Colin Silvia has an opening question on TikTok that'll make you stop scrolling: "Would you poop here?"

Why it matters: It may sound like a joke, but Silvia is serious about making Charlotte the "most accessible city for clean and safe public bathrooms in the country."

State of play: Dootycall is his social media handle and the name of his new restroom review app, which he describes as if Waze and Yelp "had a baby" for bathrooms. It has collected 1,500 reviews in Charlotte since its launch last month.

How it works: The free Dootycall app maps bathrooms, making it easy for users to see how far they are from a 5-star — or dangerously close to a 1-star.

• Reviewers share when bathrooms are out of paper towels or, in other cases, when they offer plentiful supplies, even mints and toothpicks.
• Users can filter for baby-changing stations, accessible stalls and other features.

What he's saying: The best Charlotte bathroom, per Silvia's expertise, is The Ritz-Carlton hotel in Uptown. Or if he's near UNC Charlotte, "you couldn't get me out of that Marriott 5-star bathroom right at the beginning of campus."

Keep reading about Silvia and his venture

💼 See who's hiring around the city.

1. Director of Retail Procurement at Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region.
2. Educational Technologist: Middle School Faculty and Schoolwide Staff at Charlotte Latin School.
3. Executive Assistant at Girls on the Run International.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a job.

Charlotte artists have expressed their frustration after a mural by late Charlotte artist HNin Nie was painted over at Optimist Hall.

Why it matters: The removal of HNin Nie's work is a reminder of how quickly public art can be erased. It's juxtaposed by a vocal community making sure that she won't be forgotten.

Context: Her mural at Optimist Hall was part of the Mint Museum's "Playing Pablo" mural series in 2023, where local artists created murals inspired by Picasso's work in "Picasso Landscapes: Out of Bounds" at the museum.

• Due to water damage, the mural at Optimist Hall was removed on March 27, according to a statement from Optimist Hall.

What's next: After the water issues are fixed, an Optimist Hall spokesperson says it will work with the Mint Museum on a new mural there.

• A framed photo of HNin Nie's work will also be displayed at Optimist Hall permanently.

Keep reading about HNin Nie, and how local artists are preserving her legacy

The viral La La Land Kind Café is coming to Charlotte, taking over the former Bitty & Beau's Coffee space in South End.

Why it matters: One mission-driven coffee shop is replacing another. Bitty & Beau's was known for employing people with developmental disabilities, and now La La Land, which hires and mentors foster youth, is stepping into that same space.

Driving the news: The Dallas-based coffee chain, known for its bold yellow cups, Instagram-worthy lattes and mission to "normalize kindness," has signed a lease for its first North Carolina cafe in the Design Center of the Carolinas, as first reported by CBJ and confirmed to Axios by Thrift Commercial Real Estate.

What to expect: Dessert-leaning coffee, matchas and toasts.

• Signature drinks include the La La Latte (espresso or matcha, vanilla, milk) and colorful creations like lavender, strawberry and French toast lattes.
• Many come with a whipped "cloud top."
• Toasts are mostly avocado-based, including a truffle burrata and cream cheese avocado toast, plus fruit-topped options.

Keep reading about the brand and its cult following

👶 Black doulas are gathering at the Vapa Center on Saturday to build support and spotlight persistent disparities in Black infant mortality. (WFAE)

🏦 Wells Fargo is disputing claims of intimidation after a union left North Carolina and other branches. (Observer 🔐)

💼 A new analysis found that about a quarter of Charlotte city jobs pay $100,000 or more. (Observer 🔐)

💡 Charlotte installed solar-powered streetlights along the Arrowood corridor near a Lynx Blue Line station, aiming to improve safety and visibility. (WBTV)

🏭 Charlotte-based The Keith Corp. sold a Home Depot distribution center for $95.6 million. (CBJ 🔐)

🚢 "Titanic: Echoes from the Past," a VR experience, is coming to west Charlotte May 2 - June 30. (The Green House)

🏙️ Fahrenheit is launching Sky Beats: The Summer Sound Series, a new rooftop day party kicking off April 11 with DJs, cocktails, sushi and skyline views on select Saturdays through June.

• Tickets start at $30 and include a drink, with themed events like a Grey Goose kickoff, Cinco de Mayo fiesta and tiki party.

📅 See what's going on around the city.

• Spring Break at Carowinds now through April 12: Carowinds is where the Carolinas come together for Spring Break fun, with high‑speed coasters, family adventures, and sunny spring vibes. From world‑class thrills to Camp Snoopy fun for little ones, it's the perfect place to kick off the season.
• Bowl Street Pop-Up Market at The Bowl at Ballantyne tomorrow: Hosted on The Bowl's green space, this one-day market features a rotating lineup of Charlotte-area artisans, makers and small businesses in partnership with Shop Local QC.
• Heritage Invitational at Ten Tenths Motor Club April 9-11: Think concours meets garden party: rare collector cars, vintage racing and a lively social crowd gathering for a weekend celebration of style and speed at the exclusive Ten Tenths Motor Club. $50.
• Beethoven's Emperor Concerto at Belk Theater April 10-11: Beethoven's majestic "Emperor" Concerto headlines a program of beauty and resilience, featuring works by Marianna Martines and Anna Clyne — including the U.S. Premiere of The Years. $39+.
• Residency Music Experience: A Pop Queen Party at Carolina Theatre April 11: Residency is hosting a sing-along party at the Carolina Theatre. Dress in your best Pop Queen attire and get ready to scream-sing your favorite pop hits from Britney to Cher to Chappell Roan. $35

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

Hosting? Purchase an Event Listing.

This week's list of hot homes gives a snapshot of what your money buys in Charlotte right now, from a sub-$400K home steps from a greenway to a $1.1M property with lake access and room to spread out.

Zoom in: The west Charlotte home pictured above is basically around the corner from the Irwin Creek Greenway and a quick drive to Uptown.

• At 1,100 square feet, it has three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
• Plus, it's got a renovated interior, a large lot and no HOA.
• It's listed for $380,000.

More hot homes

Amina opens today in First Ward.

Why it matters: Inspired by one of its owners' Eritrean heritage, Amina aims to bring East African flavors to Charlotte, with a Mediterranean twist.

Dig in: Expect seasonal menus infused with Ethiopian and Eritrean spices like berbere and korarima — some locally sourced, others sourced internationally.

• The menu will feature shareable dishes like oxtail sliders and flatbreads, and plant-based options, along with playful touches such as an "adult Happy Meal."

Sip on this: The rotating cocktail menu features about 12 drinks inspired by the menu's spices — including a black lemon drop — plus five mocktails, two dessert cocktails, and an extensive, seasonally changing wine list.

Stop by: Amina is in its soft opening phase at 225 E. 6th St.

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