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Restaurant Roundup
🍽️ What’s on the menu?
Pizza and beer sound like a great Friday meal. | Photo by CLTtoday
More than 20 restaurants opened in the last two months across the Queen City, and we want to help you visit them all. Use this guide to get started + see what’s coming soon. And don’t forget to bookmark it.
March openings
Tapside Pizza, 52 Ervin St., Belmont | Pizza
Hungry diners will be able to pair locally brewed pints with fresh pizzas, sliders, and wings.
Harriet’s Hamburgers, The Commonwealth | Burgers
Satisfy your cravings for burgers, fries, and cheese curds at this local chain.
Ricci’s Hoagies, Centro NoDa | Sandwiches | Opens Wednesday, March 11
The iconic Philadelphia sandwich shop will serve hand-sliced meats, freshly baked rolls, and farm-fresh vegetables.
February openings
The Improper Pig, 1600 Central Ave. | Barbecue
The restaurant’s flagship is designed like a lively backyard barbecue, serving smoked meats, Asian-inspired specialties, and more.
The Naked Farmer, 2725 South Blvd. | Farm-to-table
The restaurant will offer a seasonal menu, focusing on locally sourced ingredients.
Tree, grass, and weed pollen are peaking across the Carolinas, so it’s no surprise that sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion are on the rise. | Photo by Getty Images
Spring is two weeks away, bringing sunshine, longer days, and allergy season. Stay ahead of the sniffles with pro tips from Novant Health:
Know what’s causing symptoms Easier said than done, we know. Allergies and viral illnesses look deceptively similar, with congestion, coughing, and fatigue. Look out for these key differences:
Butterbur (PA‑free only) | Shown to work similarly to OTC medications
Curcumin (found in turmeric) | May reduce inflammation + improve nasal airflow
Quercetin (found in apples and onions) | Helps stabilize the body’s histamine response
It’s wise to discuss natural options with a clinician, especially if you take other medications.
When to see an expert
If daily antihistamines provide little relief, or symptoms interfere with daily activities, it’s time for a personalized treatment plan.
During Roots’ phase one opening, expect to order Enderly coffee, craft cocktails, pastries, and new to-go items.
Rendering via Roots Cafe
Announced
Roots Cafe will open a new location along South Boulevard in Madison Park this spring. The first phase will be the coffee shop, while phase two will include a larger kitchen and more seating — anticipated by late fall.
Biz
The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services ordered a total stop at Silfab Solar in Fort Mill, SC. The manufacturing plant reported two chemical leaks this week. (WCNC)
Development
Atlanta-based RangeWater Real Estate will break ground on a 316-unit apartment community in NoDa this month, offering a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. The apartments could open as soon as mid-2027. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Civic
Could the Gateway Station finally come to life? The long-stalled Uptown project was discussed during the council’s budget retreat this week. Deputy City Manager Alyson Craig said the new transportation authority and real estate trends could spur progress on the project. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Outdoors
The warmer temperatures and sunshine are helping flowers to bloom early, but that doesn’t mean you should race to the garden center. WCNC’s Chief Meteorologist reports we are in the middle of an “early fools spring,” and there’s still a chance for winter chills. (WCNC)
Active
Play ball. The Knothole Foundation is celebrating Women’s History Month with a free girls’ softball clinic tomorrow, March 7 at the Richard “Stick” Williams Dream Fields and Education Center. The clinic starts at 12 p.m. and is open for girls ages 6 through 12.
Pet
Cabarrus County installed its first Pet Microchip Scan Station outside the county’s animal control building along Betsy Carpenter Place SW. If a loose pet is found, it can be scanned for a chip, and if one is detected, a QR code will display instructions on how to contact the owners. It’s the first self-service station in the community. (WCNC)
Sports
The 2026 Paralympic Winter Games have begun in Milan + Cortina, Italy, and the opening ceremony takes place today at 2 p.m. EST. Watch the broadcast on USA Network or stream it on Peacock. (NBC)
Read
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Pro Tip
If you’re a Costco shopper, you’re probably familiar with the ever-popular $1.50 hot dog. But are you in on these other 10 lesser-known hacks all Costco shoppers should know about? Don’t miss the details on vacation deals, members-only movie tickets, and more.*
Category
Try This
☀️ Daylight saving time
Get ready to enjoy the sunshine, Charlotte. | Photo via CRVA
At 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 8, clocks will jump forward to 3 a.m., meaning we’ll lose an hour of sleep, but gain brighter evenings for the next several months. If the time change has you feeling off, here are a few ways to make the most of those longer evenings around Charlotte.
🌇 Take advantage of golden hour
The Queen City has a skyline worth bragging about — capture the sunset for the gram or for your phone’s background.
A really good retinol serum without the premium price tag. For under $25, it’s clinically proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, brighten skin, and boost elasticity.
This weekend, I plan to get out and enjoy the sunshine. Our news partners at WCNC are forecasting sunny skies and temperatures in the 80s. If you do anything fun, respond to this newsletter with a picture. I’d love to see it!
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