Picture yourself sitting at this bar with a new book in hand and enjoying the framed art by Los Angeles–based artist Halie Torris. | Rendering via Chastaine & Company, courtesy of NiceDay
Ready to hang out with your cool, older sister? Construction is underway on Plot Twist, an all-day coffee and cocktail bar, coming soon to Plaza Midwood. The new spot aims to be a true “third space,” with the kind of cool, welcoming vibes you’d expect at your older sister’s house — something co-owner Nikki Velazquez says Charlotte is missing.
“I was 20, or 21, and thought about wanting to go to a cool older sister’s house and get advice,” Velazquez explained to CLTtoday. “Places like that don’t exist anymore because we’re not meeting people the way we used to.”
Plot Twist hopes to fill that gap, seating ~80 people and offering snacks like nuts and pretzels, rotating food vendors, THC drinks, and mocktails. Plus, it’ll be steps away from women-owned Trope Bookshop and Wiloe Home & Gift, creating a walkable destination for people to sip, shop, and spend time.
An exact opening date is TBA — keep an eye on your inbox for details.
Crescent Communities will build nearly 300 for-rent apartment units in Concord. The Charlotte-based developer bought the 22.7-acre site for $6.9 million in December. RENDER Weddington Ridge, off Weddington Road near the I-85 and I-485 interchange, is expected to be complete by 2027. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Civic
The Board of County Commissioners is starting to build its 2026-27 fiscal year budget, and they want your opinion. Registration is open to speak at the Board’s public meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 6 p.m. Sign up to speak at the hearing or learn more about the budget process.
Announced
Grammy-winning singer Chris Stapleton will perform at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, June 20, as part of his “All-American Road Show” tour, with special guests Lainey Wilson and Allen Stone. Tickets go on sale Friday, Jan. 16 at 10 a.m. (WCNC)
Biz
After 47 years in Dilworth, specialty shop Alpine Ski Center is moving to a new space at Seneca Square on South Boulevard. The Dilworth location will close at the end of March, and the store’s new spot is expected to open in August, with upgraded equipment and additional ski and snowboard brands. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Number
15. That’s how many project announcements were supported by the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, landing $424 million in investments into the area. The projects will bring nearly 4,000 jobs to the Queen City over the next few years. (WCNC)
Sports
What’s next for the Panthers after Saturday’s wild-card game? Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Feel Good
Meet K-9 Robi, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department’s 2025 “Officer Good Boi” champion. The 8.5-year-old Hungarian Vizla works in explosive detection in the department’s Airport Unit, and loves chasing tennis balls when he’s off-duty. (WSOC)
Eat
Do you smell shortbread? Girl Scout Cookie season is almost here. Use this zipcode finder to get a countdown to cookies — and support our local Girl Scout troops.
Read
Reading is on the rise, with online searches for “good books” recently hitting an all-time high. If you’re trying to turn more pages in 2026, read some classic literature, or find out what this fictional hockey romance thing is all about, Charlotte’s independent bookstores are the perfect places to start.
On This Day
On January 12, 1966, the first-ever TV episode of “Batman” aired. Since then, Bruce Wayne’s adventures have become commonplace in popular media. While we recommend getting a full night’s sleep, if you do find yourself awake in the wee hours, a late-night eat could be in the cards.
Jobs
Kick off 2026 by growing your team the smart way. Whether you’re a small business ready to expand or a large company filling a critical role, our Job Board connects you with engaged, qualified local talent ready to work. Post your open roles for free and start the new year with strong applications rolling in.
How would you like to live atop a former department store? This four-bedroom, three-bathroom Uptown penthouse is on the market and boasts a slew of amenities, including:
20+ foot ceilings
Oversized windows with views of Uptown and Fourth Ward
Private library and atrium
Three covered parking spaces
“I’ve sold a lot of Uptown condos over the last 20+ years, but the first time I walked into Unit 615, it stopped me,” Realtor Scott Russo told CLTtoday. “The scale, the ceiling volume, the light, and the privacy — it didn’t feel like a typical penthouse showing.”
Did we mention this building was once the J.B. Ivey’s Department Store? There’s a lot of history there.
The Buy
Our favorite car accessory: a portable air pump and power bank. Never worry about low tire pressure again with this lightweight device that inflates tires while providing a real-time pressure display. Plus, it features a flashlight + flashing SOS mode for added peace of mind during a breakdown or emergency.
I want to give a huge “thank you” to Nikki at Plot Twist. I’m so excited for this space to open and can’t wait to bring my new finds from Trope, pull up a chair, and hang out. Also, her construction posts are fun to watch.
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