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Queen's Feast Charlotte Restaurant Week returns July 24 through August 2, 2026, giving food lovers a rare excuse to finally visit that restaurant they've been putting off.
Participating restaurants across the Charlotte region will offer three-course prix-fixe dinners at discounted prices — but reservations move fast, especially on weekends.
There's also a money-saving layer many diners overlook. Eligible American Express Platinum and Gold cardholders may have a Resy statement credit available — potentially reducing an already-discounted dinner bill even further.
Platinum Card members may qualify for up to $100 in quarterly Resy credits, while Gold Card members may receive up to $50 from July through December. Enrollment and restaurant eligibility must be confirmed before dining.
Top picks for this year's event include Muraya in South End for its bold Coastal Latin flavors and Albertine Uptown for its refined Mediterranean-Southern menu. STK, Uchi, and Italo round out a strong shortlist.
Book early, review Restaurant Week menus in advance, and budget for tax and gratuity — those aren't included in prix-fixe pricing. Read More... |
Kyle Hampton is not your typical member of the Charlotte Fire Department.
At just 19 years old, the UNC Charlotte student is helping protect the city from behind a computer screen — analyzing emergency data, building maps, and writing code that shapes how the department plans for Charlotte's rapid growth.
Hampton joined through Charlotte's Education 2 Employment program after interning with both Charlotte Fire and CMPD. He now supports the department's Research and Strategic Planning Division full-time while pursuing a degree in data science with a minor in artificial intelligence.
His biggest contribution is Charlotte Fire's Response Analysis Model, which combines historical call data with vehicle tracking to identify coverage gaps and improve response times across the city.
After joining crews on ride-alongs, Hampton says the numbers took on new meaning — each response time representing someone's worst moment.
Fire Chief Reginald Johnson says Hampton's story proves what's possible when young people are given real opportunities to serve their communities. Read More... |
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Something meaningful is taking shape along Beatties Ford Road in Charlotte's Historic West End.
Ashley and Clem McKinley are launching Eats & Rhymes, a bold new concept blending artisan sourdough pizza with hip-hop culture — and a deep commitment to the neighborhood they call home.
Every pizza on the menu tells a story, with pies named after legendary artists and rap milestones.
Ingredients are sourced intentionally from local partners including Bread on Bikes CLT, Deep Roots CPS Farm, and West End Seafood.
Beyond the food, the McKinleys have launched the Hot 16 Foundation, a nonprofit offering scholarships, paid internships, and community meals for West Charlotte youth.
Their planned permanent location will feature a DJ booth, listening stations, and an open kitchen — a true cultural gathering space.
To close a six-figure funding gap, they launched #BetOnTheFord — an open invitation for Charlotte to invest in a business that invests right back. Read More... |
Charlotte's spiciest restaurants, ranked by those who've survived them. After asking readers where to find the most punishing heat in the city, CharlotteFive compiled a fiery shortlist worth bookmarking.
Also on the list: Aroma Indian Grill's Bullet Chicken, Sen Mee Noodle House's notoriously potent peppers, Thai Taste's max-heat pad thai, and Curry Gate — though you may need to specifically vouch for your spice tolerance to get the full experience. |
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