DoorDash Just Launched First-Ever Flying Drone Food Delivery in Charlotte

Charlotte Stories
-
0
DoorDash Just Launched First-Ever Flying Drone Food Delivery in Charlotte

Residential drone delivery officially launched today in Charlotte as Wing began operations from its south Charlotte site.

The service, available through DoorDash, marks the first time Charlotte residents can receive food delivered by a flying drone.

Charlotte residents within a four-mile radius of The Arboretum Shopping Center can now have their meals dropped out of the sky via drone delivery. So far, options include Curry Junction, Matcha Cafe Maiko, Joa Korean food, and Panera Bread.

The drones operate from a Providence Road location, where they are stored, charged, and launched. Customers can select drone delivery directly within the DoorDash app. To celebrate the rollout, DoorDash is offering Panera Bread’s mac & cheese delivered by drone for just $1 for a limited time.

“Autonomous delivery will help shape the future of local logistics, and we’re proud to introduce drone delivery to Charlotte for the first time with Wing,” said Harrison Shih, Head of Product for DoorDash Labs in a press release. “What makes this launch special isn’t just the technology, it’s the experience. Whether it’s your favorite Panera sandwich, a savory snack from DashMart, or a local matcha latte on DoorDash, there’s something special about watching your order arrive by air in minutes. DoorDash and Wing aren’t just delivering faster, we’re delivering what’s next.”

DoorDash and Wing launched their first drone delivery collaboration in Australia in 2022 and have since expanded to parts of Virginia, Texas, and now Charlotte.

The companies plan to grow the service to more Charlotte neighborhoods later this year. Residents outside the current delivery zone can join a waitlist for updates.

Grocery Showdown: Trader Joe’s Opening First Location in Harris Teeter HQ Town of Matthews

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Grocery Showdown: Trader Joe’s Opening First Location in Harris Teeter HQ Town of Matthews

In a significant move in the grocery market, Trader Joe’s is opening its first location in Matthews — the hometown and headquarter location of grocer juggernaut Harris Teeter.

Town officials confirmed Monday that Trader Joe’s will anchor the Matthews Gateway development, a 58-acre project on East John Street near I-485. Developer Lat Purser & Associates Inc. said construction will begin once nearby infrastructure improvements are complete. The first phase includes two retail buildings alongside the grocery store.

The Matthews location will be the fourth Trader Joe’s in Mecklenburg County. The announcement comes as both brands compete for loyal shoppers nationwide.

A recent Market Force survey ranked Trader Joe’s third among grocery chains nationally, while Matthews-based Harris Teeter placed tenth.

Harris Teeter, which employs about 35,000 people, operates more than 250 stores and 60 fuel centers across seven states and Washington, DC.

With Egg Prices Still Climbing, This Fort Mill Farm Is Launching A Chicken Rental Program

Charlotte Stories
-
0
With Egg Prices Still Climbing, This Fort Mill Farm Is Launching A Chicken Rental Program

As egg prices continue to soar due to the bird flu and inflation, one Charlotte-area farm is offering a creative solution—chicken rentals. Herbs and Fishes farm is about to launch a temporary chicken rental program to give families a hands-on experience with raising hens.

Egg prices have spiked by 20% to an average of $4.95 per dozen, and the US Department of Agriculture predicts a 41% increase this year. In response, some Americans have turned to renting chickens to get some relief. One of the largest farms to do this launched a business called ‘Rent-The-Chicken‘ (includes “portable chicken coop, two to four egg laying hens, 100-200 pounds of feed, food & water dishes, and instructions on how to keep your chickens happy”).

Fort Mill’s Herbs and Fishes farm will kick off its own rental program later this month, allowing participants to care for three baby chicks for two weeks. The program includes a plastic container for housing, a heat lamp, pine shavings, a gallon bag of feed, a feeder, and an informational packet. The cost is $60, with pick-up scheduled for March 29 and drop-off on April 12.

Designed for anyone curious about chicken ownership, the program provides hands-on experience without long-term commitment.

Expert Reveals Surprising North Carolina Fruits & Veggies to Beat Rising Food Prices

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Expert Reveals Surprising North Carolina Fruits & Veggies to Beat Rising Food Prices

As fruit and vegetable prices are expected to rise this year, North Carolinians might not have to look much further than their own backyards for fresh, affordable produce. While many believe their local climate limits what they can grow, experts say there’s a surprising bounty waiting just outside the back door.

According to Craftcamp, a leading resource for backyard builders and garden DIYers alike, every U.S. state has unexpected fruits and vegetables that thrive with minimal effort – no green thumb or elaborate equipment needed. From heat-loving hibiscus in Alabama to wild-foraged gooseberries in Wyoming, a bit of smart planting (and maybe a DIY raised bed or mini greenhouse) could be the secret weapon against rising grocery bills.

And the best part? These crops aren’t just practical – they’re beautiful, resilient, and often more nutritious than their store-bought counterparts. And if you don’t have a backyard? No problem. Many of these crops are well-suited to container gardening, balcony boxes, or even windowsill growing – making them perfect for apartment dwellers and renters too.

Here are the suggestions to grow in North Carolina:

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa)  
This tropical plant flourishes in North Carolina’s long summers, producing striking red calyces for tangy tea and edible leaves that add lemony zest to salads and sautés. It’s both ornamental and edible – a true Southern gem that turns heads and fills mugs.

Southern Peas (Crowder, Black-Eyed, etc.)  
Southern peas are heat-loving, drought-tolerant legumes that thrive in North Carolina gardens. They fix nitrogen, improve soil health, and yield loads of earthy, nutty-tasting pods. Great in stews or simply boiled with a little salt, they’re a Southern staple for a reason.

Okra  
This heat-loving plant grows tall and fast in North Carolina’s warm climate, producing crisp pods perfect for frying, stews, or pickling. Gardeners should be mindful of the region’s cooler spring temperatures and shorter growing season compared to the southern part of the state. Bonus: its hibiscus-like flowers are beautiful, attracting pollinators while you harvest crunchy green pods all season long.

Other interesting produce that can be grown in other states include:

Connecticut: Ground Cherries
Looking for something exotic yet easy in Connecticut? Ground cherries, wrapped in their own papery husks, deliver a sweet-tart punch of pineapple and tomato flavors.

North Dakota: Rutabagas
Rutabagas thrive in North Dakota’s cool climate, developing a sweet, nutty flavor after the first frost – perfect for roasting or mashing into hearty fall dishes.

Oregon: Fava Beans
Cool, damp Oregon springs are ideal for fava beans, a dual-purpose crop whose tender shoots and buttery beans make them a springtime staple.

South Carolina: Bitter Melon
Adventurous gardeners in South Carolina can tackle bitter melon, a tropical climber prized for its health benefits and its vibrant, alien-looking fruits.

Utah: Amaranth
Both beautiful and practical, amaranth’s colorful plumes and edible leaves make it a superstar in Utah’s dry, sunny gardens, offering beauty, nutrition, and resilience.

Why It Matters

“Food security starts right outside your door,” says Martynas Mandrijauskas, founder of Craftcamp.  “In times of economic uncertainty, home gardens aren’t just a hobby – they’re a smart, empowering way to feed your family. Whether it’s a raised bed you built yourself or just a few containers on the porch, the right crops can make all the difference.”

Rare Orca Spotted Off North Carolina Coast for First Time in Five Years

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Rare Orca Spotted Off North Carolina Coast for First Time in Five Years

A killer whale sighting near North Carolina’s Kitty Hawk has sparked renewed interest from marine scientists. It marks the first confirmed orca sighting near North Carolina in nearly five years.

Researchers say orca sightings along the Southeast coast are extremely rare, with only 24 recorded between 1990 and 2025. Most occurred in winter and spring, primarily off North Carolina and Florida.

The recent sighting adds a rare data point as scientists work to understand orca behavior, migration, and feeding habits in the region.

Unlike orcas in other areas, those off the Southeast prefer deep waters and appear to feed mainly on tuna.

Experts stress the need for more monitoring and long-term research to better understand this elusive species in North Carolina waters.

ICE Officers Near Charlotte School Prompt Community Concern

Charlotte Stories
-
0
ICE Officers Near Charlotte School Prompt Community Concern

Parents are demanding answers from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was seen near a school drop-off area in east Charlotte.

On Monday, the principal of Charlotte East Language Academy addressed concerns from families after the ICE presence sparked fear and confusion among parents and students.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools confirmed the sighting of ICE near the school but could not say whether anyone was detained, according to WSOC.

District officials declined to confirm whether any student or family member was directly impacted.

Cornelius and Davidson Rank Among The Best Beach Towns In America

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Cornelius and Davidson Rank Among The Best Beach Towns In America

With coastal states like Florida, North Carolina and Maine among the most popular places people relocated to last year, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on the Best Beach Towns to Live in.

To determine the most livable beachside communities, WalletHub compared 191 cities across 62 key metrics. The data set ranges from housing costs to share of for-sale waterfront homes to quality of beach water.

Their study divided beach towns into two categories, those by the ocean and those by lakes. Surprisingly enough, North Myrtle Beach ranked #5 and Myrtle Beach ranked #11 in the ocean category.

In terms of Lake Beach towns, the Charlotte region ranked among the best places to live in the nation, with Cornelius and Davidson taking the 5th and 6th spots respectively.

Best Beach Towns to Live in (Lake)

Overall Rank  City Total Score  Affordability  Weather  Safety  Economy  Education & Health  Quality of Life 
1 Traverse City, MI 65.84 35 15 23 20 13 1
2 Folsom, CA 64.97 3 5 16 6 4 7
3 Redmond, WA 63.23 5 24 27 1 3 11
4 Mercer Island, WA 60.68 18 24 12 4 1 23
5 Cornelius, NC 60.53 1 7 20 10 16 17
6 Davidson, NC 60.07 4 10 28 3 2 21
7 Kirkland, WA 59.37 20 24 24 5 8 10
8 South Lake Tahoe, CA 58.87 34 21 18 18 25 3
9 Highland Park, IL 58.54 19 30 10 7 9 12
10 Brookfield, WI 58.28 8 20 9 13 5 15
11 Pewaukee, WI 57.71 25 32 6 2 12 20
12 Lake Havasu City, AZ 57.46 2 6 26 12 30 16
13 Rocky River, OH 56.88 9 2 15 11 7 35
14 Eden Prairie, MN 56.75 10 9 7 8 14 31
15 Duluth, MN 56.43 31 13 22 22 15 8
16 Mequon, WI 56.35 24 18 3 9 10 33
17 Loveland, CO 54.88 21 35 8 14 20 13
18 Alpena, MI 54.58 23 1 34 34 17 9
19 Holland, MI 54.53 13 12 44 16 19 4
20 Bay Village, OH 54.03 16 3 19 27 6 37
21 Stoughton, WI 53.96 33 19 2 31 18 27
22 Branson, MO 53.77 26 43 42 19 41 2
23 Plattsburgh, NY 52.78 27 23 1 24 46 14
24 Vermilion, OH 51.67 6 11 13 17 35 30
25 Burlington, VT 51.58 46 37 4 29 22 6
26 Laconia, NH 51.15 22 17 5 27 42 18
27 Oak Creek, WI 48.22 30 42 17 15 21 43
28 Oregon, OH 46.57 11 41 29 26 24 42
29 Shorewood, WI 46.09 41 45 14 32 11 34
30 Lake Elsinore, CA 46.02 12 39 11 25 38 38
31 Kenosha, WI 46.01 37 29 33 35 36 19
32 Gages Lake, IL 45.88 28 36 30 30 31 46
33 St. Cloud, FL 45.18 15 40 21 23 44 39
34 Lakewood, WA 43.70 38 16 37 33 33 28
35 Sebring, FL 43.62 36 33 36 45 43 5
36 Racine, WI 42.65 42 22 35 42 26 22
37 Waukegan, IL 42.03 44 27 31 41 23 36
38 Lorain, OH 41.56 39 14 25 40 39 44
39 Zion, IL 40.80 45 28 32 36 32 40
40 Michigan City, IN 40.50 14 34 43 39 40 25
41 Ashtabula, OH 40.24 43 4 38 44 37 24
42 Portage, IN 39.71 29 31 41 38 29 45
43 Council Bluffs, IA 39.65 40 44 40 21 28 32
44 Port Huron, MI 39.33 32 8 46 37 34 29
45 Hope Mills, NC 38.38 17 38 39 43 45 41
46 Morgan City, LA 32.64 7 46 45 46

4 Ways to Land Real Estate Financing if Traditional Banks Aren’t an Option

Charlotte Stories
-
0
4 Ways to Land Real Estate Financing if Traditional Banks Aren’t an Option

If you’re looking at financing options for your next real estate project, it might be that a traditional loan from a bank isn’t the right fit. Or, your financial history or credit score may mean that bank loans aren’t an option even if you wanted them to be. 

How can you finance a property investment without a bank loan? In this option, we’re walking you through all the alternative options—many of which are generally better suited to real estate investing anyway. 

1. Get a Hard Money Loan

A hard money loan is one of the first alternative financing options that real estate investors typically look at if they can’t (or don’t want to) get a bank loan. 

These loans are awarded based on the value of the property you’re investing in, so if your income or credit score are affecting your ability to get traditional financing, you can still consider hard money. Hard money lenders approve loans much quicker than banks, usually within a matter of days, but the loan terms are much shorter and the interest rates are higher. 

2. Arrange For Private Lending

If you have a personal connection with someone who’s known to offer private lending for investment purposes, this is another financing option to consider outside of traditional bank loans. 

Private lenders may be other investors in your circle, family members, friends, or professionals who have cash to spare and are willing to lend you what you need—with interest, of course. Given that these loans are more personal, the exact terms will vary depending on the lender’s own risk tolerance and your relationship with them. You’ll still need to show the lender how they’re protected if your project falls through.

3. Consider a Business Line of Credit

If you’ve set up an LLC for your investing, you might be able to get a business line of credit from a lender. These are usually based on either your revenue or cash flow, so again, your personal finances won’t come into it. 

A lot of investors choose to use business lines of credit to cover the cost of a renovation or to make a down payment, but they’re not an option for everyone. Usually, you’ll need to be able to show that you have a solid business history, or, at least, some existing assets in your company.

4. Use Your Own Property’s Equity

Finally, if none of these other funding options are suitable for you, you might choose to tap into the equity in another property you own.

There are a couple of ways to free up money for your next deal with your existing property, including a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or a cash-out refinancing. Again, these aren’t for everyone, but they’re fast and relatively cheap.

Takeaway

Getting a loan from a bank isn’t always the best move for real estate projects anyway, so don’t be too disheartened if you don’t qualify for traditional lending. 

The more you learn about all the creative financing options available for property investing, the easier it’ll be to secure the cash you need. And that’s the secret to successful investing: staying flexible and considering all your options to get the most profitable outcome. 

New 36-Acre Mixed-Use Developmmment Near Lake Norman Advances Despite Concerns

Charlotte Stories
-
0
New 36-Acre Mixed-Use Developmmment Near Lake Norman Advances Despite Concerns

A sprawling new development near Lake Norman is moving forward despite traffic concerns and staff opposition.

The Cornelius Planning Board just voted 7-1 to recommend rezoning 36 acres on Bailey Road for the new Cornelius Business Park, a project by Greenberg Gibbons Properties. The site lies across from Bailey Road Park, near the congested Bailey Road–N.C. 115 intersection.

The plan includes four buildings totaling 188,100 square feet, with a 40-foot buffer from the road. The developer pledged road improvements, including a roundabout and turn lane, and said the project would bring over 150 jobs.

Town planning staff opposed the plan, citing conflict with long-term visions for a larger corporate campus and adjacent parkland. Residents also objected, pointing to traffic impacts near local schools and neighborhoods like Bailey’s Glen.

The final decision now rests with the Cornelius Board of Commissioners, who will hold a public hearing.

NC Lands Genentech’s $700M Biotech Plant, Bringing 400 Jobs with $119K Average Salary

Charlotte Stories
-
0
NC Lands Genentech’s $700M Biotech Plant, Bringing 400 Jobs with $119K Average Salary

NC Governor Josh Stein announced Monday that Genentech, a global biotech leader, will invest $700 million to build a new manufacturing facility in Holly Springs, located about two hours east of Charlotte.

The new plant will create at least 400 jobs with an average salary of $119,833, significantly higher than Wake County’s average wage of $76,643. The annual payroll impact is projected to exceed $50 million.

Stein made the announcement during the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, D.C., highlighting the state’s growing role in life sciences and advanced manufacturing.

“World-class companies like Genentech recognize that North Carolina is a leading state for biotechnology,” said Governor Josh Stein in a press release. “These companies know that our life science workforce is ready to help them deliver their cutting-edge medicines to the world. We are proud to welcome Genentech to North Carolina.”

Headquartered in South San Francisco, Genentech is a member of the Switzerland-based Roche Group and is widely recognized as a biotechnology pioneer.

The 700,000-square-foot facility will support high-volume fill-finish operations for Genentech’s current product line and future pipeline.

The project will be supported by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the Economic Investment Committee. Over 12 years, it is expected to grow North Carolina’s economy by more than $3 billion. The JDIG allows for potential reimbursement of up to $9.8 million, contingent on Genentech creating 420 jobs and meeting performance benchmarks verified by the Departments of Commerce and Revenue.

Construction timelines and hiring dates for the project have not yet been announced.

1...155156157...1,315Page 156 of 1,315