A new bottle shop and bar by the owners of Orosoko Sound Bar and Matthews-based Oaklore Distilling will open in South End this summer.

Why it matters: Located across the street from Orosoko, Oaklore Bottle Shop & Bar will sell Oaklore Spirits exclusively, and it'll serve as a waiting room space for those on the Orosoko waitlist.

The vibe: A large bar will be the centerpiece of the 900-square-foot space at 1425 Winnifred St.

• It will seat approximately 30 people at the bar, with additional lounge seating.
• Bar patrons will face two roll-up doors that open to the sidewalk for "people-watching," its owners tell Axios.

What to expect: Its menu will feature signature cocktails made with Oaklore Spirits (and other premium spirits), crafted by beverage director Bryant York.

• The bottle shop will exclusively sell Oaklore Spirits.

Driving the news: This weekend, Orosoko is celebrating its first anniversary with a four-day celebration.

• Keep reading

Barstool Sports' CEO, Dave Portnoy, known for his popular pizza reviews, was in the Charlotte area this week.

Driving the news: Portnoy posted a photo on his Instagram stories outside of Bird Pizzeria on Wednesday. He was also spotted outside of Geno D's in Uptown.

Why it matters: Portnoy's pizza-reviewing operation (on YouTube and TikTok, with 1.2 million subscribers and 3.4 million followers, respectively) can make or break a local business, Axios' Jennifer A. Kingson previously reported.

• One magazine dubbed Portnoy — who has battled accusations of sexual misconduct — "the controversial pizza influencer who can destroy a restaurant with a single review."

Our thought bubble: Whoever hooked Portnoy up with those recommendations knew what they were talking about. Both Bird and Geno D's offer some of the best pies in town.

After years of uncertainty over whether a single funding bill would be introduced, two proposals have emerged in the North Carolina legislature that would empower Mecklenburg County to seek a transportation sales tax.

Why it matters: If voters approve it, a 1-cent sales tax increase would generate an estimated $19.4 billion over 30 years. However, the competing bills in the House and Senate differ significantly in how the funds could be spent.

Context: Senate Bill 145 caps the amount of money spent on rail projects at 40%.

• House Bill 948, filed by Rep. Tricia Cotham, allows for more flexibility: Up to 60% of the funds could be spent on public transportation, including rail, with the remainder reserved for road projects.

The latest: At a transportation summit hosted by South Charlotte Partners yesterday, elected officials and transit executives discussed the next steps.

• Charlotte City Council member Ed Driggs, who chairs the city's transportation committee, said the process of arriving at a final bill is ongoing. The bill will take effect with the budget, which is likely to be adopted several months later, according to Driggs.

The big picture: This is the closest Charlotte has gotten to advancing its transit plans after years of discussion.

• At yesterday's transit summit, speakers repeatedly referred to the plan as "generational" and a "game changer" because of the substantial revenue it would generate.

Go deeper: What it'll take to move this along

🏈 The Carolina Panthers selected wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan No. 8 overall in the first round of the NFL Draft. (Axios)

🎼 Charlotte Symphony Orchestra's resident conductor Christopher James Lees' contract has been extended through the 2028–29 season, per a release.

⚾️ Charlotte Knights will donate excess food from game days to Feeding Charlotte, a nonprofit working to reduce food waste, per a release.

• The food will go to the Salvation Army Center of Hope, a women's and children's shelter.

⛽️ A QuikTrip has opened in Charlotte Douglas International Airport's CLT Destination District West. It's the first addition to impact travelers. (CLT)

🍝 Popular Italian restaurant Aqua e Vino has reopened after four months of closure and renovation. (CharlotteFive)

💼 See who's hiring around the city.

1. Vice President of Communications at Charlotte Regional Business Alliance.
2. Gallery Manager at Anne Neilson Fine Art.
3. Maintenance Technician at Blumenthal Arts.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring?Post a job.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library CEO Marcellus "MT" Turner resigned yesterday for "personal reasons," according to an email sent from the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation to its donors.

Why it matters: The library is in the midst of a major transition as it builds its new $137.3 million Uptown location and seeks to expand its footprint across the county.

What's next: Angie Myers, the library's chief financial and administrative officer, will serve as interim CEO.

Keep reading

This Stonehaven home offers ample space throughout, from the open basement layout to the expansive main floor.

Zoom in: At 3,310 square feet it has four bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms.

• Notable features include its brick exterior, stainless steel appliances, wine fridge, built-in shelving, deck, veggie garden and fenced-in yard.
• It's listed for $775,000.

More hot homes

📅Start planning your days ahead.

• Charlotte FC vs. New England Revolution at Bank of America Stadium tomorrow: Experience the excitement as Charlotte FC takes on the New England Revolution. Arrive early to score a limited-edition scarf, presented by Atrium Health. $49+.
• Wounded Heroes Day 2025 at Lee Park Church on Sunday: The Independence Fund and the State of North Carolina will celebrate the state's wounded heroes and honor their service. This year's celebration marks the 5th annual Wounded Heroes Day for the state.
• Harvard Business School Club of Charlotte's Management Development Program at Queens University - Sykes Learning Center May 1 - Jun 1: This 13-week course uses the case study method to broaden your business perspective and improve leadership skills — as led by HBS alumni instructors — with excellent networking opportunities. $4800 tuition before May 1st, $5300 after May 1st.
• Big Tent Sale at Cotswold Marketplace on May 3: Tent clearance and storewide discounts on furniture, home decor, art, rugs, lighting and gifts. Extended hours, 8am to 6pm, One day only. Parking across the street at Sonic — Shuttle provided.
• Meck Mile at American Legion Memorial Stadium on May 7: The Meck Mile presented by Albemarle brings people together from all across Charlotte to run, walk, skip or dance their way through Memorial Stadium on May 10, 2025.
• Mother's Day Weekend Tea Party at The Omni Grove Park Inn — Country Club on May 10: Celebrate Mother's Day with a tea party, fine teas, and treats, or an overnight stay with breakfast, sparkling wine and elegance— creating a weekend of love, laughter, and relaxation. $80.
• Pop N Pour: Charlotte Wine Festival at Montford Lot on May 10: Enjoy unlimited samples of spring-inspired wines, bubbly mimosas, sangrias and craft beers. With live music and local vendors, it's the perfect day out with friends and a unique gift for Mom. $25-$50.

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

Hosting? Purchase an Event Listing.

We've rounded up 17 of Charlotte's best rooftops, from Uptown high rises to chill neighborhood hangouts.

Why it matters: The only thing Charlotteans love more than a good drink is a view to sip one from.

A few favorites include:

• Merchant & Trade on the 19th floor of the Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel.
• Fahrenheit on the 21st floor of the Skye building in Uptown.
• Graham St. Pub & Patio between Bank of America Stadium and Truist Field.

Check out the full guide