Small Business

A couple ordering an ice cream cone from an ice cream shop.
Small Business
Local love: CLTtoday’s guide to reader-recommended small businesses
Put your money where your community is and help us create a guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local spots and sharing this page with a friend.
February 12, 2026 03:40 PM
 · 
Maria Adnado
The outside of a coffee shop on a sunny day. Several chairs and tables are sitting outside in front of a building that says "Night Swim Coffee."
Work
Your guide to Charlotte’s coffee shops
If you don’t have coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some.
September 10, 2025
 · 
Gabe Guarente
Clear bags of red and yellow apples on a bench.
Food
Where to go apple picking around Charlotte
Whether you love them sliced or only baked in a pie, apples taste better when they’re picked fresh from a farm around the Queen City.
September 8, 2025
 · 
Maria Adnado
CLTtoday_Muralist Meredith Riggins with DTR_Aug 2025
Culture
Meet Charlotte muralist Meredith Riggins
What started as a project inside her own home turned into a side gig for wallpaper-style murals inside Charlotte homes and restaurants.
August 11, 2025
 · 
Maria Adnado
CLTtoday_Tacos 4 Life_Jan 2025
Live
Where to find lunch deals around $15 in Charlotte
Everybody loves lunch, but not always the prices. Not to worry, Charlotte offers plenty of wallet-friendly lunch deals from sandwiches to flavors from all over the globe.
August 8, 2025
 · 
Maria Adnado
CLTtoday_ESO owners_Aug 2025
Food
ESO Artisanal Pasta brings fresh pasta to Optimist Hall
The highly anticipated food stall will welcome diners starting Friday, Aug. 8, serving fresh pastas, locally made focaccia, gluten-free options, and sparkling Italian sodas.
August 5, 2025
 · 
Maria Adnado
Three people sitting with their retrievers of varying ages in front of a bustling outdoor market.
Small Business
Market Meetups: a new way to meet friends in Charlotte
The new event offers a fresh way for women to make connections while shopping from local vendors from across the Queen City.
July 29, 2025
 · 
Maria Adnado
Freedom Park in Charlotte with a lake and trees.
Travel and Outdoors
Let’s pack a local picnic
Who doesn’t love shopping local? Pack your next picnic with these goods found around Queen City.
July 22, 2025
 · 
Haley Bartlett
A juicy burger with sliced tomatoes, bacon, and a cheesy topping is displayed on branded paper outdoors. Bright blue sky and red umbrellas add a sunny vibe.
Food
Duke’s Hot Tomato Summer returns to Queen City
It’s looking like another Wet Duke’s Hot American Tomato Summer, Charlotte — don’t miss your chance to eat your way through the competition.
July 21, 2025
 · 
Haley Bartlett
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Sponsored
3 reasons to consider mobile car detailing
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Two hot dogs with stacked toppings and sauce on a silver tray.
Food
Hot diggity dog: Where to get a hot dog in Charlotte
From longtime spots slinging chili dogs to roadside drive thrus, this is your guide to Charlotte’s hot dog scene.
July 2, 2025
 · 
Maria Adnado
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An aerial shot of homes under construction with trees and hills in the background.
Development
The River District brings new homes and trails to West Charlotte
From a completed neighborhood to announced retailers, the upcoming River District in West Charlotte is taking shape fast.
January 27, 2026
 · 
Maria Adnado
A two-photo collage of a wine bar with shelves of wine on the left and a close-up of a plate of sushi on the right.
Food
Uchibā to host one-night-only pop-up at Emmy Lou’s
The highly-anticipated sushi restaurant coming to Plaza Midwood is partnering with Dilworth’s newest wine bar for an exclusive sampling.
January 27, 2026
 · 
Maria Adnado
A little boy in a blue jacket waving at a recycling truck.
City
Mecklenburg County now accepting plastic bags at recycling centers
From plastic bags and glass to cardboard boxes and food containers, we’ve got the 411 on recycling in Mecklenburg County.
January 22, 2026
 · 
Maria Adnado
A dusting of snow covers the roads and hills adjacent to the Uptown Charlotte skyline.
Weather
The history of snow in Charlotte
Bundle up for a story on the biggest snow storms to chill the Queen City.
January 22, 2026
 · 
Jack VanderToll
The early evening blue sky with the Charlotte skyline starting to light up.
Culture
How to have a cozy day in Charlotte
Escape the elements and spend time lounging at home or exploring the Queen City’s coziest spots for a relaxing day.
January 22, 2026
 · 
Maria Adnado
A stretch of road in Charlotte is covered in white dusting of snow.
Weather
What to know about the possible winter storm ahead
Read up on weather predictions, power outages + travel and safety tips as a winter storm approaches the Charlotte region.
January 21, 2026
 · 
Maria Adnado
A chef standing and smiling on the left and a photo of a sushi plate on the right.
Food
Charlotte chef named city’s only 2026 James Beard Semifinalist
Chef Robin Anthony was the only chef in the Queen City to secure a nomination by the James Beard Awards as one of the best chefs in the Southeast.
January 21, 2026
 · 
Maria Adnado
A group of people holding No. 30 hornets jerseys.
Sports
Dell Curry reflects on career ahead of Hornets’ jersey retirement
The Charlotte Hornets will hold a retirement ceremony on Thursday, March 19, during the team’s game against the Orlando Magic.
January 20, 2026
 · 
Maria Adnado
A rendering of several apartment complexes surrounding a park.
Development
Eastland Yards taking shape in East Charlotte
The new development will pay homage to the former Eastland Mall while carving out space for new retailers, amenities, and residential spaces.
January 15, 2026
 · 
Maria Adnado
A black and white photo of Martin Luther King Jr. at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
History
When Martin Luther King Jr. visited Charlotte
The civil rights leader visited the Queen City several times and spoke at Johnson C. Smith University.
January 15, 2026
 · 
Maria Adnado