Plus, a new lounge is coming to the airport.
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Restaurant Roundup

🍽️ Let’s dig in

Rotating images of a restaurant, with Japanese-style aesthetics, a brick exterior, and a rooftop patio.
There’s not a bad seat in the house at Uchi or Uchibā. | Photos by CLTtoday
April is heating up with several new restaurants opening their doors this weekend. Here’s a taste of the new heavy hitters hitting Charlotte’s culinary scene.

April openings

Uchibā, The Commonwealth | Sushi | Opens today
Uchi’s sister concept serves sweeping skyline views and a curated menu focused on sushi, small plates, and cocktails.

Gouda’s Kitchen, 4431 Brookshire Blvd. | Comfort food | Opens tomorrow, April 4
What started as a mobile food truck, this popular eatery will serve loaded fries, cheesesteaks, wings, and signature sauces.

Sage & Citrus, Camp North End | Wellness-focused fare | Opens tomorrow, April 4
Expect to order items like cauliflower bites, cauliflower mac, salmon, and short rib entrees.

Reid’s Fine Foods, 14015 Conlan Cir. | Deli + retail | Opens Wednesday, April 8
The Ballantyne location will feature a full-service wine and coffee bar, restaurant, deli, and expanded butcher shop.
What just opened + what's coming soon
Benton Roofing

Events

Friday, April 3

Asian Night Market | 5-11 p.m. | Urban District Market | Free

First Friday Gallery Crawl | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Dilworth Artisan Station | Free

StrEATs Uncorked | 6-9 p.m. | 2 Wells Fargo | $88

Charlotte Hornets vs. Indiana Pacers | 7 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $30+

Saturday, April 4

Spartan Race: 2026 Charlotte Spartan Event Weekend | 6 a.m. | Porter Farms, Concord | $129+

Bowl Street Pop-Up Market | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | The Bowl at Ballantyne | Free

Anthem RC vs. Chicago Hounds Rugby | 4 p.m. | American Legion Memorial Stadium | $15

Eric Church: “Free The Machine” Tour | 7:30 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $56+

Charlotte FC vs. Philadelphia Union | 7:30 p.m. | Bank of America Stadium | $32+

Sunday, April 5

Easter Brunch with the Easter Bunny | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | The Asbury | $25+

Adult Easter Egg Hunt | 12-7 p.m. | Pilot Brewing | Free

“Mamma Mia!” | 1 p.m. + 6:30 p.m. | Belk Theater | $52+

Monday, April 6

In-Person Class: Roll Your Own Sushi | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Monday Night Brewing Garden Co. | $65

Find Your Muse Open Mic | 7:30 p.m. | The Evening Muse | $8+

Tuesday, April 7

Empower Your Professional Journey: A Career Panel for Charlotte’s Young Professionals | 9-10:30 a.m. | ECPI University | $25

Yoga at the Mint | 5:15-6:15 p.m. | The Mint Museum Uptown | $10
See our full events calendar
Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash
Arete Hemp

News Notes

A rendering of an airport lounge exterior.

Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge is anticipated to open in 2027.

Rendering via American Express

Coming Soon

American Express released a rendering of its new lounge coming to Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The Sidecar lounge is anticipated to open next year in Concourse A, and feature craft cocktails and menus from James Beard Award-winning chefs.

Opening

Kristy’s Creole Kitchen will open on Friday, April 10 in the former Mazi space in South End. Hungry diners can expect New Orleans-inspired fare like crawfish etouffee, a full bar, and dessert. (The Charlotte Observer)

Development

The North Carolina State Auditor’s Office will provide financial oversight of the $650 million committed to the upgrades coming to Bank of America Stadium. The city’s contribution is one-half of the $1.3 billion renovation — Tepper Sports and Entertainment contributed $668 million. (WCNC)

Announced

Dallas-based La La Land Kind Coffee will open its first Charlotte location at the former Bitty and Beau’s shop in South End. The company is known for its lattes, matcha beverages, and signature yellow cups + its mission to hire foster youths and promote kindness. An opening date is TBA. (Charlotte Business Journal)

Concert

Tickets go on sale today at 11 a.m. for Benson Boone’s upcoming concert at the Spectrum Center. Prepare for front flips to take over the stage on Aug. 26. We guarantee the concert will feel “mystical, magical.”

Shop

Speaking of openings... SKIMS, the popular brand by co-founded by Kim Kardashian, will open at SouthPark Mall this year — an exact date has not been announced. Keep an eye on your inbox for updates. (WBTV)
The Biltmore Annual Pass Sale is on now. Save $90 on a Biltmore Annual Pass for a limited time, and enjoy perks like exclusive events, discounts, and unlimited Biltmore visits year-round. See how our team spent a day as a Biltmore Passholder.*

Travel

Looking for a weekend escape? Southern Roots Reunion is your sign to head to Travelers Rest. Enjoy unlimited BBQ, drinks, and live music _ all while supporting a meaningful cause. It’s an easy, flavor-packed getaway. Learn more + snag tickets.*

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.*

Event Spotlight

🖖 “Kirk to Enterprise”

A graphic of William Shatner's face with the words "William Shatner live on stage."

You can soon cross off “watching ‘Star Trek’ with the original Captain Kirk” from your bucket list.

Graphic via Right on PR

The captain of the Enterprise is coming to the Queen City. Legendary actor William Shatner will host a screening of “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” at Ovens Auditorium on Friday, April 17. Following the movie, he’ll host a Q+A, share behind-the-scenes memories, and more. Tickets start at $59. Live long and prosper, Charlotte.

Answered

Which was Charlotte’s first independent bookstore?

You know your bookstore history, Charlotte. Park Road Books opened in 1977 — 84% guessed correctly. The longstanding bookstore, along with two dozen others, are participating in this year’s Greater Charlotte Book Crawl. The event runs through Thursday, April 30.
Crawling for books

The Buy

April = new spring shoe drop. Shop a great spring shoe for every price range:

👟 Under $25: A No. 1 best-seller, these arch support flip-flops feature a yoga foam footbed and just look like vacation.
👟 Under $50: This cushioned footbed sandal is ultra-comfortable, thanks to soft leather, a small platform, and an adjustable web strap (it’s also 50% off).
👟 Under $100: Go for fresh white tennis shoes with Vionic’s court sneaker that’s top-rated by 200+ five-star reviews.
👟 Under $150: Get ready to hear compliments when you wear Clarks’ newly dropped floral wedge, available in black, white, or red.
👟 Under $250: This newly released wedge espadrille from patricia green is worth the splurge, thanks to its chic nautical design and sporty grip sole.
Give me all the shoes

The Wrap

Whether your plans include egg hunts, Sunday brunch, or a special visit from somebunny, we wish you a happy Easter this Sunday! Celebrate by taking the kids to McClure Hill Farm for its Easter festival or any of these other events taking place.
A headshot of City Editor Maria with a green circular background and her name on the right.
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