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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.

Scoop: Good Food on Montford to close, new restaurant to take its place

One of Charlotte's best-known restaurants is entering a new chapter as award-winning chef Bruce Moffett steps away from Good Food on Montford after nearly two decades.

One of Charlotte&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="best-known restaurants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/11/17/changes-good-food-on-montford-chef-kerry-moffett-bruce-moffett-344208" data-vars-content-id="1e547ba2-294c-4064-8bf6-f48f86e6dd4c" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Good Food on Montford to close, new restaurant to take its place" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/11/17/changes-good-food-on-montford-chef-kerry-moffett-bruce-moffett-344208" target="_self">best-known restaurants</a> is entering a new chapter as Moffett Restaurant Group owner Bruce Moffett steps away from Good Food on Montford after nearly two decades, handing the space to a longtime MRG employee to launch her own concept.Why it matters: Good Food on Montford was among a wave of restaurants that helped redefine Charlotte&#x27;s dining scene when it opened in 2009, with globally inspired small plates and ingredients from local farms — a novel concept in the city at the time, Axios <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="previously reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/11/17/changes-good-food-on-montford-chef-kerry-moffett-bruce-moffett-344208" data-vars-content-id="1e547ba2-294c-4064-8bf6-f48f86e6dd4c" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Good Food on Montford to close, new restaurant to take its place" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/11/17/changes-good-food-on-montford-chef-kerry-moffett-bruce-moffett-344208" target="_self">previously reported</a>.

CMPD arrests suspect in connection with violent social media videos

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department says they have arrested a man connected to a recent assault on a woman in Dilworth.

News

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="says" data-vars-click-url="https://www.charlottenc.gov/cmpd/News-Information/Newsroom/Assault-Investigation-in-the-Providence-Division-08.06026" data-vars-content-id="e58a6a29-dfc6-4e43-9d8e-7770daf5d514" data-vars-headline="CMPD arrests suspect in connection with violent social media videos" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.charlottenc.gov/cmpd/News-Information/Newsroom/Assault-Investigation-in-the-Providence-Division-08.06026" target="_blank">says</a> they have arrested a man connected to a recent assault on a woman in Dilworth after videos of it circulated on social media.

Developers seek historic designation for Uptown office tower

This Uptown redevelopment site is conveniently historic.

Charlotte <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="may" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/04/smbc-headquarters-wells-fargo-center-uptown" data-vars-content-id="b936b13b-2fc6-4b23-8b77-83fc0bc274e3" data-vars-headline="Developers seek historic designation for Uptown office tower" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/04/smbc-headquarters-wells-fargo-center-uptown" target="_self">may</a> designate 301 S. Tryon — the former Two Wells Fargo Center — as a local historic landmark ahead of a planned, sweeping <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redevelopment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-charlotte-bd368320-3e78-11f1-b58e-ddf2363125c7.html" data-vars-content-id="b936b13b-2fc6-4b23-8b77-83fc0bc274e3" data-vars-headline="Developers seek historic designation for Uptown office tower" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-charlotte-bd368320-3e78-11f1-b58e-ddf2363125c7.html" target="_self">redevelopment</a>.Why it matters: Charlotte <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="has a rep for tearing down its history" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/02/07/map-charlottes-green-book-sites-and-where-they-are-now-320127" data-vars-content-id="b936b13b-2fc6-4b23-8b77-83fc0bc274e3" data-vars-headline="Developers seek historic designation for Uptown office tower" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/02/07/map-charlottes-green-book-sites-and-where-they-are-now-320127" target="_self">has a rep for tearing down its history</a> because of all the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fast change" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/09/21/little-brick-building-charlotte-preserve-history-parking-dilworth-south-end" data-vars-content-id="b936b13b-2fc6-4b23-8b77-83fc0bc274e3" data-vars-headline="Developers seek historic designation for Uptown office tower" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/09/21/little-brick-building-charlotte-preserve-history-parking-dilworth-south-end" target="_self">fast change</a>. But here is one case where new development could happen alongside the preservation of decades-old architecture.<ul><li>And the developers potentially get a tax break in return.</li></ul>

What Charlotte airport travelers will get instead of a direct light rail stop

Instead of a much-desired direct light rail stop, Charlotte <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Douglas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/27/charlotte-airport-expansion-runway-firehouse-lounges" data-vars-content-id="44bc6aa6-7888-4807-955b-e44c3a709510" data-vars-headline="What Charlotte airport travelers will get instead of a direct light rail stop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/27/charlotte-airport-expansion-runway-firehouse-lounges" target="_self">Douglas</a> International Airport is planning to build a &quot;people mover&quot; that will be a roughly seven-minute ride between the future multibillion-dollar <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Silver Line" 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="44bc6aa6-7888-4807-955b-e44c3a709510" data-vars-headline="What Charlotte airport travelers will get instead of a direct light rail stop" 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">Silver Line</a> and the terminal.Why it matters: Many outspoken transit advocates and residents have made clear <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="they&#x27;d much prefer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/08/27/silver-line-charlotte-douglas-international-airport-light-rail" data-vars-content-id="44bc6aa6-7888-4807-955b-e44c3a709510" data-vars-headline="What Charlotte airport travelers will get instead of a direct light rail stop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/08/27/silver-line-charlotte-douglas-international-airport-light-rail" target="_self">they&#x27;d much prefer</a> the light rail extend to the main terminal. But CLT officials say they do not support a direct stop &quot;as it impedes future terminal expansion plans,&quot; according to a Wednesday presentation to the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority.

NC voucher use triples across 3 school years

North Carolina is beginning to see the effects of making private school vouchers available to all families, regardless of income.

North Carolina is beginning to see the effects of making <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="private school vouchers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/03/20/private-school-vouchers-north-carolina" data-vars-content-id="61206697-228b-424d-9e5a-cbc297b3f1e4" data-vars-headline="NC voucher use triples across 3 school years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/03/20/private-school-vouchers-north-carolina" target="_self">private school vouchers</a> available to all families, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="regardless of income" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/09/12/public-education-nc-legislature-opportunity-scholarships-budget-cms-vouchers" data-vars-content-id="61206697-228b-424d-9e5a-cbc297b3f1e4" data-vars-headline="NC voucher use triples across 3 school years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/09/12/public-education-nc-legislature-opportunity-scholarships-budget-cms-vouchers" target="_self">regardless of income</a>.Why it matters: The expansion is reshaping how North Carolina funds private education, broadening access while substantially increasing the state&#x27;s financial commitment.

Latta Park playground upgrades will include shade

Latta Park's playground is getting a shade-focused makeover.

Mecklenburg County <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Park and Recreation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/09/meck-county-park-upgrades-2025-eastland-albemarle" data-vars-content-id="28e33518-b215-40f4-b9f7-37a62b7a09cb" data-vars-headline="Latta Park playground upgrades will include shade" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/09/meck-county-park-upgrades-2025-eastland-albemarle" target="_self">Park and Recreation</a> plans to upgrade the playground at Latta Park. Why it matters: Shade is a hot commodity at local playgrounds and will be a key feature of the park&#x27;s improvements.

CMPD wants "Make America Safe Again" grant. Council pushes back

"Respectfully, it feels like we are opening Pandora's box," council member Victoria Watlington said.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Democratic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/15/dhs-charlotte-operation-few-answers" data-vars-content-id="cfd2c241-8361-4e5f-9ee1-2a4446dee491" data-vars-headline="CMPD wants &quot;Make America Safe Again&quot; grant. Council pushes back" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/15/dhs-charlotte-operation-few-answers" target="_self">Democratic</a>-majority Charlotte City Council is pushing back on applying for a massive &quot;Make America Safe Again&quot; federal grant to fund more police drones, license plate cameras and a range of other safety initiatives.Why it matters: Charlotte has drawn national scrutiny following several high-profile crimes, including the recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dilworth attack" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/08/07/charlotte-dilworth-assault-instagram-east-boulevard" data-vars-content-id="cfd2c241-8361-4e5f-9ee1-2a4446dee491" data-vars-headline="CMPD wants &quot;Make America Safe Again&quot; grant. Council pushes back" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/08/07/charlotte-dilworth-assault-instagram-east-boulevard" target="_self">Dilworth attack</a>. The grant could bring Charlotte up to $150 million in federal funding for public safety, but council members worry money from the Trump administration will come with strings attached.

Charlotte's white-collar workforce has a baby face

Young adults are an outsized share of Charlotte's workforce.

<figure><img alt="Two women in black outfits on a train platform: one faces the tracks with a shoulder bag, the other adjusts her hair with a backpack; a tree, rails, and yellow safety barricades are in the background." height="532" id="a4660b26-0892-4957-880e-da1a0bd40007" src="https://images.axios.com/yle1fi4FJ379gY8-Fe2gMpwJWH8=/2026/08/07/1786115381727.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>South Enders wait for the Uptown-bound light rail. GIF: Alexandria Sands/Axios</figcaption></figure>If <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="you" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/06/03/charlotte-housing-market-first-time-buyers-unaffordable" data-vars-content-id="142859f8-2c85-46aa-8637-bc6a68f8d639" data-vars-headline="Charlotte&#x27;s white-collar workforce has a baby face" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/06/03/charlotte-housing-market-first-time-buyers-unaffordable" target="_self">you</a> think that guy in a quarter-zip walking through Uptown looks too young to have a real job, you&#x27;re not the only one.Why it matters: Charlotte&#x27;s economy today relies heavily on young adults, who now make up an outsized share of workers in banking, tech, marketing and other high-skill industries, according to data the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance shared with Axios.

Latino fusion spot with walk-up taco stand opens in Plaza Midwood

The open air restaurant brings street tacos, empanadas and mezcal-forward cocktails  to 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="Latino fusion spot with walk-up taco stand opens 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, has soft opened 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="Latino fusion spot with walk-up taco stand opens 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="Latino fusion spot with walk-up taco stand opens 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.

Ballantyne grows with another tower, more than 1,250 new homes

More than 1,250 homes planned for Ballantyne.

Ballantyne was built around cul-de-sacs and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="corporate parks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/21/sofi-expands-charlotte-ballantyne" data-vars-content-id="7d7ec131-4d5a-4986-9462-08a1af97ebe4" data-vars-headline="Ballantyne grows with another tower, more than 1,250 new homes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/21/sofi-expands-charlotte-ballantyne" target="_self">corporate parks</a>. Now Northwood is adding new kinds of housing, including a second apartment tower at The Bowl. Why it matters: Companies <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="increasingly want" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/26/capital-group-north-carolina-expansion-jobs" data-vars-content-id="7d7ec131-4d5a-4986-9462-08a1af97ebe4" data-vars-headline="Ballantyne grows with another tower, more than 1,250 new homes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/26/capital-group-north-carolina-expansion-jobs" target="_self">increasingly want</a> their offices surrounded by walkable streets, lively entertainment and cool businesses to attract workers. But becoming a true urban destination depends on adding enough housing to keep the area&#x27;s shops and restaurants busy beyond work hours.

Capital One Café is coming to South End

The bank-coffee shop hybrid replaces a longtime local art space, underscoring South End's evolution.

The South End stretch along Camden Road near South Tryon Street once included <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Common Market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2016/06/22/common-market-south-end-closing-august-1-56304" data-vars-content-id="4af3d223-73c4-48fb-a21b-c3979adda8e5" data-vars-headline="Capital One Café is 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/2016/06/22/common-market-south-end-closing-august-1-56304" target="_self">Common Market</a>, The Charlotte Post, Elder Gallery of Contemporary Art, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Phat Burrito" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2017/02/06/lets-stop-blaming-development-every-small-business-closing-south-end-80138" data-vars-content-id="4af3d223-73c4-48fb-a21b-c3979adda8e5" data-vars-headline="Capital One Café is 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/2017/02/06/lets-stop-blaming-development-every-small-business-closing-south-end-80138" target="_self">Phat Burrito</a>, Black Sheep Skate Shop and Charlotte Art League. Today, it&#x27;s largely home to chains, with another one on the way. Driving the news: Capital One has signed a lease for its first Charlotte café, which will be in the former Elder Gallery space. Why it matters: It&#x27;s a reflection of the neighborhood&#x27;s evolution as a whole. South End has transformed from the edge of town to one of the hottest neighborhoods in the nation. It&#x27;s where major players want a presence, from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lowe&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/10/19/see-inside-the-futuristic-new-lowes-tower-in-south-end-311075" data-vars-content-id="4af3d223-73c4-48fb-a21b-c3979adda8e5" data-vars-headline="Capital One Café is 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/2022/10/19/see-inside-the-futuristic-new-lowes-tower-in-south-end-311075" target="_self">Lowe&#x27;s</a> to Capital One.

News 🗞

What Charlotte airport travelers will get instead of a direct light rail stop

1 wild and beautiful photo to go

NC voucher use triples across 3 school years

School board votes for superintendent's return after investigation

Latta Park playground upgrades will include shade