Leluia Hall, a new surf-and-turf restaurant by local restaurateurs Jeff Tonidandel and Jamie Brown, opens next week in Dilworth.

Why it matters: First announced in 2022, the arrival of this restaurant has been a long time coming and is one of the most anticipated for the city.

The vibe: Coastal elegance meets Art-Deco meets Americana. Brown and Tonidandel had a hand in designing every detail inside and outside the building — from its custom Moroccan tiles to its tabletops, even the large palm trees that frame the entrance.

• The 6,000-square-foot space comprises a main dining room, private dining room and wine cellar, a mezzanine dining area with its own bar, and a raw bar where seafood is served fresh.

Dig in: Expect family-style, shareable dishes, a raw bar program and prime and wagyu cuts of steak.

• One menu highlight is the Picanha steak, also known as the rump cap, a popular choice in Brazilian steakhouses worldwide. "I have not heard of a steak house in Charlotte serving Picanha," Executive chef Chris Rogienski said.

Between the lines: We got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the whirlwind final few weeks of menu tastings, staff trainings and finishing touches ahead of its opening.

• Keep reading about the menu and see inside

During the renovation process, Leluia Hall's owners and construction workers began excavating pieces of Charlotte's history.

Context: Leluia Hall is located inside a 1914 building that has housed another popular restaurant, a plant nursery-slash-Christmas store before that, and, originally, a church.

There were only three things left from the original building, other than the building itself, co-owner Jamie Brown tells Axios.

• Two original skyscraper lights (pictured above) now hang in Leluia Hall's bar area, and a curved prayer rail.
• "That curved rail was on the mezzanine for a long while, but we donated it to Dilworth Methodist Church (the original congregation)," Brown said.

Keep reading about the building's history

Shakira is kicking off her "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran" North American stadium tour in Charlotte on May 13.

Why it matters: The international pop star has invited a group of 50 powerful women in Charlotte to enter Bank of America Stadium with her as the show starts.

What they're saying: "These women represent the best of who we are. I am in awe of their accomplishments and am honored that they will be with me for my first U.S. show this year," Shakira said in a statement.

See the list of women

🍪 South Carolina-based Kudzu Bakery is expanding to Park Square shopping center this summer in the former Tuesday Morning spot at 2442 Park Road.

🏫 UNC Charlotte has received $24.9 million from The Leon Levine Foundation to expand the Levine Scholars Program. (UNC Charlotte)

⚽️ Charlotte FC defender Nathan Byrne will miss the next several months to recover from recent surgery to address injured discs in his neck. (Charlotte FC)

🚍 Charlotte Area Transit System is dropping any bus rapid transit plans after learning through a survey that residents overwhelmingly prefer light rail. (CBJ)

🍩 Shipley Do-Nuts in Concord will be giving out free doughnuts from 7-11am on Saturday, May 10 in celebration of its opening, according to a press release.

🛍️ LAKE, a luxury sleepwear retailer, will open later this summer at Specialty Shops SouthPark next to Williams Sonoma.

🎭 Blumenthal Arts announced Michael Thomas-Visgar as its first Director of Blume Studios Events.

💐 Mint Museum Uptown is offering free admission to moms on Mother's Day, May 11, including access to their latest exhibit "Annie Leibovitz/Work." RSVP here.

This dreamy mid-century modern home features floor-to-ceiling windows that allow an abundance of natural sunlight to pour in.

Zoom in: At 2,707-square feet, it has four bedrooms and three bathrooms.

• It also has beam ceilings, a gas cooktop, stainless steel appliances, a fireplace, sleek cabinetry and a patio.
• Located in Stonehaven, it's listed for $980,000.

More hot homes

📅 Start planning your days ahead.

• Big Tent Sale at Cotswold Marketplace tomorrow: Shop tent clearance and storewide discounts on furniture, home decor, art, rugs, lighting, and gifts. Extended hours, 8 a.m to 6 p.m, One day only. Parking across the street at Sonic - Shuttle provided.
• Market on McGill at The Gibson Mill tomorrow: Shop with 40 curated vintage & accessory vendors, enjoy the food hall, antique mall, 2 craft breweries, and other amenities on site.
• Charlotte Checkers Playoffs at Bojangles Coliseum May 7: The Checkers are in the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season and play their first home game on May 7. Tickets and special offers now available. $29+.
• Mother's Day Pop-Up at Isabella + Noble Collective May 8: Join Isabella + Noble Collective for a special Mother's Day Pop-Up. Shop vases with fresh flowers, enjoy coffee from Roaming Spirits, plus handmade stationery + pottery.
• Full Moon Paddle at Mt. Holly boat landing May 9-10: Enjoy kayaking under the full moon over the Catawba River. The guided tour is an easy, one-hour paddle followed by a roaring fire, s'mores and beverages. $65.
• Matthews Summerfest (formerly BeachFest!) at Stumptown Park, downtown Matthews May 9-10: The 17th annual intro to summer returns. Enjoy carnival, games, exhibitors, street food vendors, small shops & great music on the Main Stage. Beach, country, pop, dance, rock. Fun for all ages.
• Secret Gardens of Fourth Ward May 17-18: Explore Historic Fourth Ward, with cocktails. This walkable, self-guided event showcases private gardens and rooftop terraces, with live music and complimentary food and beverage tastings. $30.

Want more things to do? Check out our Event Board.

Hosting? Purchase an Event Listing.

DopeBrunch is a monthly pop-up party that is so popular, it always sells out.

Why it matters: It satisfies a craving that Charlotte has for day parties and bottomless brunch, founder TJ Leak tells Axios.

Background: Leak first started hosting DopeBrunch in the Triangle area in 2017, after noticing that North Carolina lacked Sunday funday events similar to those he experienced in cities like D.C. or Houston.

• "After traveling to all these cities, one of my mentors told me not to complain about where I live but to instead think about how I can change it," Leak said.
• In 2019 he brought the parties to Charlotte.

Between the lines: Bottomless mimosas and happy hour drink specials are illegal in North Carolina. But brunch buffets, like the ones you'll get at a DopeBrunch event, aren't.

The vibe: DopeBrunch parties are about six hours and are held at rotating venues around Charlotte, like Pinhouse, Alibi and Queen Park Social, to name a few.

• Expect a range of music, from hip-hop to R&B. Former Wild'n Out comedian Darren Brand often hosts.

Go deeper: How to snag tickets