wellness-trends-charlotte-2026" target="_self">high-end wellness spaces </a>that combine strength training, recovery and lifestyle amenities under one roof.

🩸McKenzie's Moves: I had my blood injected into my face — here's why 

I tried the viral "vampire facial" in Charlotte — here's how it works 

💪 Charlotte is getting in shape

Charlotte rises fast among America’s fittest cities

A U.S. map shows a ranking of America's fittest cities. Arlington, Virginia, is at the top of the list, followed by neighboring Washington, D.C. Minneapolis, Seattle and Denver round out the top five.

Health 🩺

I tried the viral "vampire facial" in Charlotte — here's how it works

Inside the Plaza Midwood house that's become a one-stop wellness hub

Scoop: Uptown salon Kenna Kunijo expands with viral Japanese head spa

Scoop: Massage studio Mood House gears up for biggest expansion yet

Charlotte rises fast among America’s fittest cities