07.18.2024

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91º | 70% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:22 a.m. | Sunset 8:36 p.m.
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🍔 Bites with Bobby Flay

Five questions with celebrity chef Bobby Flay

Chef Bobby Flay surrounded by restaurant staff for the grand opening of Bobby's Burgers in SouthPark.

Chef Bobby Flay arrived in Charlotte for the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Bobby’s Burgers in SouthPark. | Photo by CLTtoday

In a star-studded ribbon cutting event, Bobby’s Burgers by celebrity chef Bobby Flay is officially open in SouthPark.

The burger chain at 6100 Fairview Rd., Ste. 100 serves gourmet burgers, fries, creamy milkshakes + breakfast.

City Editor Maria here. City Editor Jack and I were able to snag the celebrity chef for a one-on-one interview about the grand opening of the burger spot.

Without further ado, here’s our Q+A:

What brought Bobby’s Burgers to Charlotte? How did Charlotte stand out among other big cities?

I think Charlotte is a growing city when it comes to cuisine. I’m an “East Coast guy” and we wanted to pick a city that was amongst America, so to speak, but also, close enough to New York so that I could visit. I think a town like Charlotte is an exciting place for us to launch because I think the enthusiasm for good food reigns here.

A burger with bacon, potato chips, and American cheese next to an order of fries, crispy onion rings, and a pistachio milkshake. — Chef Bobby Flay’s go-to order is the Bacon Crunchwrap with onion rings (or French fries) and a pistachio shake.
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Photo by CLTtoday

What keeps you motivated to keep cooking and pursuing this culinary track?

Food is the most important thing in my life, besides my family and my friends, of course. Food is my life. It’s one of those things that people ask me about, like, “what do you do to relax? You work so hard, you’re always cooking in your restaurants, and on TV, etc.” The bottom line is I do the same thing to relax as I do to to make a living, which is I cook. It’s always just something that’s been part of me.

Any plans to open more restaurants in the Queen City?

This is a very exciting opening but I think it’s gonna be the first of many.

Bobby’s Burgers is open daily in the Towers at SouthPark, 6100 Fairview Rd., Ste. 100, Charlotte. Check out our time at the restaurant and bon appetit.

Bonus questions 👀

Asked

What makes your perfect burger?

A. A toasty bun
B. Melty cheese — the gooier, the better
C. All about the condiments, baby
D. Keep it saucy

Get cookin'

Events

Thursday, July 18

Ribbon Cutting — Ambassador Christian School | Thursday, July 18 | 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Ambassador Christian School, Inc., 11901 Sam Furr Rd., Huntersville | Free | Celebrate the grand opening and ribbon-cutting of Huntersville’s newest educational institution.
Murto Made Distillery Throttle Thursdays | Thursday, July 18 | 5 p.m. | Murto Made Distillery, 166 N. Main St., Mooresville | Cost of purchase | Enjoy an evening of food trucks, live music, motorcycles, and vendor booths.

Friday, July 19

Birding Walks | Friday, July 19 | 9-10 a.m. | Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S. New Hope Rd., Belmont | Free | Take a guided stroll around the gardens + explore the birds living nearby.
“Young Frankenstein” - a Fiendishly Fun Musical Comedy | Friday, July 19 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Fullwood Theatre, 100 E. McDowell St., Matthews | $25+ | Watch Mel Brooks’ award-winning Broadway hit portrayed by the Matthews Playhouse.
Showtime Theatre Company presents 42nd Street! | Friday, July 19 | Johnson Hall at Winthrop University, 1920 Alumni Dr, Rock Hill | $20+ | Experience the “Lullaby of Broadway” as the award-winning theater company performs this iconic show.

Saturday, July 20

Inaugural Charlotte Crime Stoppers 5K Run/Walk | Saturday, July 20 | 8-11 a.m. | 1750 Shopton Rd., Charlotte | Lace up to participate in this fundraising event to keep Charlotte safe.
Big Summer Luau ’24 | Saturday, July 20 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Angry Ale’s, 1600 Montford Dr., Charlotte | Take part in a cornhole tournament, hula, and limbo contests + the chance to win prizes.
Summer Pop-Up Market | Saturday, July 20 | 12-4 p.m. | Ballantyne Village, 14825 Ballantyne Village Wy., Charlotte | Cost of purchase | Enjoy live music + sip and shop from more than 30 local vendors.
The Dinner Detective Comedy Mystery Dinner Show | Saturday, July 20 | 6-8:03 p.m. | DoubleTree by Hilton South Charlotte Tyvola, 5624 Westpark Dr., Charlotte | $76.95 | Solve a murder during this comedic interactive dinner theater show.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Try This

Biltmore Annual Pass: Your key to unlimited year-round magic

Biltmore from above with the House in the background and the garden in front.

Passholders even enjoy discounted admission for guests. | Photo provided by The Biltmore Company

With summer in full swing and the gardens in full bloom — plus special July savings — now is the perfect time to become a Biltmore® Passholder.

Enjoy a year of unlimited visits to Biltmore House & Gardens and Antler Hill Village & Winery with exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, overnight stays, and more, including the breathtaking Chihuly at Biltmore exhibition.

You can even bring your children 16 and under for free to explore the estate with you.

Save $50 on a Biltmore® Annual Pass

News Notes

Weather

The heat streak is over. A frontal system is expected to bring chances for scattered showers the rest of the week and weekend. Most of North Carolina is under a moderate drought. (WCNC)

Community

The mayor of Mooresville says he’s working to slow the city’s growth. So far in 2024, the town approved 60 apartment homes. Mayor Chris Carney says he welcomes residents to attend town meetings or set up a conversation regarding new development. (WBTV)

Closed

Heist Brewery and Benny Pennelos are temporarily closed after a fire in the brewery’s kitchen. No injuries were reported. A reopening date is TBA.

Announced

After 17 years as The Pub at Uptown, the new “Pub at Gateway” is moving locations. The longtime pub will move from Gateway Village into a 2,080-sqft space at 500 West Trade. Its current location will close at the end of summer. (Charlotte Business Journal)

Outdoors

Construction starts this fall to replace two bridges at Anne Springs Close Greenway. The bridges between the Tunnel and Mill Pond trails were damaged due to heavy rain earlier this year. They’re expected to be completed in early spring. (WCNC)

Edu

UNC Charlotte is one of several North Carolina universities awarded a grant to expand nursing education. The UNC System received $29 million for 12 public universities. The grants are part of an effort to address the nursing shortage in the Tar Heel State.

Charlottean

A former West Mecklenburg High School graduate is now the captain of the US Women’s Rugby Team. Naya Tapper joined the rugby team in college, which sparked her passion. She’s now leading the team at the Paris Olympics. (WCNC)

Sports

The Panthers are one week away from Training Camp and all eyes are on head coach Dave Canales. Go beyond the clipboard for the biggest stories on the Carolina Panthers with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

Try This

The perfect pairing

Duke’s Hot Tomato Summer starts in Charlotte

A hearty BLT sandwich stacked on itself.

Bleu Barn is one of 40+ restaurants and food stalls serving up Duke’s mayo and tomato-centric menu items. | Photo via Bleu Barn

Tomatoes and mayo are an iconic southern pairing. For the fourth year, Duke’s Mayo is bringing back this culinary duo — Hot Tomato Summer.

The 10-day event invites local restaurants to compete and whip up their recipes. The only rule? They must use Duke’s Mayo and tomatoes. Anything from the classic BLT to a creamy cocktail is fair game. Winning restaurants take home the “Golden Tomato” award.

“Hot Tomato Summer is our favorite time of year,” said Rebecca Lupesco, Duke’s Brand Manager. “We love how the simplest things – tomatoes and mayo – can inspire such passion and creativity. It’s kind of like a tomatoey summer camp for restaurants.”

When is it?

Hot Tomato Summer will take place this Thursday, July 18 through Sunday, July 28 + more than 40 restaurants in Charlotte are participating.

See some participating restaurants

The Buy

The Buy 7.18.24 (Affiliate)

Dreo’s oscillating tower fan for your bedroom, which is ultra-quiet, circulates cool air, and is still on sale for Prime Day.

More worth The Buy

Answered

Yesterday, we asked “what do you look for when visiting a local park?”

The pond at Freedom Park with the tree line in the background. — Freedom Park is located between Charlotte’s historic Dilworth and Myers Park neighborhoods.
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Photo by CLTtoday

Charlotte’s parks have so many things to offer — ample space, playgrounds, dog-friendly areas, and more. So we wanted to know your favorite aspect.

71% — Walking/running paths
14% — Fountains + access to water
5% — Picnic + party space, sports facilities, and trees

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Maria

From the editor

City Editor Jack and I had an amazing time meeting chef Bobby Flay. We both share a love of watching him on Food Network and on Disney Channel’s “Eddie’s Million Dollar Cook-Off.” It was a highlight of our week.

City Editors Jack and Maria with posing with chef Bobby Flay.

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