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👀 Sneak peek
Get ready to savor upscale sushi and omakase at Uchi. | Photo by CLTtoday
Long-awaited Uchi will open on Tuesday, March 31, serving its Japanese-inspired spread at the Commonwealth in Plaza Midwood. Its sister concept, bar-forward Uchibā, will open Friday, April 3, which is focused on sushi, small plates, and cocktails. The Austin-based pair will give Charlotteans everything from elevated omakase to bar bites in one destination.
Both restaurants will offer indoor and outdoor seating, private event space, and multiple ways to enjoy cocktails, sushi, and curated plates.
There’s not a bad seat in the house at Uchi or Uchibā.
Photos by CLTtoday
Editor Maria, here. I recently sampled Uchi during a pop-up and I’m excited to order more of the hama chili, which is yellowtail, paired with spicy Thai chili topped with ponzu sauce.
Ahead of the openings, CLTtoday caught up with Shaun King, the Chef de Cuisine, to discuss what diners can expect and the excitement of opening in the Queen City.
The project includes a new station and changes to the Rail Trail.
Photo via CATS
Development
The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) will begin construction this month on the new Blue Line light rail station in South End. The station will be built between Remount Road and Tremont Drive, and is expected to open in 2028. CATS is hosting a public meeting virtually today at 12:30 — watch here. (WCNC)
Open
Amélie’s French Bakery & Café’s new grab-and-go location in Plaza Midwood is now open. Amélie’s L’Express boasts a full menu of macarons, brownies, croissants, and breads + coffee, teas, and lemonade.
Coming Soon
Sage & Citrus, a fast-casual restaurant with an emphasis on fresh, in-season ingredients, is close to opening at Camp North End. Expect to order items like cauliflower bites, cauliflower mac, salmon, and short rib entrees. When an opening date is announced, we’ll let you know.
Civic
A City Council committee supports the request for $25 million to upgrade the Bojangles Entertainment Complex. Upgrades include electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems at both buildings. Council is expected to vote on the proposal on Monday, March 23. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Sports
For the first time in program history, the Queens University Royals will be in the NCAA Tournament. Over the weekend, the team beat the number one seed — University of Central Arkansas — and won the Atlantic Sun Tournament Championship. They’ll find out who they play in the first round this Sunday, March 15. (WCNC)
Weather
Get your water bottles out.Record highs are possible this week for the Queen City. Today and tomorrow, March 11, will likely reach the low-to-mid 80s before rain returns Thursday. (WCNC)
Coming Soon
Take-out eatery Kristy’s Creole Kitchen will move into the former Mazi space in South End. The creole spot is anticipated to open in April, and will serve Louisiana-inspired gumbo, etoufee, and salmon bites + cocktails. (The Charlotte Observer)
Outdoors
The City of Monroe is delaying the opening of its lakes because of drought conditions. The lakes typically open for the season on March 1 every year. Keep an eye on your inbox for updates.
Plan Ahead
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Hospital Authority is hosting a public hearing next month about a freestanding emergency department in the works for North Charlotte. The project is expected to cost $25.3 million and would be completed in April 2028. Mark your calendar for April 17 at 10 a.m. at the Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library.
Travel
Spring Break is right around the corner, and, according to travel website Kayak, domestic and international airfare out of Charlotte Douglas are 3% cheaper this year, compared to 2025. Before booking that flight to Puerto Rico or Ireland, get comfortable with CLT.
Try This
March is National Craft Month — the perfect excuse to dive into a creative hobby. Whether you want to pick up a new skill or DIY some fresh home decor, Upcycle Arts is a great place to begin.
Shop
Skip the regret, bloating, and hangovers when you shop this clean, women-owned cannabis brand, which offers bestsellers like THC pineapple gummies + mini THCA pre-rolls. This March, get 20% off sitewide and a free sample pack of Buzzed Gummies with code POTOFGREEN.†*
Tech
AI has completely changed the cybersecurity game. Scams are smarter, malware is faster, and phishing emails look shockingly real. Protect your devices, privacy, and identity with a leading digital protection plan from Webroot. Save 60% and get protected today.*
Category
Basketball
🏀 Alley-oop to Uptown
Get ready for college teams to bring their all to the basketball court. | Photo by CLTtoday
The ACC Tournament features North Carolina’s biggest and most prestigious men’s college basketball programs, making the ~ two-hour drive from Tobacco Road to the Queen City — including UNC, Duke, NC State, Clemson, and Wake Forest.
Tournament schedule
First round — Tuesday, March 10
Second round — Wednesday, March 11
Quarterfinals — Thursday, March 12
Semifinals — Friday, March 13
Championship game — Saturday, March 14
Ticket information
Tickets are sold per session, granting fans entry to multiple games per day. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended, as the tournament is expected to attract major attendance from fans from out of town.
Future tournaments in Charlotte
The Queen City is scheduled to host the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament every year through 2028.
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