Axios Charlotte

August 11, 2026
What's up, Tuesday?
๐ง๏ธ Today's weather: Sunny then slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a high of 96 and a low of 75.
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This newsletter is 956 words, a 3.5-minute read.
1 big thing: ๐น Europe's drink of the summer comes to Charlotte
A popular European summer spritz has landed in Charlotte โ and it's already flying off the shelves.
The big picture: Sarti Rosa, the Italian aperitivo used to make the buzzy Sarti spritz, made its U.S. debut in late July, the brand announced on Instagram.
- Before its stateside arrival, Sarti was only available in Europe, where it had become a summertime staple.
Why it matters: Charlotte is thirsty for it. Local bars tell Axios they're already having trouble keeping the fruity, bright pink liqueur in stock.
- I had no luck, either. The Plaza Midwood ABC store was sold out when I stopped by this past weekend hoping to buy a bottle.
What to expect: A Sarti spritz, known for its notes of blood orange, mango and passion fruit, typically combines Sarti Rosa with prosecco and soda water.
Zoom out: Spritzes are a summer staple, from the classic Aperol to the increasingly popular Hugo. Now, the vibrant Sarti spritz is joining the mix.
Here's where you can try one in Charlotte.
๐ฅ Bev Proseccheria in Plaza Midwood.
๐ Streetcar on Thrift Road.
๐น Dilworth Tasting Room in Dilworth.
If you go: Expect availability to vary from bar to bar.
New jobs to check out
๐ผ See who's hiring around the city.
- Trade Sales Representative at Carolina Tile & Stone.
- Director of Education at JazzArts Charlotteยฎ.
- Fire Battalion Chief at Town of Matthews.
Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.
Hiring? Post a job.
2. ๐๏ธ Preserving a piece of bank history
Charlotte may designate 301 S. Tryon โ the former Two Wells Fargo Center โ as a local historic landmark ahead of a planned, sweeping redevelopment.
Why it matters: Charlotte has a rep for tearing down its history because of all the fast change. But here is one case where new development could happen concurrently with the preservation of decades-old architecture.
- And the developers potentially get a tax break in return.
Catch up quick: Chicago firms Singerman Real Estate and Riverside Investment and Development acquired the city block this year for $36.5 million. They expect to turn the site into hospitality, residences and retail, and make over the public plaza.
Flashback: The 1971, 32-story Jefferson First Union Tower and the connecting 12-story building are being considered for their role in ushering in "a new era" of the city's skyline.
- The tower was the first "late-modern skyscraper" in Charlotte and was once North Carolina's tallest building.
- "I was really excited to see that application come through," says Stewart Gray, director of Mecklenburg County Historic Landmarks Department. "That building was built because of a concerted effort by the city of Charlotte and business leaders to turn Charlotte into a banking center."
3. โ๏ธ Lattes and Lamborghinis in South End
You can sip Yemeni-style coffee with a view of luxury and exotic cars at the newly opened Caffeena Coffeehouse in South End.
Why it matters: Middle Eastern coffee shops are sprouting up across the city, bringing traditional flavor and cultural experiences found in other parts of the world to Charlotte.
Zoom in: Co-owners Hamza Yaseen and Saif Salim opened Michigan-based Caffeena's first North Carolina location in South End. Yaseen, who was born in Jordan and grew up in Charlotte, says he was inspired by car-meets-coffee concepts he's seen in Dubai, Germany and Jordan.
What to expect: Caffeena seats about 25โ30 people, plus another 8โ10 in a reception area overlooking the cars in their Auto Lab. In addition to coffee, you'll find teas, matcha, refreshers, smoothies and pastries on the menu.
4. ๐๏ธ Speed reads: Panthers practice gets dicey
๐จ Charlotte City Council yesterday discussed moving the under-18 curfew to 9pm in an effort to stop "teen takeovers." (WBTV)
๐ฃ๏ธ Statesville has joined the growing list of local governments to affirm support for the I-77 South toll lanes, despite multiple outbursts from residents. (WCNC)
๐ Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young was reportedly in a "big fight" at Monday's training camp practice. The Athletic reported Young "took offense" to a play and started "jawing" with Mike Jackson. Someone also was hit in the head. (WBTV)
๐จ The Panthers have launched the Carolina Panthers Spirit Rocks! art contest. Schools will create a Panthers-themed design on their school's spirit rock through Sept. 4. The top designs will receive grant funding for their art programs from Panthers Charities. (Panthers)
๐จ๐ด Manolo Betancur, owner of Manolo's Bakery, is collecting donations through his nonprofit for people impacted by yesterday's earthquake in Colombia. (By Immigrant Hands)
๐๏ธ Ramsey Creek Beach will not open this year as water levels have not been high enough, according to Mecklenburg County. (Instagram)
5. ๐ Stellar Gospel Music Awards in Uptown
The Stellar Gospel Music Awards are in Charlotte this week.
Why it matters: It's the first time Charlotte will host the Stellar Awards, which are considered the Grammys for gospel music. The city will be in the spotlight for not only those attending the event, but also more than 3.6 million television viewers.
What to expect: The main event, the 41st annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, will take place at Spectrum Center at 4:30pm on Aug. 15. Kirk Franklin, a gospel icon and 20-time Grammy Award-winner, will host the Stellar Awards.
- There will be live performances in addition to recognizing gospel artists.
Yes, and: There will be several events and masterclasses leading up to Saturday.
If you go: Tickets for Saturday's event start at $42.30.
๐ญ Ashley is listening to the "& Juliet" soundtrack ahead of tonight's show.
๐น McKenzie thinks if you like an Aperol or Hugo spritz, you'll probably find you like Sarti, too.
โ๏ธ Alexis is eyeing an edible foam printer for her at-home coffee setup after trying one at Caffeena.
๐ Alex is antsy to see how the Panthers play this season.
๐ฅฏ Melissa, who edited this newsletter, is still thinking about the Crust Punk bagel she enjoyed this weekend from CupLux.
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