Axios Charlotte

August 01, 2026
π Hello, Saturday. It's Alexis who was reminded by a new retail store at SouthPark that I'm overdue for a shopping spree.
β Today's weather: Partly sunny, with a high of 91 and a low of 72.
π Happy birthday to our member Brian Martin!
This newsletter has 598 words and is a 2.5-minute read.
1 big thing: π½οΈ Restaurants opening soon
We're tracking the highly anticipated restaurants and bars opening in Charlotte.
Catch up quick: Last month brought a few highly anticipated openings, including Sweet July, Maman, Kura Sushi, flora and more.
What we're watching: There are a still a few spots expected to open this summer including:
π§ No Knife Chicken & Waffles β a brunch restaurant from rapper DaBaby opening in north Charlotte.
π· Songbirds β a wine bar catering to independent artists and music lovers in University City.
π²π½ RaΓces β a Mexican-inspired restaurant taking over the former Summerbird space in South End.
π Lady Funari β an Italian pasta bar in South End in the former Futo Buta space.
Between the lines: Restaurant openings are notorious for being delayed, especially because of permit-approval delays and supply-chain issues that slow down build-outs and renovations. Many of the timelines are owners' estimates.
2. ποΈ SKIMS opens in SouthPark
SKIMS, the popular apparel brand co-founded by Kim Kardashian, quietly opened Friday at SouthPark Mall, representatives confirmed to Axios.
Why it matters: SKIMS is the latest major retailer to choose SouthPark for its first North Carolina location, following Zara's highly anticipated opening late last year.
What to expect: The brand's signature shapewear alongside underwear, bras, loungewear, basics, swimwear and other everyday essentials. SKIMS is also known for its inclusive sizing (xxs-4x) and an earthy color palette.
If you go: The store is across from Sephora at 4400 Sharon Road.
- It's open Monday-Thursday from 10am-8pm, Friday and Saturday from 10am-9pm, and Sunday from noon-6pm.
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3. π§βπΎ Cooking demonstrations in Uptown
The Charlotte Hornets and Mimosa Grill are teaming up for a live cooking demonstration at the Uptown Farmers Market today.
What to expect: Hornets legend Dell Curry and Mimosa Grill executive chef Scott Wallen will prepare a budget-friendly dish using fresh produce from the market as part of a collaboration with nonprofit organization No Kid Hungry.
- Visitors can watch the demo, sample the dish and take a recipe card to recreate it at home.
If you go: The market is free to attend from 8am-noon at 300 S. Davidson St. The cooking demonstration begins at 10:15am.
4. π Bring a book, take a book
That's Novel Books at Camp North End is holding a book swap tomorrow, Aug. 2.
How it works: The event is free and open to the public from noon until 2pm. Bring up to five books and they must be in good condition.
- The number of books you bring equals the number of books you can take. If you bring two books, for instance, you can take two books.
- The book swap will include both books for children and adults. If you participate in the children's book swap, you can technically swap 10 total books, but five of them must be children's books.
Stop by: 330 Camp Road Ste B.
More fun things to do this weekend ... Local bookstore guide
π€ I may or may not be listening to Yung Miami's "Spend Dat" on repeat on the way to SouthPark Mall to see about this new SKIMS store.
πΏ Ashley is catching up on "Silo" on Apple TV.
πͺ McKenzie is nervcited (nervous & excited) to take her first Barry's class this weekend.
π₯Ύ Melissa is hydrating for her urban hike this weekend from NoDa to Park Road Shopping Center.
πΈ Alex is telling herself she doesn't need anything from Skims.
Thanks to Jen Burkett for editing this newsletter.
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