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Getting your financial house in order, brought to you by Hayes Meeks Financial.

The holidays are behind us, routines are back, and for many Charlotte families and professionals, this is when the real financial questions start to surface. Year-end numbers are coming into focus. Side income, business revenue, bonuses, or commissions may look different than expected. And tax season is officially on the horizon.

Decisions made now can shape how the rest of 2026 unfolds — but only if you have clarity on what you're working with.

That's where Hayes Meeks Financial comes in. They work with people whose financial lives aren't one-size-fits-all: business owners, families with multiple income streams, and anyone who wants a clear picture without the pressure. Their approach is personal, practical, and built around helping you organize what you already have so you can move forward with confidence.

Hayes Meeks Financial is proud to sponsor this edition of The Queen City Scoop and support conversations that help our community plan with intention.

Tax season and early-year planning appointments are now open.
Schedule your early-year financial planning appointment with Hayes Meeks Financial

Here's what's happening around Charlotte this week.

Nineteen Buddhist monks, along with their resilient rescue dog, Aloka, are set to make a memorable stop in Charlotte this Wednesday during their remarkable 2,300-mile “Walk for Peace.”

Beginning in October 2025 in Fort Worth, Texas, their cross-country journey strives to inspire compassion, unity, and mindfulness throughout the nation.

Charlotte marks a major milestone as the group continues their pilgrimage toward Washington, D.C., seeking federal recognition for Vesak, a sacred Buddhist observance.

Locals are invited to meet the monks and Aloka at the Marion Diehl Recreation Center on Tyvola Road from 6:00 to 9:00 PM Wednesday, where visitors can learn about their mission and experiences.

Aloka, whose journey through surgery has touched many, stands as a symbol of resilience and hope.

Their peaceful procession has drawn crowds and heartfelt support, encouraging reflection on mindfulness, peace, and community connection.

Holiday lights are gone, the Panthers’ season is behind us, and cabin fever is setting in—just in time for Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week, running January 23 – February 1, 2026.

This annual event features three-course prix fixe menus from top Charlotte restaurants, all priced between $30 and $55.

Locals can score even more savings if they have an Amex Platinum or Gold card—using the Global Dining Access by Resy, cardholders get $50 (Gold) or $100 (Platinum) dining credits that reset in January.

Find one of several participating restaurants, such as The Crunkleton, Puerta, Dilworth Tasting Room, Rosemont Market, or Yassou Greek Kitchen, and the savings stack up fast.

Book quickly, use your eligible card, and enjoy the new year’s hottest culinary deals—while the credits last.

Heddy + Hinton Naturals, founded by Heddy Narchi and Dr. Tracie Hinton-Chavez, brings centuries-old skin care wisdom to Charlotte with a focus on ingredient transparency and effective simplicity.

Originally created in a SouthPark kitchen, their products use organic, grass-fed beef tallow—blended with almond, jojoba, and cacao butter—to nourish even sensitive skin without heaviness or irritation.

Their Cacao Tallow Moisturizer is a local bestseller, praised for fast-absorbing hydration and a botanical, chocolatey scent.

Other favorites include Sunshield Tallow for lightweight, all-natural sun protection and deeply nourishing lip balms in mint and citrus vanilla.

Community support is strong, with local pickup available at 4108 Park Road, Suite 210, and online orders shipping throughout Charlotte.

Follow them on social for updates as Heddy + Hinton expands into local retailers.

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." - Martin Luther King Jr.

Sugar Creek Brewing Company is ramping up its presence in the Charlotte region with two bold expansions.

Travelers will soon find a new 939-square-foot taproom in Charlotte Douglas International Airport’s Concourse A, designed to serve 40 guests quickly near Gate A22.

The move brings Sugar Creek’s local brews to a wider audience and deepens the airport’s local flavor offerings.

Simultaneously, Sugar Creek is breathing new life into Gastonia by taking over the former Cavendish Brewing space at 207 N Chester St.

The site will transform into a combined production facility and vibrant taproom, aiming to become both a hub for craft beer and a welcoming gathering spot for Gaston County.

These expansions reflect growing confidence in the region’s craft beer industry and support the economic vitality spreading from Charlotte into neighboring communities.

Charlotte’s healthy dining scene gets a vibrant boost with the arrival of South Block, the Washington, D.C.-based acai bowl and smoothie destination, now open in Ballantyne.

Located at 14020 Stream Way in The Bowl at Ballantyne, South Block draws local excitement for its organic, fair-trade acai bowls, smoothies, and cold-pressed juices bursting with fresh fruit.

Founder Amir Mostafavi brings a passionate focus on quality, promising a standout taste experience for Charlotte residents.

The grand opening celebration on January 17, 2026, features free mini acai bowls for the first 100 guests, plus lively music, giveaways, and face painting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., South Block not only serves nutrition-packed meals but also supports the community by donating sales to Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina and Fruitful Planet.

This new venue is set to become Ballantyne’s favorite spot for fresh, fast, and wholesome eats.

The Arts & Science Council is launching a dynamic range of grant opportunities for 2026, designed to empower Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s creative community.

Artists, nonprofits, and community partners can apply for Culture Blocks, Emerging Creators, Creative Renewal Fellowships, and Venue Access Grants — each tailored to support artistic growth, new cultural programming, and barrier-free access to performance spaces across the region.

Emerging Creators Fellowship offers $10,000 to rising local artists ready to take creative risks, while the Creative Renewal Fellowship awards $15,000 to established artists exploring bold new directions.

Venue Access Grants provide up to $20,000 for nonprofit venue rentals and $10,000 for individual creatives, making it easier to stage events and exhibitions.

ASC is dedicated to nurturing local talent and strengthening cultural connections countywide, with applications for all programs opening this January.

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