Prepare to order plain, salt, poppy, or sesame with crave-worthy schmear. | Photo by Jen Goldberg
Breakfast in Ballantyne? We recommend what’s soon-to-be the perfect spot.
PopUp Bagels is expanding to Charlotte this summer when it debuts at The Bowl at Ballantyne, serving fresh bagels paired with mouth-watering schmears.
Not another bagel spot
“It’s a really unique experience,” Tory Bartlett, CEO of PopUp Bagels, told CLTtoday. “It’s not a transaction where you just walk in, get a bagel, and walk out.”
Get ready to order always-hot, preservative-free bagels from the “bagel bouncers” in an upbeat atmosphere to help start the day on a positive note.
Viral bagels
PopUp Bagels started as a local favorite in Westport, CT, before becoming a viral sensation with spots across New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.
PopUp was even ranked as Yelp’s No. 1 Bagel in New York City earlier this year, with rave reviews on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” “The New York Times,” and The New York Post.”
A. Plain — may seem simple at first, but it’s versatile and always satisfying B. Poppyseed — very unique, full of character, and memorable C. Cinnamon raisin — it’s sweet and comforting D. Rainbow — loud and exciting from every angle E. Everything — a choice that excels on all levels
CREW Charlotte’s 2025 Signature Luncheon | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | The Revelry, North End | $150+ | Join the conversation on leadership from Captain Sandy of “Bravo’s Below Deck: Mediterranean.”
Success at The Cellar with Network In Action | 3-4:30 p.m. |The Cellar at Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen, SouthPark | $15 | Connect with fellow professionals over beer, wine, and appetizers.
Retirement Planning University | 6-8:30 p.m. | Sykes Learning Center | $19+ | Prepare for your golden years in this two-night class about saving for your future.
Wednesday, May 14
North End Farmers Market | 4-8 p.m. | Ford Green | Cost of purchase | Spend some time shopping for fresh bread, veggies, and spices.
Wine on Wednesday | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | The Mint Museum Uptown | Free | Sip a glass of wine while browsing the Mint’s elaborate collection.
Thursday, May 15
PGA Championship | 8 a.m. | Quail Hollow Club | $237+ | See the best golfers in the world compete during day one of championship play.
NKBA Carolina Derby Days Progressive Dinner | 5:30-9:15 p.m. | Ann Sacks Tile and Stone | $39+ | Dress up for this Derby-themed dinner, filled with trivia, prizes, and a hat contest.
Kenichiro Kojima Tasting | 6-7:30 p.m. | Frenchy’s Sip and Shop | $23+ | Taste premium sake from the world-renowned luxury sake makers.
Not able to attend yesterday’s PGA Championship action at Quail Hollow Club because of the rain? Ticket holders have the option to attend today or tomorrow, May 14, using their Monday ticket. Parking passes will also be upheld for these days.
Opening
Mark your calendars. Harriet’s Hamburgers debuts in Concord on Wednesday, May 21 at 11 a.m. The upcoming opening has us reminiscing when Harriet’s debuted at the Bowl in Ballantyne last August.
Coming Soon
Mediterranean restaurant Al-Basha Halal Grill aims to reopen by the end of this month at the former location of Beyond Amazing Donuts in Montford Park. The restaurant, which closed for two years due to a fire, will serve hummus, falafel, lamb shanks, and shawarma. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Eat
Speaking of the PGA Champhionship... guests can look forward to all-inclusive food service with their tickets. Menu items include barbecue and sushi, plus fan favorites, like burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and other snacks. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Biz
Hornets Sports & Entertainment is now accepting applications for the fifth Hornets Innovation Summit — an initiative set to support local entrepreneurs. One applicant will receive a $25,000 investment from the Charlotte Hornets. Applications are open now through Friday, May 23.
Development
Wells Fargo is preparing to install its corporate signage on the former Duke Energy building in Uptown + upgrade the LED lighting system on the tower’s sides and top. Stay tuned to see when the signage goes up. (WCNC)
History
90 years — that’s how long Charlotte Firehouse 7 has been serving the NoDa community. Located at 3210 N. Davidson St., Firehouse 7 is one of only three pre–World War II firehouses still in operation in the Queen City.
Trending
Pop singer Joe Jonas made a surprise appearance at Nellie’s Southern Kitchen in Belmont last Sunday night. The Jonas brother even brought out the guitar for an acoustic performance of “Cake by the Ocean” and a duet with his father, Kevin Jonas, Sr.
Watch
Here’s a hog-wild story. An escaped pig near Monroe High School is back home after leading police officers on a wild chase before being caught. Officers even nicknamed the animal the “ham-burglar.” (WBTV)
Sports
The Charlotte Checkers will play in a best-of-five Atlantic Division Final series against the Hershey Bears starting in Charlotte on May 16 and 17, and then shift to Hershey for games on May 21, 22, and 24. Tickets are now available.
Listen
The Hornets snagged the No. 4 pick in the NBA Draft Lottery, after finishing the 2024-25 season with a 19-63 record. Go beyond the court for the biggest stories on the Charlotte Hornetswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Number
$1,300. That’s how much money per year you could be wasting overpaying on save on car insurance, according to a 2024 survey. See if you’re overspending.*
Category
Plan Ahead
💨 We’re soarin’, flyin’
The first Goodyear Blimp took flight back in 1930. | Photo by ATXtoday
Is it a bird? Is it a plane from Charlotte Douglas? Nope.
Keep your eyes on the sky — the iconic Goodyear Blimp is in town for not one, but two appearances this month, soaring above the Charlotte area.
Upcoming appearances
Get ready to see the blimp this week from Thursday, May 15 through Sunday, May 18 for the 2025 PGA Championship.
The blimp will make an encore appearance during the Coca Cola 600 on Sunday, May 25 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord.
World tour celebration
Only four Goodyear Blimps still exist, and the semi-rigid airships are celebrating their 100th birthday this year by journeying around the globe.
Between the blimp’s visits to the Charlotte area, expect a sighting during the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (hey, INDYtoday).
If you see the blimp, send us a photo and we may include it in an upcoming newsletter. Happy blimp hunting.
The Buy
As temperatures rise, we’re upgrading our wardrobe with some new warm weather hangout attire. These are some of our favorite finds:
I’m already craving that first bite of my bagel when PopUp Bagels debuts at The Bowl at Ballantyne this summer. My go-to is a classic cinnamon raisin bagel coated in cream cheese.
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