Charlottetown

In depth exploration of Charlotte’s banking-centric culture and the impact of the downturn from the Washington Post. Written by ex-Observer reporter Binyamin Appelbaum.

Charlotte Magazine has a great writeup of over 40 of the best spots in Charlotte to go for everything night life, including delicious dinners, trendy martinis, big nights out, or a quiet bottle of wine. Check it out.

Rumor is that it is not only Cans Bar itself that is for sale - the entire building that houses Cans, Crave Dessert Bar, several other businesses and 30 or so parking spaces is on the block for $4.6 million.

Click through for the whole article.

The 5th Street corridor has always been a Charlotte nightlife staple, home to uptown stalwarts RiRa, Connolly’s, the Attic, Madison’s, Phil’s and Buckhead Saloon. Cross over Tryon Street however, and the picture becomes much bleaker. Daddy’s Bar and Grill at the corner of 5th and Church has been vacant for over a year now, despite an excellent multi-level floor plan. The two-story space that formerly housed Liv, Hom, and Feast has run through several tenants over the years, none of which has really found any traction. The opposite side of the road is devoid of any street level retail altogether, home only to a row of parking meters.

Click through for the whole article.

Charlotte’s nightlife crown jewel is in some trouble. The Ghazi Company has apparently failed in securing the proper permits required by Mecklenburg County.

The Charlotte Business Journal reported today that most of the businesses in the Epicenter have had their temporary occupancy permits either expired or will be expiring soon. Due to construction problems, delays and other disputes the permanent permits will not be issued anytime soon. The Ghazi Company has failed in several aspects of observing construction codes, for example, the elevators across from First Charlotte Physicians are still not operating. The bottom line in the dispute is that no new venues or businesses will be able to open. The current businesses will stay open, but for how long, who knows?

Artists include Josh Kelly, Ryan Cabrera, Vanessa Carlton and more.

Concertgoers will also get free admission to Suite, BlackFinn, StrikeCity and Whisky River when they show their wristbands.

Fire did nearly $1 million damage to a popular uptown Charlotte restaurant Saturday morning.

The blaze, which broke out sometime around 5:30 a.m., heavily damaged Ri-Ra’s Irish Pub, a two-story restaurant in the 200 block of North Tryon Street.

No injuries were reported, and quick work by firefighters prevented the blaze from spreading or damaging any nearby businesses in the restaurant and entertainment area of uptown.

Charlotte fire Capt. Rob Brisley said a fire alarm tipped off emergency officials when it activated shortly after 5:30 a.m. Brisley said a Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer spotted smoke coming from the rear of the restaurant, and when firefighters arrived moments later, smoke was pouring from the building.

Brisley said it took 31 firefighters about 30 minutes to subdue the blaze.

He said the cause of the fire was “carelessly discarded smoking materials in a trash can.”