Chef Troy is eager to debut Guard and Grace in Charlotte — only the third location in the country. | Photo via Proof PR
“We could’ve gone to a lot of different cities but Charlotte just felt right,” Chef Troy told CLTtoday.Restaurant and development lovers sank their teeth at this news — Michelin-recommended steakhouse Guard and Grace is sizzling Charlotte’s food scene in mid-2026, becoming the restaurant’s third location nationwide.
Talk about dining with a view. Guard and Grace will be located on the 10th floor of the upcoming Queensbridge Collective high-rise in South End.
Rendering via Clark Construction Group
City Editor Jack here. I spoke with Guard and Grace chef and owner Troy Guard about how this vision came to life and the culinary experience guests can soon expect.
What led you to choose Charlotte as your next location?
Charlotte’s got a great downtown scene, as you know. Business-wise, banking-wise, and tourism-wise. It’s our first [location] being not on a ground floor, so going ten floors up, having beautiful views, beautiful common areas, beautiful patio scenery... there were a lot of exciting new things, but still having the comfort of the city, literally a five-minute walk away.
Special Exhibit: Corrie Ten Boom| 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | Billy Graham Library | Free |Tournever-before-seen memorabilia celebrating the life of the Holocaust survivor and acclaimed author of “The Hiding Place.”
The DROP-in with Charlotte is Creative | 6-8 p.m. | Divine Barrel Brewing | Cost of purchase | Connect, socialize, and spark ideas with fellow creatives from across the Queen City.
Evening Unwind Yoga | 6-7 p.m. | Founders Dairy Barn at Dairy Barn Entrance, Fort Mill | $14 | Escape the hectic work week by spending an evening rejuvenating your mind and body.
Candlelight: A Tribute to ABBA | 8:45-10 p.m. | Great Aunt Stella Center | $46+ | Prepare for a candlelight performance honoring the iconic Swedish pop group that will leave you singing “Mamma Mia.”
Wednesday, Jan. 29
Free Wednesday Evenings | 5-9 p.m. | The Mint Museum Uptown | Free | Get inspired touring the Mint’s impressive collection at everyone’s favorite price — nothing.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Brooklyn Nets | 7 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $23+ | The Hornets are back on the court hoping to deliver a “Nine-Nine” against Brooklyn.
Waterfront property alert: A 6,000-sqft home just hit the market in Charlotte. Check out the gourmet kitchen, pool, two-story covered patios, and recreation room — all with sweeping views of Lake Wylie.
Health
Novant Health debuted its expanded Matthews Medical Center. The new four-story, 150,000-sqft critical care tower features increased bed capacity + advanced surgical, heart, and vascular services to better accommodate the growing community. The surgical unit will open next month, followed by a new ICU this summer.
Development
Atrium Health is planning a mixed-income multifamily community one mile away from the upcoming $1.5 billion medical school and innovation district. If approved, the 3-acre site at 720 E. Morehead St. will have ~500 apartments + 15,000 sqft of retail space. The project still needs city approval. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Edu
Welcome to a new era. Winthrop University is introducing its first doctoral degree program starting this fall. The Rock Hill, SC university will also debut two undergraduate degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence and a Bachelor of Science in Financial Technology — each are first of their kind in the Palmetto State. (WCNC)
Number
4.6 million. That’s how many people are expected to call the Charlotte region home by 2050. The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance released results predicting the Queen City will experience a population boom swelling by more than 50% over the next 25 years. (WCNC)
Eat
Here’s some sweet news. Two Krispy Kreme’s in Charlotte are offering nine new fan-favorite doughnuts. Stop into the shop at North Sharon Amity Road in Cotswold and try New York Cheesecake or OREO Cookies and Kreme before visiting the location at Hawkins Street in South End for Cinnamon Filled Apple or Black & White Chocolate Chip. (WBTV)
Sports
Charlotte FC has permanently transferred Karol Świderski to Europe. The Polish forward was the franchise’s all-time leading scorer and will now play for Panathinaikos FC in Greece. The ongoing player shuffle comes after Charlotte FC finished fifth-place in the Eastern Conference in 2024. (WCNC)
Listen
Why was LaMelo Ball left off the NBA All-Star Game starting lineup? Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Charlotte Hornetswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Leaks don’t just ruin your day — they can damage your home. Get a free quote from Remodel Your Home to connect with roofing pros who specialize in leak-proof solutions.*
City Guide
Eat
🍳 Brunch, anyone?
State of Confusion’s deviled eggs dish comes with four different flavors that incorporate ingredients like avocado, bacon, and lime. | Photo provided by @confusioncharlotte
In this town, brunchin’ ain’t easy, but it’s necessary. Luckily, you have us to scout things out. We’ve compiled a whole bunch of brunch options, along with menu recs and pro tips. Plan your weekend and pour those mimosas.
Weekday wonders
Cafe Monte | Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. + Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | A SouthPark French restaurant that’s locally loved for its croissant breakfast sandwiches, crepes, and steak frites.
Weekend warriors
Postino | Saturday + Sunday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Begin your weekend visit at The Bowl at Ballantyne savoring focaccia style french toast, a meatball shakshouka, or a classic remix with bacon or sausage.
For a special occasion
STIR | Saturday + Sunday, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | Don’t miss the Filet Oscar Benedict with crab and a petite filet. Plus, no trip to STIR is complete without ordering a cocktail made with the restaurant’s signature artisanal ice.
The perfect Valentine’s Day gift doesn’t exi… Enter: Squishmallows. From ages three to 103, we’re pretty sure these ultra-soft, best-selling stuffed animals will make any age smile. We’re loving these five love day-inspired Squishmallows:
It was hard to learn Karol Świderski had been traded from Charlotte FC. I took this photo of the forward hugging goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina after he scored a penalty kick against Orlando City in Charlotte FC’s first-ever home playoff win last November. He’s a talented player and thrilling to watch. Enjoy Greece, Karol. You’re always welcome in the Queen City.
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