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💚 Share the local love
It’s hard not to smile when enjoying a scoop of ice cream. | Photo via Seemingly Overzealous
Did you know? Charlotte is home to 40,000+ small businesses. Charlotteans are so good at supporting local that USA Today named the Queen City one of the best cities in the US to start a business last year.
In honor of our many movers and shakers, we’re asking readers to nominate small businesses they love so we can share them with the whole audience.
We’ll be here to share a new batch of small businesses every month, so bookmark this page to come back for more, especially if you’ve enjoyed our Small Business Week and Today’s Best coverage.
Editor’s note: Some quotes may have been edited for clarity and brevity.
Editor Maria’s picks
Seemingly Overzealous | Ice cream shop
“We are so grateful for the support we receive from our existing customer base.” — Co-owner Jessica Berrese
Offering gluten-, egg-, and dairy-free ice creams and sweet treats, this expanding shop provides ice cream that can satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth.
Have you ever dreamed of an elegant staircase in your entryway? Make that dream a reality in this SouthPark home that just hit the market. Plus, did you see those built-ins?
Community
Want to improve Charlotte’s parks? The Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation department is hosting several public meetings regarding the Meck Playbook, a 10-year master plan that sets the County’s vision for investing in parks, nature centers, recreation centers, and programs. The workshops are free to attend.
Concert
Turn up the sunshine. Tame Impala will perform at the Spectrum Center on Saturday, Aug. 1. Tickets go on sale Friday, Feb. 20 at 10 a.m.
Cause
ICYMI. Bojangles is serving heart-shaped Bo-Berry Biscuits now through Sunday, Feb. 22. Proceeds benefit The HEARTest Yard Foundation, which supports families of children with congenital heart disease.
Plan Ahead
Mark your calendar for March 27. Hi-Wire Brewing and NoDa Brewing will release Odyssey IPA, a limited-time collaboration beer with 100% of proceeds benefiting ARCHR, a group that provides no-cost repairs to families whose homes were damaged by Hurricane Helene in WNC.
Charlottean
Meet Bryant Graeber, a longtime greeter who’s now welcomed two million people to the Harris YMCA. Graeber has worked at the Y for more than 20 years, and is described as someone who’s always smiling and brings joy to visitors. (WCNC)
Eat
Tomorrow, Feb. 17, is Mardi Gras, the annual pre-Lent celebration set to take over streets across the world. If you aren’t joining the 1.4 million expected visitors at the country’s biggest celebration in New Orleans, you can get a taste of the fun with some Cajun cuisine at Cajun Queen.
Job
POV: You’re in a bind trying to fill an important role for your local biz. We can help. Post your opening on our Job Board and get connected to top local talent.
Learn
Garden design, color theory, calligraphy, portrait photography, embroidery. These are just a handful of the expert-led, creative classes available on Skillshare, an online learning community recognized by The New York Times and Forbes. Start a one month free trial + dive into new skills.*
Number
$0. That’s how much 94% of Nourish patients pay out of pocket to talk to a dietitian covered by their insurance. You could be covered, too — check your coverage + get matched with a dietitian who can cut through the food noise and build you a plan to thrive.*
Featured Deal
Meet THC Libido Lift Gummy: a gummy that combines THC, CBC, and four ancient aphrodisiac botanicals backed by science to boost mood, reduce anxiety, and support blood flow. Get a pack of Libido Lift free with purchase when you spend $50 on TribeTokes. Use code VDAYGUMMY.†*
Category
Opening
🍽️ Your lunch plans
Meshugganah owner Rob Clement is ready to serve the Queen City. | Photo by CLTtoday
“We’re back baby!” That’s the message welcoming diners to Meshugganah’s social media page, announcing their return to the Queen City. The Jewish deli, which drew long lines of hungry diners at pop-ups during the COVID-19 pandemic, is reopening at City Kitch in Wesley Heights.
The deli, which closed in 2022, will reopen on Wednesday, Feb. 18, and operate as a ghost kitchen Wednesday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Expect to order pastrami sandwiches, matzo ball soup, and dessert from Metzger’s.
Editor Maria, here. If it’s your first time trying Meshugganah, owner Rob Clement says it’s best to order one of everything. He’s not wrong. I sampled a sandwich, soup, potato and onion knish, and a babka cookie, and was craving more instantly.
“When the pastrami gumbo comes out, I’d say that’s definitely something you have to order when it’s available,” Clement told CLTtoday.
Tired of being … tired? You’re not alone. For millions of people over 35, the problem isn’t stress, late nights, or a busy schedule — it’s mineral deficiency. That’s where Organixx Magnesium 7 comes in. The doctor-formulated supplement features seven highly absorbable forms of magnesium to help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep through the night, and wake up feeling well-rested.
Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting Kellina, the editor of WStoday. It’s crazy to think that we’ve been working together for two years and never met in person! If you’re planning a trip to Winston-Salem, consider her your personal tour guide.
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