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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.

SCOOP: Latino fusion spot with walk-up taco stand opening in Plaza Midwood

From the teams behind Moo & Brew and Bocao Sushi, La Vecina is expected to open this spring on Central Avenue.

La Vecina, a new outdoor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Latino" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/09/14/17-hispanic-and-latinx-owned-restaurants-to-visit-for-hispanic-heritage-month-233526" data-vars-content-id="8d57e2c7-f239-4de4-84e0-94ac6273b980" data-vars-headline="SCOOP: Latino fusion spot with walk-up taco stand opening in Plaza Midwood" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/09/14/17-hispanic-and-latinx-owned-restaurants-to-visit-for-hispanic-heritage-month-233526" target="_self">Latino</a> fusion restaurant, will open soon on Plaza Midwood&#x27;s Central Avenue. Why it matters: It&#x27;s a fresh offering — by the teams behind <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Moo &amp; Brew" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mooandbrew.com/" data-vars-content-id="8d57e2c7-f239-4de4-84e0-94ac6273b980" data-vars-headline="SCOOP: Latino fusion spot with walk-up taco stand opening in Plaza Midwood" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mooandbrew.com/" target="_blank">Moo &amp; Brew</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bocao Sushi" data-vars-click-url="https://bocaoclt.com/" data-vars-content-id="8d57e2c7-f239-4de4-84e0-94ac6273b980" data-vars-headline="SCOOP: Latino fusion spot with walk-up taco stand opening in Plaza Midwood" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bocaoclt.com/" target="_blank">Bocao Sushi</a> — in a fast-changing neighborhood that&#x27;s often feared to be losing its local charm.

Scoop: Coffee and cocktail bar opening in Plaza Midwood with "cool older sister" vibes

Plot Twist is on track to open in early 2026, joining Trope Bookshop and Wiloe to form a walkable pocket of locally owned businesses.

A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="coffee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/05/03/top-charlotte-coffee-shops-to-work-from" data-vars-content-id="89576944-7d85-4aae-aa43-e20cd143a3b1" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Coffee and cocktail bar opening in Plaza Midwood with &quot;cool older sister&quot; vibes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/05/03/top-charlotte-coffee-shops-to-work-from" target="_self">coffee</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cocktail bar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/03/22/best-cocktail-bars-in-charlotte-137213" data-vars-content-id="89576944-7d85-4aae-aa43-e20cd143a3b1" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Coffee and cocktail bar opening in Plaza Midwood with &quot;cool older sister&quot; vibes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/03/22/best-cocktail-bars-in-charlotte-137213" target="_self">cocktail bar</a> called Plot Twist will open in Plaza Midwood early next year. Why it matters: The 1,627-square-foot space, a former auto shop, is being transformed into what co-owner Nikki Velazquez describes as a true &quot;third space,&quot; something she feels was lost during the pandemic. &quot;I imagined the place you&#x27;d go to debrief with your cool older sister.&quot;<ul><li>Plot Twist also stands out as a local business opening in fast-changing Plaza Midwood, a neighborhood known for its quirky personality that&#x27;s seen an influx of new development and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national chains" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/07/31/commonwealth-plaza-midwood-popup-bagels-maman" data-vars-content-id="89576944-7d85-4aae-aa43-e20cd143a3b1" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Coffee and cocktail bar opening in Plaza Midwood with &quot;cool older sister&quot; vibes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/07/31/commonwealth-plaza-midwood-popup-bagels-maman" target="_self">national chains</a>.</li></ul>

The 16 best holiday lights around Charlotte in 2025

Discover Charlotte's best holiday lights, from Speedway Christmas to magical neighborhood setups.

Put on your matching Christmas pajamas, pour some hot cocoa and hop in your cars. These are the 16 must-see <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="holiday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/11/20/17-festive-things-to-do-in-charlotte-this-holiday-season-238857" data-vars-content-id="18c36e48-5f78-4013-91c8-7359bf8aae68" data-vars-headline="The 16 best holiday lights around Charlotte in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/11/20/17-festive-things-to-do-in-charlotte-this-holiday-season-238857" target="_self">holiday</a> light displays in and around Charlotte.

Inside Wiloe, Plaza Midwood's new colorful home and gift shop

Wiloe is bringing color and creativity to Plaza Midwood with local art, bold décor and cheeky gifts.

Business

Wiloe, a locally owned home and gift shop, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="opened" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/03/03/new-restaurants-bars-businesses-opened-2025" data-vars-content-id="eaa9c1b2-b505-4aff-a0a8-828bb3966552" data-vars-headline="Inside Wiloe, Plaza Midwood&#x27;s new colorful home and gift shop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/03/03/new-restaurants-bars-businesses-opened-2025" target="_self">opened</a> earlier this year in Plaza Midwood. Why it matters: As the neighborhood sees an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="influx of national chains" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/07/31/commonwealth-plaza-midwood-popup-bagels-maman" data-vars-content-id="eaa9c1b2-b505-4aff-a0a8-828bb3966552" data-vars-headline="Inside Wiloe, Plaza Midwood&#x27;s new colorful home and gift shop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/07/31/commonwealth-plaza-midwood-popup-bagels-maman" target="_self">influx of national chains</a>, Wiloe is focused on spotlighting local makers with its selection of colorful home goods, artwork and playful gifts.

Kudzu Bakery & Market brings Southern staples to Dilworth

The beloved South Carolina bakery recently opened in part of the huge former Tuesday Morning space in Dilworth.

Kudzu, a Southern homestyle bakery and market, recently opened in part of the huge former Tuesday Morning space in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dilworth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/08/13/japanese-american-food-counter-dozo-is-opening-a-full-service-restaurant-in-dilworth" data-vars-content-id="eec4429f-b1f2-4344-bd32-b4ea37f566a5" data-vars-headline="Kudzu Bakery &amp; Market brings Southern staples to Dilworth" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/08/13/japanese-american-food-counter-dozo-is-opening-a-full-service-restaurant-in-dilworth" target="_self">Dilworth</a>. Why it matters: It&#x27;s the first North Carolina location for the bakery, which originated over 30 years ago in Georgetown, S.C., and specializes in classic Southern desserts and sides.

The Bowl at Ballantyne is getting an ice skating pop-up this winter

Open to all ages, "Ice Skating at The Bowl" will run Nov. 22-Jan. 4, 2026.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Bowl at 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="4532374c-6302-429e-ae59-ab040985c351" data-vars-headline="The Bowl at Ballantyne is getting an ice skating pop-up this winter" 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">The Bowl at Ballantyne&#x27;s</a> outdoor concert venue, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The AMP" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CpdZEy0pN4W/" data-vars-content-id="4532374c-6302-429e-ae59-ab040985c351" data-vars-headline="The Bowl at Ballantyne is getting an ice skating pop-up this winter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CpdZEy0pN4W/" target="_blank">The AMP</a>, will turn into an ice skating pop-up for the holidays.Why it matters: This is the first year <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Bowl" data-vars-click-url="https://www.goballantyne.com/ballantyne-reimagined/the-bowl-at-ballantyne" data-vars-content-id="4532374c-6302-429e-ae59-ab040985c351" data-vars-headline="The Bowl at Ballantyne is getting an ice skating pop-up this winter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.goballantyne.com/ballantyne-reimagined/the-bowl-at-ballantyne" target="_blank">The Bowl</a> is hosting the experience, &quot;Ice Skating at The Bowl,&quot; which will run Saturday, Nov. 22, through Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.

The ultimate guide to Lake Norman: Best eats, beaches and things to do

Your guide to Lake Norman — from sandy swim spots and boat days to the best eats, breweries and live music.

Lake Norman, North Carolina&#x27;s largest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="man-made lake" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/06/17/huge-summer-boat-party-is-coming-to-lake-norman-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="a4450bcb-8e1b-455f-babf-38a5ebeb332f" data-vars-headline="The ultimate guide to Lake Norman: Best eats, beaches and things to do" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/06/17/huge-summer-boat-party-is-coming-to-lake-norman-charlotte" target="_self">man-made lake</a>, stretches 34 miles long with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="520 miles of shoreline" data-vars-click-url="https://www.visitlakenorman.org/about/about-the-area/" data-vars-content-id="a4450bcb-8e1b-455f-babf-38a5ebeb332f" data-vars-headline="The ultimate guide to Lake Norman: Best eats, beaches and things to do" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.visitlakenorman.org/about/about-the-area/" target="_blank">520 miles of shoreline</a> just north of Charlotte. It&#x27;s a go-to escape for swimming, boating, shopping and lakeside dining.Why it matters: The lake is anchored by several surrounding towns, most notably Davidson, Cornelius, Huntersville and Mooresville, each with its own character, from college-town charm and waterfront living to suburban comfort and motorsports history.

Inside Two Buck Saloon's new family-friendly bar in Oakhurst

The Monroe Road location is the newest for the local dive bar brand.

Two Buck Saloon has opened a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="family-friendly" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/06/30/family-friendly-activities-charlotte-330084" data-vars-content-id="2750e183-a516-4040-8532-ba47c1baf72c" data-vars-headline="Inside Two Buck Saloon&#x27;s new family-friendly bar in Oakhurst" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/06/30/family-friendly-activities-charlotte-330084" target="_self">family-friendly</a> location in Charlotte&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Oakhurst" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/04/24/oakhurst-welcomes-brunch-spot-brunches" data-vars-content-id="2750e183-a516-4040-8532-ba47c1baf72c" data-vars-headline="Inside Two Buck Saloon&#x27;s new family-friendly bar in Oakhurst" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/04/24/oakhurst-welcomes-brunch-spot-brunches" target="_self">Oakhurst</a> neighborhood.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="popular dive bar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/12/12/best-dive-bars-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="2750e183-a516-4040-8532-ba47c1baf72c" data-vars-headline="Inside Two Buck Saloon&#x27;s new family-friendly bar in Oakhurst" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/12/12/best-dive-bars-charlotte" target="_self">popular dive bar</a>, known best for its $2 PBR and saloon-style decor, has scaled quickly, opening four locations across the city in five years.

$6M building transformation adds affordable housing in Elizabeth

Easter's Home, new affordable housing units in Elizabeth, will open this summer.

News

A $6.03 million undertaking will transform Caldwell Presbyterian Church&#x27;s former education building into 21 affordable studio apartments in Elizabeth.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Charlotte" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte" data-vars-content-id="86b8ec92-287a-40e5-8ab7-7299760ed7f3" data-vars-headline="$6M building transformation adds affordable housing in Elizabeth" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte" target="_self">Charlotte</a> continues to grapple with affordable housing. Twenty-one units won&#x27;t solve the city&#x27;s problems, but it is an example of what can be done to address it, according to Caldwell Presbyterian&#x27;s Rev. John Cleghorn.