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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Inside $3M sales tax campaign already enlisting Charlotte's big businesses
Inside $3M sales tax campaign already enlisting Charlotte's big businesses Mecklenburg County will be blitzed until early November with a flurry of campaign messages as community factions try to persuade voters for or against a proposal to overhaul the region's transportation system through a tax hike. County commissioners voted 8-1 Wednesday night to put a referendum on the November ballot asking voters to approve or reject a one-cent sales tax increase. The billions generated from the tax increase would fund road, bus and rail projects, including the long-awaited Red Line commuter rail. More than 60 people signed up to speak ahead of the vote, the majority in favor of the referendum and both sides sporting signs, T-shirts and buttons indicating their position. Commissioner Susan Rodriguez-McDowell was the lone vote against Wednesday's measure. With the county commission's vote official, the campaigns for and against the referendum will officially begin. Supporters, led by the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, plan to pump millions of dollars into a campaign in favor of the referendum. Opponents, meanwhile, are devising their own strategies to break through the pro-referendum campaign and reach voters before Election Day. Transportation referendum makes November ballot The passage of legislation dubbed The P.A.V.E. Act earlier this summer opened the door for the referendum. The bill gave Mecklenburg County the authority to put the referendum on the ballot and lays out how the new revenue can be spent: a cap of 40% of the money to rail projects, 40% to road projects and 20% to bus improvements. It also establishes a new transit authority to govern the region's public transportation system. The Charlotte Area Transit System projects the tax increase would generate $19.4 billion over 30 years. Local leaders have failed to gain traction with legislators in Raleigh for years, with GOP-dominated state leaders more interested in funding for roads than rail projects. Even after Charlotte-area officials put forward a revamped plan that was introduced in the General Assembly and secured the purchase of critical tracks for the Red Line, supporters cautioned further movement wasn't guaranteed. But the version of the bill sponsored by Republican Rep. Tricia Cotham ultimately sailed through the state House and Senate in the final weeks of the summer session. Charlotte Regional Business Alliance leads pro-referendum campaign The CLT Alliance plans to raise $3 million to fund a multiplatform campaign in favor of the referendum. The campaign will involve social media, TV advertising, mailers and more. Alliance CEO Robert McCutcheon told the Observer the campaign will officially kick off in the next couple weeks. 'The next step for the Alliance, but also the overall community, is to educate voters on what's in front of them in November,' he said. The campaign will also try to motivate voters to overcome typically low turnout in municipal elections. 'That's definitely a challenge,' McCutcheon said. 'We want to do a lot of work just to tell people that the election is coming and give them the information to make sure they know how they can get ballots and get the information about the referendum.' Even before Wednesday's vote, the pro-referendum coalition touted unity in the business and nonprofit community. A Monday news release listed organizations including Atrium Advocate Health, Bank of America, Canopy Realtor Association, Crisis Assistance Ministries, Habitat for Humanity, Novant Health, Truist Bank and the Urban League of Central Carolinas as supporting the plan. Nonprofit focused on education, coalition-building Community organizations will play their own role in the pro-referendum coalition. Sustain Charlotte, the environmentally focused nonprofit aimed at 'advocating for smart land use and transportation solutions,' has also been a vocal supporter. Eric Zaverl, an urban design specialist with the group, said the plan isn't perfect, but it represents what's possible given 'the political realities that we face here in North Carolina.' 'We, unfortunately, cannot wait for the perfect situation to come along, because Charlotte can't put the pause on growth,' he said. Zaverl said Sustain Charlotte sees its role in the pro-referendum campaign as educating the public about what's under consideration and 'trying to get the word out and build a coalition' by connecting with other community groups. 'We want to focus on everyday people's lives,' Zaverl said. Referendum opponents prepare to counter 'behemoth' Those who oppose the referendum are also planning their own efforts to persuade voters before Election Day. Action NC political director Robert Dawkins has been one of the plan's most vocal critics, questioning whether it properly prioritizes people who are dependent on public transit and the cost of a tax increase for middle- and lower-income communities. 'I'm going to keep beating the drum on why it's bad and it shouldn't be done, while simultaneously knowing that I'm fighting this behemoth,' Dawkins told the Observer. With 'no money at all' versus the Alliance's $3 million plan, Dawkins is trying to get the word out through media and personal conversations. 'I've been trying to just beat the message up before they get started, so that people at least look at them with a side eye,' he said. Former Charlotte Mayor Pro Tem Braxton Winston, another outspoken critic of the transportation plan, called the $3 million figure 'an incredible amount of money.' He expects the campaign against the referendum to take a more 'grassroots' approach, relying on 'word of mouth conversations' to raise questions about what the pro-campaign is telling voters. Social media can be a powerful tool, but 'it doesn't necessarily represent the audience as a whole,' Winston said, limiting its ability to be used to persuade voters. 'You have to be on TV. You have to be in people's mailboxes. You have to be knocking on the doors. You have to have social media,' he said. Despite the disparity in funding, Dawkins is hopeful voters already feeling financial stress from rising property tax rates and increased cost of living will be at least willing to consider the questions he's raising about the transportation plan. 'I've learned enough over the years to know you can beat well-funded campaigns,' he said. 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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Mecklenburg County to decide on $20 billion transit tax for November ballot
Mecklenburg County commissioners are set to vote tonight on whether to add a proposed one-cent sales tax increase for transit improvements to the November ballot. The proposed tax aims to fund $20 billion in public transportation projects across Mecklenburg County, addressing the strain on current infrastructure due to rapid regional growth. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Mecklenburg County commissioners take next step in sales tax for transit plan 'I think it's on us to educate the public on what they're gonna be able to vote on in November,' said Robert McCutcheon, CEO of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, which is the main campaigner for the transit tax. 'The plan that they have is not creating any new bus lines,' said former Charlotte City Councilman Braxton Winston. While the transit tax has strong support from local and state leaders, it faces opposition from some commissioners and community activists who argue that it will disproportionately affect low-income earners. The tax proposal follows a recent law signed by Governor Josh Stein, which allows Mecklenburg County to put a countywide tax referendum on the ballot. Supporters of the tax believe it will create a more walkable, connected, and livable community by improving buses, roads, and rail systems. Opponents, however, express concern that low-income residents will bear the brunt of the tax increase without seeing proportional benefits from public transit improvements. The outcome of tonight's vote will determine if the proposed transit tax will appear on the November ballot, potentially shaping the future of public transportation in Mecklenburg County. VIDEO: Mecklenburg County commissioners take next step in sales tax for transit plan Solve the daily Crossword
Axios
26-06-2025
- Business
- Axios
Mecklenburg transportation tax bill advances in Senate
Mecklenburg County's transportation bill advanced in the North Carolina Senate Wednesday afternoon. Why it matters: Now we're cooking with gas. Earlier this year, when leaders discussed Charlotte's chances of getting a 1-cent transportation sales tax, they said things like it was "a tough sell" and "a long way from being palatable." But now it seems the bill to hold a referendum, which could help Mecklenburg County generate billions for new infrastructure, is on its way to becoming law. Catch up quick: Wednesday's Senate vote was 41-4, and the House overwhelmingly supported Rep. Tricia Cotham's bill earlier this month. What's next: The final Senate vote on the P.A.V.E. Act is slated for Thursday, according to the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance. The bill will then go back to the House for a concurrence vote before heading to the governor's desk. What's inside: The legislation would authorize the Mecklenburg County Board of County Commissioners to put the 1-cent sales tax referendum on the November election ballot. If passed, 60% of the funding would go to a transportation authority for transit projects, and 40% would go to municipalities for roads, including bike lanes and lighting. What they're saying: Members of the Mecklenburg County delegation advocated for the bill on the Senate floor, stressing the region's evolving demands amid fast population growth. "We are experiencing longer commutes, more car accidents, higher car insurance premiums, more pedestrian-related accidents and less revenue to address our crumbling critical infrastructure," Sen. Mujtaba Mohammed said. "We have a whole lot more traffic coming into Charlotte every day," Sen. Joyce Waddell said. "— it's unbelievable."
Business Journals
30-05-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Designing for growth: Why Charlotte's workspaces must compete like never before
It's no surprise that U.S. News & World Report ranked Charlotte among the top five Best Places to Live. With its temperate climate, affordable cost of living and dynamic mix of culture, business and Southern charm, the Queen City continues to draw newcomers in — 117 people move to the region daily, according to the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance. For local employers, this steady population growth is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it provides a robust talent pool. On the other, it intensifies competition — not just for business, but for the attention and commitment of that talent. With new opportunities arriving daily, your offer letter alone isn't enough. Your workplace must work just as hard to attract and retain top talent. The competitive advantage of people-first places When Design Collaborative expanded to Charlotte in 2021, we brought with us three decades of experience designing what we call People-First Places — environments that prioritize the well-being, productivity and experience of the people who use them. It's a philosophy that has shaped projects across half of the country. In Charlotte, that approach has resonated deeply with the University of North Carolina Charlotte who noted how 'engaged and responsive the design team has been throughout the design process.' Their new space has been so thoughtfully tailored to the needs of the users of the space that it may set a new benchmark for a truly People-First Place on the campus. Yet another corporate client who has a worldwide presence was equally inspired by the collaborative process and the focus on employee experience — so much so that they have asked us to assist them in establishing new space design standards for all of their office refresh projects. These aren't just design choices — they're business strategies. In a market where talent has options, people-first environments help employers stand out. Design with a fingerprint, not a template At the heart of our work is our proprietary design process: a process that we have branded as Fingerprint. It's built on collaboration, consensus and a deep understanding of what makes each client unique. We don't start with assumptions. We start with questions. How does your team operate? What are your pain points? How do you want your space to support your people, your culture, and your future? We combine these insights with our deep market experience to create a tailored solution — not a one-size-fits-all plan — that is unique to the needs of our clients and positively impacts the lives of those who will work, live and play in the spaces that have been created. When done right, this process results in more than just a building. It produces a space that reinforces the way you work, strengthens your culture and enhances your organization's identity. Your design team matters more than you think If you've been through a design or construction project, ask yourself: Was the process engaging? Did your team feel heard? Was there a clear vision that reflected your goals? If the answer is yes, you've likely seen how the right environment can energize your team and boost productivity. If not, it's worth reconsidering how you select your next design and construction partner. To help guide that process, we recommend reading our story to any organization planning to build or renovate in today's competitive climate. A shared investment in Charlotte's future As Charlotte continues to grow and attract new residents, the competition for talent and business will only intensify. The organizations that stand out won't be those offering the most perks on paper — but those creating environments where people genuinely want to work. By designing workspaces that are as compelling as the city itself — people-first, purpose-driven and rooted in culture — we not only strengthen our own teams, but we also shape the kind of community that continues to draw talent in and keep it here. In a city known for its momentum, let's make sure our workspaces help carry it forward. Ready to compete for top talent with a workplace that sets you apart? Let's talk about creating a people-first workplace that reflects your culture and drives growth. Contact us to start a conversation. Design Collaborative is a big-hearted, multi-disciplinary design firm that combines large-firm expertise with boutique-firm service. Our team includes architects, engineers, interior designers, cost estimators, graphic designers and more. We work directly with you and your key stakeholders to ensure that all decisions produce design solutions that support the way your people and your users live, work and play. Kevin Scully, AIA, NCARB, is a partner, senior architect and director of the Charlotte office at Design Collaborative. He has led the planning and design of over 250 projects across the country. Scully uses his refined skillset to develop a unique vision and build consensus around the goals of every project.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New or homesick? Where Charlotte's immigrant community goes for familiar flavors
If there's one thing that can evoke memories of home, it's food. Charlotte's a growing city with more than 1,000 international businesses in the region, according to the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance. And the latest census puts Charlotte's foreign-born population at 18.1%. With stats like that, you can be sure international flavors abound here, too. So where do people with international roots go when they want a taste of home? That's something my French-born husband asked me the other day and made me curious. CharlotteFive thought you'd want to know, too. So, we checked in with immigrants from around the globe (including my hubby!) to get recommendations on places and dishes to try. A few things stood out in these conversations: This is just a tiny sampling of international voices but includes people from a variety of places and career backgrounds, spanning the arts, business, sports, medicine, education and more. Authentic flavors don't necessarily mean a higher price tag. This list features everything from food trucks and takeout counters to casual and fine dining establishments. Many of these folks also enjoy cooking and said that nothing can beat a home-made meal made by them or fellow immigrants. [GO GLOBAL: Charlotte's top international markets, including some with cafes and food courts.] Here's our guide so you can eat like those in the know: Name: Aguinaldo Santos (Hometown: Cabo de Santo Agostinho) Occupation: Visual artist Aguinaldo Santos, whose work has recently been showcased at events like Charlotte Shout and the Charlotte International Arts Festival, said one of the best places to check out for Brazilian fare is Tropical Bakery & Cafe in Matthews. It's among the oldest bakeries in the area, which has several other Brazilian shops nearby. Brazilians in the know call it 'Rui's bakery,' after owner/pastry chef Rui Oliveira. It's a point of reference and a popular place for Brazilians to meet up, Santos said. The menu includes an assortment of breakfast pastries and lunch options. He recommends trying coxinha (deep-fried pastries stuffed with shredded chicken and cream cheese). He also recommends trying picanha (a popular cut of grilled beef), typically served as a lunch with beans and rice, fries or mashed potatoes. You can find that at Brazilian Way Sport Bar. For upscale Brazilian barbecue or churrascaria with rodizio-style service (a prix fixe that includes a variety of grilled meats on skewers brought and carved table-side), Santos recommends Chima Steakhouse in uptown Charlotte. Location: 11100 Monroe Road, Matthews, NC 28105 Location: 1920 Sardis Road North, Charlotte, NC 28270 Location: 139 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202 Name: Romain Bertrand (Hometown: Sorgues) Occupation: Director of solution design at BetterLesson 'There aren't that many French restaurants in Charlotte at the moment,' Romain Bertrand said. He recommends Cafe Monte for its authentic French bistro ambiance and menu. The decor doesn't feel overly kitsch with memorabilia, and dishes are relatively simple. 'It's trying to do French classics well at a reasonable price,' he said. The Croque Monsieur (grilled ham and cheese) and Croque Madame (grilled ham and cheese with a fried egg) are ultimate comfort foods. Crȇpes with savory fillings, steak frites and boeuf bourguignon are all simple but well done fare, he said. [ONLY THE BEST FOR. YOU: Charlotte neighborhood restaurant named for the city's best french fries.] He also enjoys Raclette Night at Orrman's Cheese Shop, especially in winter. This dish, typical of the Alps, is prepared with melted raclette cheese scraped from a giant wheel of cheese. (Racler means 'to scrape' in French). It's traditionally served with potatoes, charcuterie and cornichons. Location: 6700 Fairview Road #108, Charlotte, NC 28210 Location: 224 East 7th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202 Name: Fuki Takahashi (Hometown: Yokohama) Name: Remi Okamoto (Hometown: Kyoto) Occupation: Professional dancers with Charlotte Ballet Fuki Takahashi, who is in her first year at Charlotte Ballet, recommends Super, a market reminiscent of a Japanese-style convenience store. It's located in the food hall at Urban District Market, less than a 10-minute drive from the ballet's rehearsal studio. If she's hungry after work, she often picks up onigiri (a rice ball wrapped in seaweed) for the hour-long ride back home to Lexington. She also recommends Yunta in SouthEnd, an upscale Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant, for date nights. It's got you covered whether you like your dishes raw (like sushi and ceviche) or cooked (grilled meats and wok-prepared stirfries). 'That restaurant was divine …' she said. 'And the cocktails are amazing.' Dancer Remi Okamoto suggests KaUdon, also at Urban District Market. She said it's one of the most authentic places she's found throughout her dance career, which took her to multiple European countries before arriving in Charlotte in 2023. 'It's so Japanese,' she said, and really made her feel like she was home. For Ramen, Menya Daruma gets Okamoto's vote, for both taste and its authentic Japanese noodle shop ambiance, including counter seating and an open kitchen. If you want to pair your next meal with a trip to the ballet, you can catch both dancers in a Las Vegas-styled reimagining of 'Carmen,' making its world premiere at Knight Theater from May 2-11. Location: 2315 North Davidson Street, #300, Charlotte, NC 28205 Location: 2201 South Boulevard, Suite 130, Charlotte, NC 28203 Location: 1941 East 7th Street, Charlotte, NC 28204 Name: Francis Dayrit (Hometown: Manila) Occupation: Physician Name: Glorianne Bernabe (Hometown: Quezon City) Occupation: Development associate at International House Francis Dayrit, who came to Charlotte in the late '90s, recommends Joel's Asian Grill in Mooresville, which features a Filipino menu as part of its offerings. He hasn't eaten there since ownership changed but heard the same dishes he enjoyed there are still available. He also enjoys Manila Grill in Alley 51 at Super G Mart in Pineville. At either place, try Filipino adobo, often called the national dish of the Philippines. It's different from other adobo traditions found around the world, he said, and its preparation can vary greatly depending on who's cooking. Each region has its own version with different types of meat and vegetables. The dish usually centers on vinegar, garlic, black pepper and soy sauce. In the Philippines, he said, 'you get the best adobo in people's homes because everybody's from somewhere else …' Another dish to try is laing, made from dried taro leaves cooked in coconut milk, sometimes served with pork or shrimp. Glorianne Bernabe, who moved to the U.S. as a child with her family, also gives these restaurants a thumbs up. Both carry one of her favorite dishes: sinigang, a soup made of tamarind and lots of vegetables. It is traditionally made with salmon, pork or shrimp and has a sour flavor, she said. She also has found a taste of home at food trucks, like when Philippines Fest, a popular street festival from New York, made a trip to Charlotte last November. A repeat event is planned for May 24 -25 at Resident Culture Brewery. She discovered Hottadogs, thanks to the festival, a local truck with a Filipino-style hot dog on its menu. At Hottadogs, the red and sweet franks are served with a pork skewer on top, along with crispy onions and Filipino banana ketchup. Growing up, she remembers hot dogs on a skewer served as a party food with marshmallows at the bottom and top 'It's a very unique thing that some Filipinos do ...' she said. 'But I also know some people who never really heard of it.' Another popular food truck she hopes to try soon: VJ's Chicken Inasal. It specializes in Filipino-style barbecue, which she said is a little sweeter than traditional Southern barbecue. Location: 110A Marketplace Avenue, Mooresville, NC 28117 Location: Inside Alley 51 at Super G Mart, 10500 Centrum Parkway, Pineville, NC 28134 Location: Mobile Location: Mobile Name: Peinda Diop (Hometown: Dakar) Occupation: French instructor at The Language Academy of the Carolinas Peinda Diop moved to Charlotte five years ago. She's taught French and English as a second language across the U.S. since the early 2000s. Since she moved here, she's been on the hunt for Thiébou Dieune ('Chee-boo-jen'), as it's known in Senegal or jollof rice, as it's known in other regions. It's a rice and fish dish and considered the signature meal of Senegal. She makes the dish at home and contemplates opening her own catering or restaurant business someday to share it with others. 'Now, this is the thing,' Diop said, 'Jollof rice has been imitated. The original jollof rice is found in Senegal … because Senegal used to be the Empire of Djolof before it was a (French) colony.' (After we spoke, Diop learned from her brother about Tima African Restaurant near Eastway Drive and The Plaza. Its menu includes jollof rice and other cuisine that reminds him of home but she has yet to try it.) In the meantime, she said the Mediterranean flavors of fried rice and grilled chicken that she finds at Mezeh are similar to another popular meat and rice dish found in Senegal, called Yassa. It's made of white rice, mixed vegetables, chicken, lamb or fish, cooked with an onion sauce with mustard, lemon and garlic. Location: 4438 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28215 Location: 4920 Old Sardis Road, Charlotte, NC 28211 Location: Inside Optimist Hall, 340 East 16th Street, Charlotte, NC 28206 Location: 8926 J M Keynes Drive, Suite B, Charlotte, NC 28262 Name: Zoran Krneta (Hometown: Belgrade) Occupation: General manager of Charlotte FC Zoran Krneta, who is originally from Serbia, moved to London in the 1990s to study and launch his career that has encompassed both international finance and sports management. A major foodie, Krneta came to Charlotte in 2019 to oversee the new professional soccer club's operations. In Serbia, he said, 'there are thousands of little cafes all over the place.' In Charlotte, too, he's found lots of restaurants to love. At Intermezzo Pizzeria and Cafe in Plaza Midwood, you can find some Serbian dishes on the menu, including sarma. That's a traditional Balkan dish made of minced meat, rice and seasonings wrapped in cabbage leaves. Just as Charlotte is constantly expanding with new international flavors, Krneta said his palate continues to broaden here. When he and his wife first arrived, they looked for places that would remind them of Europe and London. They quickly fell in love with Barcelona Wine Bar, and it became their principal haunt. Krneta said it's a perfect spot to linger outside with a bottle of wine for hours. He also recommends Restaurant Constance, located a short drive away from Bank of America Stadium, where he's gotten to know chef Sam Diminich, a semifinalist for this year's James Beard Awards. Krneta loves the fresh farm produce and frequently changing menu at the intimate restaurant. He said the ambiance and menu both have a European feel to them. (Diminich has Italian lineage and trained in his father and grandfather's restaurants, as well as under celebrated French chef Georges Perrier at the legendary Le Bec Fin restaurant in Philadelphia before it closed.) Krneta also loves Sixty Vines, where he'll sit outside if the weather's nice. It's a perfect place to go with business partners, he said. 'It reminds me if you go to Europe in the summer and you go to Mykonos, the famous Greek island, or if you go to the famous Spanish island Ibiza, and that's like a party island where … the atmosphere is amazing and a lot of people … [are] drinking, laughing and it's always packed.' Krneta said he knows he's lucky to be part of a pro soccer team and still be able to eat out all the time, unlike his players who have to more closely watch what they eat to stay fit. 'They have a different type of fun,' he said. 'They win the games, and then they're popular.' Location: 1427 East 10th Street Charlotte, NC 28204 Location: 101 West Worthington Avenue, Suite 110, Charlotte, NC 28203 Location: 2200 Thrift Road, Charlotte, NC 28208 Location: 1415 Vantage Park Drive #100, Charlotte, NC 28203 Name: Earn Sakornpan (Hometown: Bangkok) Occupation: Head of strategy and business development for an automotive testing company Earn Sakornpan moved to the U.S. 20 years ago for school, and he and his wife have been in Charlotte for three years. He said he's found several really good Thai restaurants in the vicinity. He recommends Noom Yai, a food truck based out of Belmont. It makes central Thai food, what he grew up with — dishes like Pad Thai and his favorite Kra Pao ('Holy Basil,' a stir fried combination with pork or chicken, Thai basil and a fried egg on top.) He also recommends J.P. Lao Kitchen, near the airport. It's a bit of a trek, he said, but worth it. It serves Northeastern Thai and Lao cuisine. Its specialties include spicy dishes like papaya salad, grilled meats and sticky rice. You can order at the counter or grab a delicious premade takeout dish in the back of the shop, he said. Location: Mobile Location: 2604 Little Rock Road, Charlotte, NC 28214 Name: Gilberto Velazco (Hometown: Caracas) Occupation: Retired civil engineer/Spanish instructor at The Language Academy of the Carolinas Gilberto Velazco moved to Charlotte five years ago to be closer to his eldest daughter when the political situation in Venezuela became intolerable. He hasn't yet found upscale Venezuelan fine dining options in Charlotte, but he has found some great spots for snacks and everyday comfort foods. For more than 30 years, he ran an engineering firm and was a university professor in Caracas. Now, he teaches Spanish to adults in Charlotte. At Chamos Grill, a casual spot, he said you can find specialities like arepas. Those are grilled or baked sandwiches made with cornmeal flatbread and filled with ingredients like beef, chicken, black beans, or shredded cheese. Try cachapas, too. Similar to pancakes, they are pan fried and made with sweet and tender pieces of corn mixed into the batter. They are often served with butter and white cheese. Behind The Latin Corner, a grocery store in Pineville with South American products (see below), there are a couple of food trucks. Velazco said you can find tasty picadillo, a soup prepared from slowly smoked meat that's then cut in small pieces along with vegetables and turned into a thick soup. (Picar means 'to chop' in Spanish.) 'I recommend that after a hangover,' he said. It's got a little spice to it but you can add more with aji pepper sauce, always served alongside Venezuelan cuisine, he said. One other spot he hasn't tried yet but has heard good things about is Los Chamos on South Boulevard, where you can find Asado Negro — a tender beef dish seared in sugar, then slow cooked with vegetables and spices. (In case you're wondering, chamos means 'guys' or 'kids' in Venezuelan Spanish slang.) Location: 9010 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28270 Location: 2522 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205 Location: 705 Main Street, Pineville, NC 28134 Location: 7001 South Boulevard, Suite B, Charlotte, NC 28217 Uniquely Charlotte: Uniquely Charlotte is an Observer subscriber collection of moments, landmarks and personalities that define the uniqueness (and pride) of why we live in the Charlotte region.
