It's a complicated time for the Beatties Ford corridor, Axios' Alexandria Sands writes.

• There's momentum to turn the area into a place of opportunity for long-time residents. The city is investing millions into various projects in the corridor as part of its Corridors of Opportunity program.
• Yes, but: That mission is conflicted by fear that gentrification will push residents out first.

Driving the news: Alex recently listened in on a conversation with local developer Chris Dennis and a couple of entrepreneurs at an Archive-hosted event in west Charlotte.

• The local entrepreneurs said they hope to one day recreate what Archive's owner has — a successful business that caters to its community while still making a profit. Sure, patrons might not love the price of Archive's $7 coffee, but they do like to support a business owned by a local woman of color.
• The conversation underscores one of Beatties Ford's biggest and newest challenges: How do you embrace the changing demographics to make a profit while respecting the existing community?

Read more about the businesses changing Beatties Ford

There are several local restaurants, bars and businesses featured in "Love is Blind" season six, which was filmed in Charlotte.

Why it matters: We researched so you don't have to. In this guide, you'll find every local business featured on the Netflix reality dating show, including where the couples dined, dated and lived during filming.

Driving the news: Episodes seven through nine premiered at midnight, and it's the first time we get to see the couples interact in Charlotte.

• Of note: This guide will be updated as episodes are released.

Warning: spoilers ahead... Charlotte places seen on Netflix's "Love is Blind"

If reality dating shows aren't your thing but you still want to see and support locals on TV, look no further.

• Blake Proehl's days in the NFL may be behind him, but his music career is just heating up, Axios' Ashley Mahoney writes.

What's happening: The Charlottean and former Minnesota Vikings player received a golden ticket on the popular singing competition "American Idol."

• Proehl auditioned for the show with his grandmother "Nana" by his side, recreating a similar moment to when he recorded singing "In Case You Didn't Know" to her. The original video went viral.

Why it matters: Charlotte is in its reality show era, with contestants on shows like "Love is Blind," "The Bachelor," "Twin Love," "Farmer Wants a Wife," "Survivor" and "Next Level Chef."

Details: "American Idol" airs on Sundays at 8pm on ABC.

Full story

🎤 Grammy Award-winning artists Dan + Shay will perform at PNC Music Pavilion on Aug. 16. (Axios)

🛄 American Airlines, which operates 90% of daily flights at CLT, is raising the price of the first checked bag to $40 for customers who don't prepay online. It'll cost $35 if you prepay. (CNN)

🐟 Fin & Fino's new location in Birkdale Village opens on Wednesday, Feb, 28. (Axios)

🍻 DreamChasers Brewery in Waxhaw is closing next week after seven-and-a-half years. (Instagram)

💼 Check out who's hiring on our Job Board.

1. Police Sergeant at Town of Matthews.
2. Museum Experience Facilitator at Discovery Place Kids - Huntersville.
3. Senior Director, CLT Alliance Foundation at Charlotte Regional Business Alliance.
4. Membership Coordinator at Sullenberger Aviation Museum.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a job.

Let's Meat KBBQ, a Korean restaurant in South End, is closed until further notice because of a fire that happened there last week.

• Seoul Food Meat Co. next door closed temporarily after the fire but has since reopened.

Catch up quick: The fire started at Let's Meat KBBQ. Nobody was hurt, and the Charlotte Fire Department was able to control it within 30 minutes.

• Investigators determined it was an accidental fire that began in the ventilation duct system, WCNC reported.

What's next: The restaurant's owners are asking people to support them by visiting their other businesses — Soul Food Meat Co. and the Urban District Market.

News you can use from our partners.

• 🏘️ Apartment hunting in South Charlotte? Located in the heart of SouthPark, Providence Row is now leasing luxury apartments and townhomes in its phase one and two developments. See floorplans.
• 🧪 Science Studio at Discovery Place Science is a new after-hours adult series that explores cutting-edge topics with hands-on experiences and presentations by field experts. Dive deep into wellness at Science Studio on February 29.

The People's Market is expanding to Myers Park this summer.

Zoom in: The new 6,000-square-foot market will have a similar vibe and menu as the Elizabeth location.

• It'll have indoor and outdoor seating, including a covered outdoor patio.

Details: The People's Market Myers Park will be located at 2820 Selwyn Ave., in the former Mellow Mushroom spot.

• It'll be open seven days a week.

What's next: The People's Market is also expanding to The Station at LoSo this spring, we previously reported.

📆 Find things to do on our Event Board.

• Warehouse Liquidation Sale Extended at two locations - 10216 Johnston Rd and 7025 Smith Corners Blvd. now through Saturday: They have extended their liquidation of luxury outdoor furniture, umbrellas, cantilevers, And pool furniture. Stop by one of their Charlotte showrooms this week to save up to 70% off selected items and More.
• Charlotte Parent's 2024 Camp & Activity Fair: Tomorrow attendees can pop into a virtual video chat to interact face-to-face with representatives and discover fun summer camps, activities, and classes throughout the Charlotte area and beyond.
• Lauren Daigle - The Kaleidoscope Tour at the Spectrum Center tomorrow: Don't miss Lauren Daigle as her tour makes her way to Charlotte. $29.50.
• CLT Paddle Battle Spring 2024 Pickleball Season all around Charlotte Feb. 22 - May 4: Singles and Doubles pickleball leagues for all skill levels (fun and competitive). Men's, women's and mixed divisions. Play anytime and anywhere. Make friends, win prizes and enjoy social events. $20 per person.
• Charlotte Checkers Pickleball Night at Bojangles Coliseum on Saturday: The Charlotte Checkers are hosting their first-ever Pickleball Night. A package including a game ticket and a Checkers-branded Volair "PRO" Model paddle is available now. $75.
• Chris Botti at Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts on Saturday: GRAMMY-winning trumpeter Chris Botti has been one of the most popular instrumentalists in the world for nearly three decades. His collaborations with music legends and chart-topping albums have solidified his status as a jazz icon. $34.50+.
• Sons of Mystro at Cain Center for the Arts on Saturday: Sons of Mystro use their violins to interpret reggae classics, American pop songs, and their own original creations. Mentored by renowned duo Black Violin, these young stars are on the rise. $25-$45.
• Fossil Fair at The Schiele Museum of Natural History on Saturday: Travel back in time. Don't miss prehistoric fun for all ages at Fossil Fair. Take a Dino Safari, meet paleontologists, mine for gemstones and mini fossils, and see a dino-themed planetarium show. $18 at the door (Discounted advance tickets available online).
• Faux Enamel Jewelry at Arts+ on Saturday: Create one-of-a-kind necklaces and earrings by combining household items with traditional jewelry materials in this one-day workshop for adults at Arts+ Uptown studios (free parking available). $55.
• Kit-Tea Tasting at Humane Society of Charlotte on Sunday: Tasty teas and kittens make the puuurfect combination for a Sunday afternoon. Join Ashera Earth Mother for a unique tea-tasting experience and the Charlotte Humane Society. $30.
• Sun-Music Presents Ray Greene at Stage Door Theater at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center on Sunday: Vocalist Ray Greene, the Voice of Santana and Tower of Power, Kicks Off Tour for United States Release of His Album STAY. $37.50.
• Dune: Part Two at Accenture IMAX Dome Theatre Feb. 25 - March 7: Witness the continuation of this epic saga in larger-than-life proportions, where the sweeping landscapes of Arrakis and the intense battles for power come to life in stunning clarity. $21.95.
• I Am Queen Charlotte at Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center on March 3: Experience the heartwarming stories of real Black women in Charlotte highlighting the diversity and history of the city. $24.50+.

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

Hosting? Purchase an Event Listing.

Located just under 30 minutes from Uptown, Mint Hill blends small-town vibes with city convenience, Axios' McKenzie Rankin writes. It's filled with locally owned gems for your next date night, girls' night or family outing, including:

☕️ Grab a coffee at Forest Trail House.

🍷 Sip a glass of wine at Vintner's Hill Wine Bar & Bistro.

💿 Find your new favorite artist at Hardy Boys Records & Comics.

🍳 Eat a massive omelet at J-Birds.

Full guide: 19 of the best things to do, see and eat in Mint Hill