Kenna Kunijo, one of Charlotte's best-known hair salons, is evolving into a full-service beauty and wellness destination with the addition of a Japanese head spa.

Why it matters: The new service is the latest step in the salon's yearslong expansion of services, part of a growing trend of businesses making it easier to stack multiple wellness appointments into one visit.

Driving the news: Kenna Kunijo will open bookings today for its head spa, with appointments starting Sept. 1.

What to expect: Think of it as part spa treatment, part hair appointment. The luxury experience combines a heated massage bed, water therapy and a scalp massage focused on scalp health before finishing with a blowout.

The intrigue: Japanese head spas have become a viral wellness trend, with several studios popping up around Charlotte over the last couple years.

• Kenna Kunijo's co-founder Kenna Ehman says her goal was to create a more streamlined version of the traditional Japanese head spa, which can often take upwards of two hours.
• Introductory pricing starts at $150 for 60 minutes with a blowout or $75 for a 30-minute express service without one.

The big picture: The head spa is one piece of the salon's transition into a full-service self-care hub.

• Clients can pair a haircut with a facial, get Botox while their hair color processes or finish a head spa treatment with a blowout — all without leaving the building.

What's next: Massage therapy is coming soon.

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Charlotte leaders are questioning the legality and constitutionality of the new law that could require a $64 million to $80 million repayment to the state transportation department if the city continues blocking the I-77 South widening.

Why it matters: The provision, tucked into the state budget in July, triggered a 60-day clock for city leaders to either renew support for the controversial toll lanes or fork up millions in taxpayer dollars.

The latest: Monday night's transportation committee meeting was the first time council members have discussed the issue formally.

• The city attorney said she does not believe the city could use sales tax money from the newly passed referendum — an option some have floated.
• No action was taken Monday night. City staff only presented information. They said the city could pursue an independent analysis of alternatives to I-77, but consultants would need three to five months.

What's next: Council expects to have a full, in-depth discussion at a later date. It could vote by Sept. 14, the last scheduled meeting before the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization's Sept. 23 vote, to reconsider its support for the project.

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Tom Gabbard will retire as Blumenthal Arts CEO by the end of 2027, the organization announced yesterday.

Why it matters: Gabbard has helped shape arts and culture in Charlotte for more than two decades.

State of play: While Gabbard will step down from his role as CEO, he'll still be involved with Blumenthal Arts as an adviser. Gabbard will also work with the organization's board of directors amid the transition.

• He describes his next chapter as an "active retirement," noting that he and his wife, Vickie, will remain in Charlotte.

Flashback: In 2003, Gabbard replaced Judith Allen as the organization's president.

• Now it's time for a new leader, Gabbard tells Axios. He hopes the organization's next leader will be responsive to what the community needs and wants.

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Angie Myers has been named Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's CEO, library leadership announced yesterday.

Why it matters: The library is approaching a major milestone with its new $137.3 million main library branch expected to open in Uptown in spring 2027.

• Myers has been interim CEO for more than a year following the resignation of Marcellus "MT" Turner, who left for "personal reasons."

Zoom in: Myers is responsible for CML's 21 locations, nearly 500 employees and more than 800,000 items in CML's collection.

Keep reading

🏙️ Tishman Speyer, a New York-based real estate investment firm, has purchased Berkshire Dilworth (1351 E. Morehead St.). The multifamily development is Tishman Speyer's first Charlotte acquisition. (CBJ)

🌮 Mariah's Taco Spot opens today at City Kitch. (Observer)

🍷 Husband-and-wife duo Harry Hoover and Cassie Puckett are the new owners of Bar a Vins. Hoover previously served as the wine bar's general manager. Jeff Kellogg, who opened the NoDa space in 2022, is no longer involved, Hoover says.

⚽️ Charlotte FC kicks off their Leagues Cup campaign tonight at Bank of America Stadium at 8pm vs. Pumas. (Axios)

We recently dined at Zamindar's Clubhouse, an Indian restaurant in the former Link & Pin space in South End.

Why it matters: Since opening in June, it's become one of the neighborhood's toughest dinner reservations, with weekends often booked and walk-ins typically limited to bar seating.

What's next: Patio brunch is expected to launch in September, adding more seats for diners.

• Regiment One55, the restaurant's cocktail lounge, opens Aug. 15 with a separate menu including British-inspired small plates and about 14 cocktails. No reservation is required.

If you go: Book a dinner table in advance for Zamindar's at 155 New Bern St.

Our thought bubble: Getting a reservation is only half the battle. Bring a group and order family-style — the menu is big enough that you'll be able to try a little bit of everything.