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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.

Charlotte leaders push to pause I-77 toll lanes — but will it matter?

City council is expected to revisit I-77 tolls in March.

News

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="organized resistance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/05/ncdot-elevated-i-77-express-lanes" data-vars-content-id="947ee2b1-ec32-4e17-8fe3-821be2905aa5" data-vars-headline="Charlotte leaders push to pause I-77 toll lanes — but will it matter?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/05/ncdot-elevated-i-77-express-lanes" target="_self">organized resistance</a> to the N.C. Department of Transportation&#x27;s multibillion-dollar I-77 South toll lanes through the Uptown area could upend the project.Why it matters: Seven of 11 Charlotte City Council members now favor delaying a project most of them previously supported. The shift speaks to the strength of opposition to the toll lanes that would inevitably impact historically Black communities along the corridor.

NCDOT says no to tunnels, will build elevated I-77 toll lanes through Uptown

I-77 toll lane plan advances with above-ground highway

Following &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="extensive" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/06/i-77-south-toll-lanes-express-black-neighborhoods" data-vars-content-id="abf150ff-8b63-4695-87de-7a0ae92e4738" data-vars-headline="NCDOT says no to tunnels, will build elevated I-77 toll lanes through Uptown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/06/i-77-south-toll-lanes-express-black-neighborhoods" target="_self">extensive</a> community engagement,&quot; the N.C. Department of Transportation is planning to build elevated highways through the Uptown area as part of its $3.2 billion I-77 express lanes.Why it matters: The agency says this plan reduces impacts on historic Black neighborhoods, McCrorey Heights and Wesley Heights, as well as Frazier Park and avoids Pinewood Cemetery.

CATS' "systemic failures" led to light rail stabbing, feds say

Charlotte transit crime far above U.S. average

Federal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Transit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/09/state-auditor-investigation-cats-light-rail-stabbing" data-vars-content-id="7f7c3b52-97ed-4526-a7c0-5edfb03e7111" data-vars-headline="CATS&#x27; &quot;systemic failures&quot; led to light rail stabbing, feds say" 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">Transit</a> Administration Administrator Marc Molinaro is blaming &quot;systemic failures&quot; within the Charlotte transit system for Iryna Zarutska&#x27;s death, as a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new report says" data-vars-click-url="https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/news/focused-agency-safety-plan-audit-final-report-charlotte-area-transit-system" data-vars-content-id="7f7c3b52-97ed-4526-a7c0-5edfb03e7111" data-vars-headline="CATS&#x27; &quot;systemic failures&quot; led to light rail stabbing, feds say" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/news/focused-agency-safety-plan-audit-final-report-charlotte-area-transit-system" target="_blank">new report says</a> the rate of crimes against CATS&#x27; passengers is now three times the national average.Why it matters: A reliable public transit system is crucial for people to reach jobs, health care and climb up the economic ladder. But Charlotte risks losing more riders&#x27; support and federal dollars if it doesn&#x27;t address safety concerns.

Highway construction threatens Charlotte's historic Black neighborhoods again

I-77 construction may once more hit Charlotte's Black neighborhoods hardest

History could repeat itself if the state moves forward with a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$3.2 billion preliminary plan to extend I-77 toll lanes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/10/17/i-77-toll-lanes-express-highway-ncdot-transportation-construction" data-vars-content-id="2edaf2eb-3ded-4f19-adf6-2134f6268591" data-vars-headline="Highway construction threatens Charlotte&#x27;s historic Black neighborhoods again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/10/17/i-77-toll-lanes-express-highway-ncdot-transportation-construction" target="_self">$3.2 billion preliminary plan to extend I-77 toll lanes</a> along several of Charlotte&#x27;s Black neighborhoods, potentially threatening homes, parks and historic sites.Why it matters: In the 1950s-1970s, construction of new highways near Uptown <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sliced through Black neighborhoods" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2020/10/20/highway-construction-harmed-black-neighborhoods-in-charlotte-how-leaders-are-trying-to-untangle-past-mistakes-233636" data-vars-content-id="2edaf2eb-3ded-4f19-adf6-2134f6268591" data-vars-headline="Highway construction threatens Charlotte&#x27;s historic Black neighborhoods again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2020/10/20/highway-construction-harmed-black-neighborhoods-in-charlotte-how-leaders-are-trying-to-untangle-past-mistakes-233636" target="_self">sliced through Black neighborhoods</a>, displacing families, destroying schools, disrupting businesses and plummeting property values.

Charlotte is spending more time stuck in traffic than ever

Charlotte drivers lose 64 hours a year stuck in traffic

The average Charlotte car commuter is spending a record 64 hours annually <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stuck in traffic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/08/slowest-driving-cities-america-list" data-vars-content-id="6bc66935-54f4-4ef5-9817-a6184a6ef571" data-vars-headline="Charlotte is spending more time stuck in traffic than ever" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/08/slowest-driving-cities-america-list" target="_self">stuck in traffic</a> — 11 hours more than they were in 2019, a new report finds.Why it matters: It&#x27;s not just annoying — it&#x27;s bad for business, adding up to eight full workdays lost to traffic.

Follow the money behind Charlotte's transit tax campaign

Charlotte Regional Business Alliance&#x27;s &quot;Yes For Meck&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="campaign" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/03/mecklenburg-county-referendum-sales-tax-transportation" data-vars-content-id="23809120-a2c4-4e89-aa78-4d965b0f874e" data-vars-headline="Follow the money behind Charlotte&#x27;s transit tax campaign" 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">campaign</a> has raised and spent roughly $1.7 million so far this year, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest campaign financing" data-vars-click-url="https://cf.ncsbe.gov/CFOrgLkup/ReportSection/?RID=226073&amp;SID=MEC-DUW693-C-001&amp;CN=COALITION%20FOR%20A%20BETTER%202050&amp;RN=2025%20Pre-Referendum&amp;utm_source=substack&amp;utm_medium=email" data-vars-content-id="23809120-a2c4-4e89-aa78-4d965b0f874e" data-vars-headline="Follow the money behind Charlotte&#x27;s transit tax campaign" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cf.ncsbe.gov/CFOrgLkup/ReportSection/?RID=226073&amp;SID=MEC-DUW693-C-001&amp;CN=COALITION%20FOR%20A%20BETTER%202050&amp;RN=2025%20Pre-Referendum&amp;utm_source=substack&amp;utm_medium=email" target="_blank">latest campaign financing</a>, first reported by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Charlotte Ledger." data-vars-click-url="https://charlotteledger.substack.com/p/breaking-pro-transit-plan-campaign" data-vars-content-id="23809120-a2c4-4e89-aa78-4d965b0f874e" data-vars-headline="Follow the money behind Charlotte&#x27;s transit tax campaign" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://charlotteledger.substack.com/p/breaking-pro-transit-plan-campaign" target="_blank">the Charlotte Ledger.</a>Why it matters: The campaign that&#x27;s filling your mailbox with pamphlets and your neighborhood&#x27;s right-of-ways with yard signs is largely fueled by big corporate donors.

$16.4M walking bridge begins construction, expect delays on I-277

The bridge will close a gap in the rail trail, finally connecting South End and Uptown for pedestrians.

Charlotte drivers should brace for traffic disruptions on I-277 over the next two-and-a-half years as work starts on a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pedestrian bridge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/01/14/277-rail-trail-pedestrian-bridge-construction" data-vars-content-id="7f4a8eb4-bacf-4d01-b6ae-270476ae259a" data-vars-headline="$16.4M walking bridge begins construction, expect delays on I-277" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/01/14/277-rail-trail-pedestrian-bridge-construction" target="_self">pedestrian bridge</a> over the interstate.Why it matters: The long-awaited biking and walking bridge will close a gap in the rail trail, connecting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="South End to Uptown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/24/uptown-south-end-office-vacancies-market-demand-commercial" data-vars-content-id="7f4a8eb4-bacf-4d01-b6ae-270476ae259a" data-vars-headline="$16.4M walking bridge begins construction, expect delays on I-277" 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/uptown-south-end-office-vacancies-market-demand-commercial" target="_self">South End to Uptown</a>.

CATS aims to enforce transit fares after light rail attack

Safety on CATS has come under heightened scrutiny since the Aug. 22 light rail stabbing.

Charlotte Area Transit System is tightening its security protocols after the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Aug. 22 light rail attack" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/10/trump-charlotte-stabbing-suspect-ukranian-refugee" data-vars-content-id="08eb10a7-b215-40c2-9138-72afba9e5b75" data-vars-headline="CATS aims to enforce transit fares after light rail attack" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/10/trump-charlotte-stabbing-suspect-ukranian-refugee" target="_self">Aug. 22 light rail attack</a>, including by enforcing fares and deploying bike and urban terrain vehicle patrols along the light rail.<ul><li>However, there are no plans to place armed guards on every vehicle despite recent pressure.</li></ul>Why it matters: The safety of riding CATS has come under intense <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="scrutiny" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/29/house-judiciary-subcommittee-oversight" data-vars-content-id="08eb10a7-b215-40c2-9138-72afba9e5b75" data-vars-headline="CATS aims to enforce transit fares after light rail attack" 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/house-judiciary-subcommittee-oversight" target="_self">scrutiny</a> since <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ukrainian refugee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/09/ukrainian-refugee-stabbing-death-nc-suspect-federal-charge" data-vars-content-id="08eb10a7-b215-40c2-9138-72afba9e5b75" data-vars-headline="CATS aims to enforce transit fares after light rail attack" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/09/ukrainian-refugee-stabbing-death-nc-suspect-federal-charge" target="_self">Ukrainian refugee</a> Iryna Zarutska was fatally stabbed on the light rail. No security was on board at the time of the attack, and the man charged with the murder did not buy a ticket.

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>

The biggest supporters and critics of Mecklenburg's 1% transit sales tax referendum

Supporters vs. critics: Mecklenburg's sales tax transit clash

Staunch supporters and outspoken critics have emerged with varying opinions on Mecklenburg County&#x27;s transportation <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sales tax" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/07/01/governor-stein-signs-mecklenburg-county-transit-bill" data-vars-content-id="0b2533e1-d1ac-4528-a562-2edb65c87647" data-vars-headline="The biggest supporters and critics of Mecklenburg&#x27;s 1% transit 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/2025/07/01/governor-stein-signs-mecklenburg-county-transit-bill" target="_self">sales tax</a>.<ul><li>Voters will be asked via a referendum in the November election whether to approve raising the sales tax rate from 7.25% to 8.25%, which is slated to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="generate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/01/23/bus-cats-transit-tax-mecklenburg-frequency-stops-benches" data-vars-content-id="0b2533e1-d1ac-4528-a562-2edb65c87647" data-vars-headline="The biggest supporters and critics of Mecklenburg&#x27;s 1% transit 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/2025/01/23/bus-cats-transit-tax-mecklenburg-frequency-stops-benches" target="_self">generate</a> $19.4 billion over 30 years for various transit projects.</li></ul>Why it matters: While everyone agrees that better transit is needed, not everyone agrees that the current plan is the best way to go about it.<ul><li>Here&#x27;s what some leaders are saying:</li></ul>

Transit 🚗

Charlotte leaders push to pause I-77 toll lanes — but will it matter?

NCDOT says no to tunnels, will build elevated I-77 toll lanes through Uptown

CATS' "systemic failures" led to light rail stabbing, feds say

Highway construction threatens Charlotte's historic Black neighborhoods again

Charlotte is spending more time stuck in traffic than ever