Chef Sam Diminich of Restaurant Constance is nominated for Best Chef in the Southeast for the James Beard Awards. | Photo via Rachel Sutherland Communications
Artists come in many forms —some excel in oil paints or clay — but select artists (food + bev professionals)in a few of Charlotte’s most acclaimed restaurants are gaining attention on the national stage.
The James Beard Foundation recognized three Queen City food service leaders as semifinalists for the 2025 James Beard Awards. This accolade is considered one of the country’s most prestigious culinary honors, recognizing exceptional talent in the restaurant world.
“What began as a celebration of culinary achievement has evolved into a platform, leading chefs and the broader culinary industry towards a new standard of excellence,” said Clare Reichenbach, CEO, James Beard Foundation.
Randy Travis: More Life Tour | 7:30 p.m. | Ovens Auditorium | $46+ | “It’s Just a Matter of Time” before the country icon takes the stage for a live performance.
Roaring 1920’s Afternoon Tea | 1 p.m. | The Ballantyne Hotel | $70 | Experience the elegance in a 1920s-themed tea party + flapper attire is encouraged.
Michelin Star-recommended steakhouse Guard and Grace is coming to Charlotte. The restaurant will be on the tenth floor of Queensbridge Collective — a luxury high rise under construction in South End — offering private dining, a full-service bar, and an outdoor terrace overlooking the Uptown skyline. An opening is slated for mid-2026. (The Charlotte Ledger)
Sports
Charlotte FC officially signed former Premier League star winger, Wilfried Zaha through Jan. 17, 2026. The soccer pro spent 10 seasons in the English Premier League. Be on the lookout, he’ll be wearing No. 10.
Weather
Duke Energy says this is the worst cold we’ve seen in years and they’re prepared to face the ongoing threat of freezing temperatures that may cause power outages. Line workers are monitoring power poles and wires to help keep the lights on. (WCNC)
Ranked
UNC Charlotte ranked No. 1 in the state and No. 3 in the US for online bachelors degrees, according to a new survey by US News & World Report. The university offers 10 fully online bachelor’s degree completion programs, including Nursing, Business Administration, and Political Science.
Civic
Charlotte City Council unanimously approved a $5.8 million upgrade for Sunset Road from Kiev Drive to Day Lily Lane to improve pedestrian safety. The project aims to add a new sidewalk, wheelchair ramps, and pavement markings + is set to be finished by 2027.
Community
Calling all creatives. The City of Charlotte’s 2025 Placemaking Grant and 2025 Creative Pool applications are open through March 7 at 5 p.m. This sixth annual initiative gives neighbors the chance to transform their community with a vibrant creative project. Grants range $5,000-$25,000.
Opening
Novant Health Matthews Medical Center is hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony this Friday at 10 a.m. for its critical care tower expansion.The four-story, 150,000-sqft tower has renovated surgical services, added inpatient capacity, and a new ICU to accommodate the growing Matthews community.
Biz
Carolina Beverage Group is moving into a 387,200-sqft space at North Charlotte Commerce Center in Mooresville. The location is a three-building industrial park overseen by Link Logistics. Goals, like increasing workforce, for the new location remain TBA. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Listen
Has Dan Morgan demonstrated the ability to transform the Panthers into a winning team? Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Eat
Yes, healthy grocery shopping can be easy and affordable. Meet Thrive Market, where healthy living is simple. Get groceries for the whole family delivered to your door, free from 1,000+ harmful ingredients. Join to save 30% on your first order and claim a free gift worth $60.*
Wellness
Discover unparalleled speech clarity with this advanced, state-of-the-art hearing aid. With crystal-clear sound and a sleek, discreet German design, those experiencing hearing impairment can enjoy clear speech with minimum background distractions, even in the noisiest environments. Try the 45-day, no-risk trial.*
Health
Weight Loss by Hers is a holistic program crafted by experts in weight loss, nutrition, and psychology. Receive personalized treatment plans tailored to your goals by a medical professional, along with access to GLP-1 medications starting at $165 per month with a 12-month plan.*
Category
Listen
🎤 Please don’t stop the music
Over 80,000 people attended the first Lovin’ Life Music Fest in Charlotte in May 2024. | Photo via Lovin Life Music Fest
ICYMI, this week we learned Jason Aldean, Billy Idol, and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts will all perform at PNC Pavilion in 2025. Plus, be on the lookout for exciting news coming soon for Lovin’ Life Music Fest returning to Uptown’s First Ward Park this May.
Charlotte’s live music scene is truly unmatched in our area — from jazz to country music, there’s a stage for any type of tune. To get to know them all, you must do three things.
Put your hands in the air, wave ‘em like you just don’t care, then lay your eyes (and ears) on our guide.
Single use face towels. Real talk: those washcloths you’ve used for years are likely harboring bacteria and roughing up your delicate moisture barrier. Go for a hygienic, gentler alternative with Sky Organics hypoallergenic face towels, made from 100% renewable plant fiber.
Here’s the story behind our recent Instagram reel. I was at the Dowd YMCA Tuesday night when I saw snow falling. I immediately ran to the rooftop track and filmed the atmospheric scene. I can’t say I’ve had many experiences where gym equipment was covered in snow.
Answered
Answered
What’s your favorite part of the StrEATs Festival?
ICYMI: We shared the tasty news that the Charlotte StrEATs Festival will be returning to Uptown on Sunday, April 13. When it comes to picking your favorite part, 50% said they most enjoyed trying new foods, 33% saidwatching the neighborhood cook-offs, and 16% prefer meeting local chefs.
