Autobell Saluting Charlotte Veterans and Active Duty with Free Car Washes Next Week

Charlotte Stories
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Autobell Saluting Charlotte Veterans and Active Duty with Free Car Washes Next Week

To honor and thank U.S. military personnel on Veterans Day, Autobell Car Wash will offer all veterans and active-duty service members a free Ride-Thru Exterior car wash, or an equivalent credit toward another wash option, at all Autobell locations around the Charlotte region on Friday, November 11, 2022. No coupon, barcode, or ID is required.

All Autobell locations are open daily; hours vary by location. Visit autobell.com to find nearby locations and hours of operation.

“This day is an important opportunity to thank and support those who have served and sacrificed for our country,” stated Autobell President and COO Carl Howard. “We want the many veterans and active service personnel among our team members and customers to know how much we value and appreciate them.”

Is Poker Online Right for You? Pros and Cons to Consider

Sharon Anderson
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Is Poker Online Right for You? Pros and Cons to Consider

Poker is one of the most popular card games in the world, and it has been enjoyed by people of all ages for centuries. These days, you can enjoy poker in a variety of ways – including online. But is online poker right for you? Here are some pros and cons to consider. 

LET’S FIRST LOOK AT THE PROS FOR PLAYING ONLINE POKER:

Play whenever you want

One of the great things about playing poker online is that you can do it whenever you want. You don’t have to travel anywhere or dress up, and you can play from the comfort of your own home. There are no set times or locations, so you can play at 3 am in your pajamas if you want!

Potential to make money

While there is always the potential to lose money when gambling, if you’re good at poker then there’s also the potential to make some serious cash. With online poker, you can start with small stakes and gradually increase them as your skills improve. Lots of online poker sites also offer bonuses for new users. There are tons of ways that players can make the most of their poker bonuses so they even have a little extra money to play with. 

Wide variety of game available at your finger tips

When playing online poker, you’ll never get bored because there are always new games and variations to try. Whether you’re a fan of Texas Hold’em or Omaha, you’re sure to find a game that suits you.

NOW LET’S LOOK AT SOME OF THE POTENTIAL DRAWBACKS: 

 

Lack of ability to read people at the table

One of the main skills that poker players use is the ability to read people. This involves looking for tells, such as body language, that might give away what type of hand someone has. When playing online poker, you don’t have this opportunity because you can’t see your opponents. This can make the game more difficult and less enjoyable for some players.

The possibility of being scammed

When playing online poker, there is always the possibility that you could be scammed by another player. While this is not common, it is something to be aware of. There are a few things you can do to protect yourself, such as only playing on reputable sites and using secure payment methods.

Various ways to pay including cryptocurrency

Online poker also allows players to get involved by playing with other assets other than fiat currency. Recently sites such as BetOnline have allowed players to use bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as a form of payment. Be sure to check out online poker reviews to find the best poker site that offers the type of payment you would like to use.  

PROS OF PLAYING POKER IN PERSON: 

Familiarity

For many people, playing poker in-person is the only way they know how to play. It can be more comfortable to stick with what you know rather than venturing into the unknown by playing online.

Reading People

As we mentioned before, one of the key skills in poker is reading people. This is much easier to do when you’re playing face-to-face as you can pick up on physical cues that can give away what someone is thinking or feeling.

The Atmosphere

Some people simply enjoy the atmosphere of being in a casino or poker room and enjoying the excitement that comes with it. If this is something that appeals to you, then online poker might not be for you. 

Cons of Playing Poker in Person:

The Time Commitment

Playing poker in person can be very time-consuming. You have to travel to the casino or poker room, which can take up a lot of time, especially if you live far away. In addition, games can go on for a long time, so you need to be prepared for a commitment of several hours.

The Expense

Another downside of playing poker in person is the expense. Casinos and poker rooms typically have high buy-ins, meaning you need to spend a lot of money just to get started. In addition, there are other costs such as travel and accommodation expenses if you’re going to play in a city that’s not your own. 

Intimidating for New Players

For new players, the prospect of playing poker in a casino or poker room can be very intimidating. There’s a lot of pressure to perform well and if you make a mistake, it can be costly. This is one of the reasons why online poker can be a great option for newcomers to the game.

So, what’s the verdict? Is poker online right for you? It really depends on your own personal preferences and needs. If you’re looking for convenience and the potential to make some money, then online poker could be a good option for you. However, if you prefer the social atmosphere of playing in person, then it might be better to stick to traditional poker. Whichever you choose, just remember to have fun and stay safe!

Charlotte Launch of the Jeremy Chinn Foundation Provided 300 Winter Coats to Families in Need

Charlotte Stories
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Charlotte Launch of the Jeremy Chinn Foundation Provided 300 Winter Coats to Families in Need

Last night, Jeremy Chinn, safety for the Carolina Panthers, launched his Jeremy Chinn Foundation at an event at St. Johns Baptist Church in Charlotte, where he helped distribute coats to families served by Charlotte Family Housing.

162 participants received coats and social workers will continue to distribute an additional 140 coats this week to families who could not attend due to work schedules, for a total of around 300 coats going to families in need.

The initiative is thanks to a $12,000 donation from UnitedHealthcare to the Jeremy Chinn Foundation, which provides homeless families and individuals with support they need to build a positive future. The partnership is part of UnitedHealthcare’s ongoing commitment to address social determinants of health, through additional resources to families in need of extra help as they transition from homelessness to housing.

Rescue Ranch to host Outdoor Explorers Day, Veterans Day

Steve
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Rescue Ranch to host Outdoor Explorers Day, Veterans Day

Rescue Ranch will host its Outdoor Explorers Day Friday, Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Throughout the day, families can enjoy the barnyard animal ambassadors, animal ambassador presentations, outdoor games, and the Waffle Chick food truck.

In addition, guests will have access to the Ranch’s 10,000 sq. ft inclusive playground.

Admission is $5 per person with children one and under free. In honor of Veterans Day, active-duty military members and veterans are free with ID.

All proceeds from the Outdoor Explorers Day benefit the nonprofit animal welfare organization which promotes respect for all animals through education; is committed to agricultural, environmental and wildlife conservation; and facilitates rehabilitation, rescue, and responsible pet ownership in order to enhance the human-animal bond.

Whitewater Center Opening 23,000 Sq Ft Ice Skating Rink With “Skate-Up Bar” and “Ice Trail”

Charlotte Stories
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Whitewater Center Opening 23,000 Sq Ft Ice Skating Rink With “Skate-Up Bar” and “Ice Trail”

Next week, the US National Whitewater Center will be opening our region’s largest outdoor winter wonderland.

The winter attraction will be centered around a massive 23,000 square foot ice skating rink, complete with a “skate-up bar” where visitors can order hot chocolate, coffee, or beer, as well as a brand new looping ‘ice trail’.

According to a press release from the venue, “The Whitewater Center’s ice rink has grown to over 24,000 sq. ft. this year and includes four distinct skating areas, including two ice trails and two free skate zones. The new trail addition extends access further into the Upper Pond towards the pump house and provides a brand new experience for guests”, adding that there will be “an on-ice Airstream serving hot and cold beverages when guests need a skate break”.  

Admission to the “Ice Skating and Lights” will start at $25 for a single activity pass with an anticipated opening date of mid-November.

Important Things to Know about Making Nursery Wall Decals

Sharon Anderson
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Important Things to Know about Making Nursery Wall Decals

Whether you choose a pretty and relaxing, minimalist, or attractive traditional design for your baby’s nursery room, planning how to shape it can be a lot of fun.

You probably know that a nursery is a room formed especially for a baby. The baby will develop her early years there, sleeping, playing, and learning. Like other parents, you want the nursery for your baby to be attractive and beneficial. Additionally, there are numerous ways to decorate the nursery. The choice is yours between a traditional or modern theme. Besides that, you can combine different looks to give your family a unique excitement.

With so many options, it may be overwhelming to know where to start. So, the post comes with savvy tips for the best nursery wall decals to make your baby’s room a fun and safe haven. Let’s get started…

The best time to think about it

Even though the months leading up to the arrival of your new baby may be quite busy, with a little foresight and a well-organized schedule, it’s easy to accomplish all the small jobs that need to be performed, including decorating your new nursery.

Experts typically recommend setting up your nursery at about 20 weeks of pregnancy. This could provide you with a lot of time to order any furniture or nursery accents you may require and arrange for everything to be installed.

The colors work best for a baby’s room

No matter what color palette you decide to implement to decorate your nursery room, whether you choose a time-honored pink or blue motif or something neutral, choosing soft, relaxing hues is the most excellent option for producing a soothing atmosphere.

If you decide on a single overarching theme to unify the room, decorating a nursery will be much easier and faster. Some great nursery themes here often attract the parents such as animals, trees, stars, clouds and geometric shapes that can be reflected into the room through fabrics, furniture, and nursery wall decals.

Using wall stickers for a timeless idea

Nursery wall decals often come to give instant magnificence to your baby’s room with minimal effort and less fuss – quick, effortless, and most importantly, fun.

For implementing shapes, patterns, portraits and color pallets in your baby’s room, these decals are ideal. They are easy and quick to install, and best of all, they can be removed without causing damage to your walls once your kid outgrows them.

Particularly printed nursery wall decals that are imaged on a material that reflects fabric, will stick to your walls wonderfully and give just a touch of added flair to your nursery decor.

The best place to apply wall decals

Think about how it will look as you enter the room, so you can get an idea about locating the best place for your wall decal. Nursery wall decals are often easily adjustable to decorate any wall in your nursery; all they need is a smooth surface for sticking, and a polished, soothing wall works best. Consider using a repeating pattern to decorate the wall surrounding the baby’s crib or the entire perimeter of the nursery. And as your loved one will be looking up at the nursery ceiling usually from their cot and changing table, make the effort to ornament it with a lovely pattern.

In addition, door decals may be placed on walls, so it would be a good idea to include your baby name on it. Using a cursive font with a soothing gradient hue is often well-welcomed in wall decals.

Ideas for a nice wall decal

When you just think about baby room decoration, the first thing you must seek out is an idea. Regarding ideas, wall stickers can instantly make a nursery more ornamental and cheerful for your baby, and there are various design options still available for you.

Most commonly, a gallery of framed artworks, tapestries, wallpaper, stickers, pretty garlands, and hanging plants are the best things to display on nursery walls. You can also go along with a mirror, stickers, floral wreaths, and the baby’s name.

Don’t limit yourself to using soft pinks, mild greens, pale yellows, and blues while designing the nursery for your baby girl. Both baby boys’ and baby girls’ rooms look great in pastel colors. Be open to multiple color themes!

Regarding particular designs, you can choose from classics along with fairytale themes, or you can put a wall sticker with your child’s name above the crib. You can also apply wall decals reflecting lions and tigers that show a starry night sky. Alternatively, you might use quotes from some of your personal favorite nursery rhymes.

On the bottom line, nursery wall decals make it easy and fun to decorate your baby’s growing room. Each of them is quite interesting for nurseries, children’s rooms, or any other area that may use a touch of enchantment. And wall decals are typically easy to install and take off without causing any damage to your walls. So, if you’re looking for a way to give your baby’s room some personality and joy, think about creating lovely nursery wall decals.

10 Education Majors That Will Be Popular in The Coming Years

Sharon Anderson
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10 Education Majors That Will Be Popular in The Coming Years

Are you going to enroll in college but not sure which major to select? Every student struggles to find an education major that can offer huge growth potential with financial stability. Time has changed; technology has been gradually transforming the working of many industries. Automation has become an integral component of every business. Considering this, it is important to choose a major that won’t become obsolete in the coming years. What can you do to explore education majors that can align with your career goals? 

Students like you today want something extra, like joining international exchange programs like Erasmus+, Fulbright, or the Peace Corps, to learn new things and see the world. If that sounds like something you’d enjoy, you might apply for the J1 Visa program, which is another great way to study or work abroad, meet new people, and grow your career at the same time. The benefits of traveling while you learn are that it opens up your world, and you have a lot of options to begin with.

Here are the ten education majors that will be popular in the coming years. 

  1. Engineering

Engineering is a vast field that includes many sub-specialties, from nanotechnology to biomedical, petroleum, and nuclear technology. There are unlimited options when it comes to engineering degrees. However, any engineer’s basic principles revolve around mathematics and sciences like physics, chemistry, biology, and computer sciences. For instance, chemical engineers use theoretical knowledge of chemistry to produce and develop new chemicals, fuels, and other pharmaceutical products. You can excel as an engineer if you possess great analytical and problem-solving skills in addition to critical thinking and technical prowess. 

2. Cybersecurity 

With the ever-increasing number of cyber threats and attacks, cybersecurity is the most emerging and promising major soon. Today, you can even enroll in an online cybersecurity program to boost your employment chances in a stable and lucrative career path. Intense learning of computer-related disciplines with practical knowledge of cutting-edge tools can launch your career as a cybersecurity analyst, network security specialist, and many more. This specialization is not limited to the IT sector only. You can become a part of any public or private entity after becoming a graduate in cyber security. 

3. Hospitality

Restaurants, cafes, hotels, casinos, and entertainment outlets are here to stay, and so does the hospitality industry. Graduates in this major oversee various tourism and entertainment-related services. They delegate work to people involved in service-oriented positions and facilitate a welcoming atmosphere for guests. As a hospitality professional, you need to have organizational and leadership skills with a proactive and problem-solving mindset. Aspiring professionals in this industry can earn a degree in tourism marketing, risk management, and revenue management. 

4. Health Informatics 

Health informatics deals with technology and data analytics to evaluate and generate meaningful insights from medical records to improve the systems. Health informatics graduates study a combination of healthcare and information technology subjects. You can anticipate working as an information analyst or network system administrator. Being a popular major, you can advance in leadership roles dealing with decision-making, research, and innovation. 

5. Nursing

Nursing is one of the fastest-growing professions. You can never stay out of business with a nursing major. Nurses provide medical care and perform various procedures. They typically get hands-on training in major foundational courses such as human anatomy, pathophysiology, etc. Additionally, they complete hours of fieldwork to acquire clinical experience. From 2020 to 2030, the Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 40% increase in the number of nursing careers, including nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, and nurse midwives, far exceeding the national average for all professions during that time.

6. Business Administration 

You can learn to run and expand a business with a major in business administration. Through comprehensive coursework on macroeconomics, risk management, and business communications, every student can learn how to beat modern challenges. Moreover, a business administration degree also equips students with a sound knowledge base to work as an entrepreneur. Other concentrations can prepare you to join organizations as a financial expert, accountant, or business manager. Graduates with a background in business can launch their careers in various settings at executive positions.

7. Education

Graduates majoring in education can focus on fundamental courses in classroom management, child development, and pedagogy. You can become a part of the education sector as a teacher, researcher, or policymaker at various levels, such as schools, colleges, and universities. Graduates gain practical experience through teaching the students. They frequently specialize in elementary education or special education to target more focused education areas. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that there will be 5% more high school teachers by 2031.

8. Computer Science

Software development and information systems management are two core areas of computer science. Students who opted this major can become a part of the rapidly expanding field with high earning potential. Courses in data mining and cryptography can train students to acquire skills for the highly evolving job market. You can become a computer programmer, software developer, or hardware architect after earning a major in computer science. The career choice is highly dependent on the sub-specialization you would take during your studies. However, all sub-specializations offer immense scope for lucrative career opportunities.  

9. Public Administration 

The Public Administration major holds the potential for growth across the States. The increased need for community engagement leads to the demand for public administrators. This major primarily focuses on administration aspects of public projects, such as the planning and execution phase. You can join any government setup or non-profit organization as a government relations manager, activist, business administrator, etc. Most graduates will likely join the local government or social care sector to practice the skills they learn during the coursework. 

10. Accounting 

Accounting has always been an in-demand profession that offers a diverse range of career options in various settings. Every business, bank, and insurance company needs a professional accountant to run and manage its accounting operations. A graduate degree in accounting can unlock many career opportunities in public and private settings. For instance, you can become a personal financial advisor, accountant, or financial analyst in government or private organizations. No matter which sector you join, the career scope for accountants is always bright. 

Final Thoughts  

The best approach to taking up an education major is to follow your passion and measure the earning potential of the career path in the coming years. The guaranteed way to success leads through focus and your interests. Make sure what you choose as your major perfectly aligns with your professional goals and brings your contentment. 

Joedance Film Festival Closing 13-Year Run After Donating Largest Check to Atrium Health

Steve
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Joedance Film Festival Closing 13-Year Run After Donating Largest Check to Atrium Health

Joedance Film Festival, which just completed its 13th year, will cease operations after contributing its largest annual donation, $82,000, to Atrium Health Foundation.

In short, all the promises that Joedance founders Diane and Mike Restaino made to their son Joe in 2010 to continue the battle against rare pediatric cancers, have been made. The festival will not continue, but Joedance’s work will live on at Atrium Health’s Levine Children’s.

The Joedance Pediatric Cancer Fund at Atrium Health Foundation is substantially funded with a $300,000-plus balance. The Joedance legacy will also continue with the Joedance Internship program and on-going clinical research at Levine Children’s.

“It has been a record year for Joedance,” said Joedance president Diane Restaino, who will continue to serve on the Levine Children’s Board of Ambassadors and the Levine Children’s Cancer Champions board. “We were thrilled to have welcomed audiences back for an in-person festival at Charlotte Ballet for the first time in two years while continuing to grow our virtual platform to make the event more accessible. We raised $73,000 and showcased 25 short films from all over the country.”

But Restaino sensed the time was right to pivot her efforts.

“As we stepped away from the culmination of another Joedance Film Festival, I considered the organization’s future very carefully,” Restaino said. “After 13 years and much thought, our family has decided not to continue Joedance Film Festival. When we founded Joedance, it was to complete a specific set of goals – the items on Joe’s legacy list. His last request, funding for a Level III Research Technician in the pediatric cancer lab at Atrium Health’s Levine Children’s, was fulfilled two years ago.

“The film festival, which has been a labor of love for our family, is going away, but our commitment to finding better treatments with better outcomes will not stop. The Joedance Pediatric Cancer Fund at Atrium Health Levine Children’s, with a balance $300,000, will sustain our programs. While we will not be actively campaigning for donations, funds from this account must be disbursed with our approval, and we will be very involved with how the funds are used. We will continue to help focus money to support research for underrepresented pediatric cancer, just as we have been doing for years.”

Joedance was founded in 2010 in memory of Joe Restaino to raise funds and awareness for pediatric cancer research at Atrium Health Levine Children’s. The family chose a film festival to honor Joe Restaino because of his love of movies. Joedance supports research and clinical trials for pediatric sarcomas, blastomas and brain tumors.

In its 13-year history, Joedance Film Festival has raised more than $400,000 to benefit Levin Children’s, including $82,000 in 2022.

The Joedance Pediatric Cancer Fund has crucially supported significant research and programmatic advancements within Levine Children’s pediatric oncology program, including:

*funding a Level III Research Technician in Levine Children’s state-of-the-art pediatric cancer research lab to operate a specialized piece of equipment, a CyToF machine, which will speed up the process of studying effects of inflammation on cancer cells as it relates to treatment outcomes.

*assisting in funding clinical trials for recurrent osteosarcoma.

*funding multiple cancer research internships, which have provided critical support to the hospital, such as collecting data on integrative medicine, with Joedance Film Festival named as the underwriter for the project.

*assisting in funding additional cancer research and clinical trials, including the Healios Project to prevent mouth sores in cancer patients.

Joe Restaino

Joe Restaino died of osteosarcoma on January 8, 2010, at the age of 20. A resident of Fourth Ward in Charlotte, Restaino graduated with high honors and was a varsity swimmer at The McCallie School in Chattanooga in 2008 before moving on to the University of Pennsylvania. He was treated for the first occurrence of the disease in 2006 during his high school sophomore year. The cancer recurred in 2008 during his senior year at The McCallie School. The third recurrence of his cancer happened his freshman year at Penn. Joe withdrew from school to be with his family.

During the 2008 graduation ceremony at McCallie – which Joe Restaino was able to attend between cancer treatments – he received the Campbell Award, one of the school’s highest honors, voted on by the student body. In 2007, Joe Restaino established the Bone Cancer Awareness Walk at The McCallie School and continued to raise money for pediatric cancer research. (That walk is now held jointly with Girls Preparatory School of Chattanooga and has been renamed Mission: Remission.) In August 2010, eight months after Joe’s death, his family established the Joedance Film Festival to support the research and clinical trials for rare pediatric cancer at Atrium Health Levine Children’s.

North Carolina’s Favorite Reality TV Show in 2022

Charlotte Stories
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North Carolina’s Favorite Reality TV Show in 2022
  • A new study has analyzed the most searched for reality TV shows in 2022
  • Married at First Sight takes the crown in North Carolina followed by Survivor and Shark Tank 
  • MAFS is the most popular reality TV show across the board, beating both the Bachelor and Love Island as America’s favorite. 

A new study has revealed the most popular reality TV show in North Carolina for 2022, according to Google search data.

The study analyzed US Google Search data from October 2021 to October 2022, in a bid to reveal the most iconic reality TV shows in every state.

According to results, the top 5 reality TV shows for 2022 in the state of North Carolina are:

  1. Married at First Sight 
  2. Survivor 
  3. Shark Tank 
  4. Southern Charm 
  5. Wheel of Fortune 

Married at First Sight 
Airing in the UK, US, and Australia in the last 12 months, Married at First Sight has become one of the world’s most iconic reality dating shows. With 15 seasons of MAFS USA since 2014, it seems TV addicts can’t get enough of the hit social experiment.

Survivor 
This classic reality show places a group of castaways in an isolated location, where they must provide food, fire, and shelter for themselves. With a staggering 43 seasons and 629 episodes so far, this year’s season is proving to be among the most challenging to date.

Shark Tank 
It seems those in Alabama also have a keen interest in business as Shark Tank comes in third place. The 2022 season launched at the end of September, with sharks, Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner, Kevin O’Leary, Daymond John, and Barbara Corcoran taking a bite into the business plans of US entrepreneurs.

Southern Charm 
Southern Charm first aired in 2014, capturing the attention of viewers across America. The documentary series follows a group of high-class Charleston singles as they pursue their personal and professional lives while trying to preserve their family names. The eighth series of the show aired this year, proving to be the most scandalous to date.

Wheel of Fortune 
One of America’s longest running reality game shows, Wheel of Fortune first aired back in 1975. To date, there has been 40 seasons of the show, which is still on screen today.

What’s your favorite reality show?

Charlotte’s 10 Worst Restaurant Health Scores in October 2022

Charlotte Stories
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Charlotte’s 10 Worst Restaurant Health Scores in October 2022

Even though the Charlotte region’s restaurant selection continues to grow, so does our population, and some restaurants are taking advantage of this growing customer base by letting their health standards slide.

Some of the most common reasons for low scores were food handlers not washing their hands properly, contaminated food containers, and improper food temperatures (many restaurants are starting to use infrared thermometers to avoid this).

These were the top 10 worst inspection scores in Charlotte for October, 2022;

#10 Sushi 101

1730 E. WOODLAWN RD., CHARLOTTE NC 28209
Scored 90.5 (A) on 10/5/2022

They had the following violations;

  • Observed chicken breast, sliced squid, shredded lettuce, tossed salad, tuna, salmon, shrimp, cream cheese, and crab sticks that were stored above 41 F. Chicken breast, sliced squid, shredded lettuce and tossed salad were stored in the walk-in cooler. Other items were stored in sushi display cooler for one hour before being stored in small cooler.
  • Observed container of Cajun egg rolls that were not dated.
  • Observed container of cheesecake rolls that were dated 9-13-22.
  • Observed sushi rice that was not marked with time in stamp.
  • Ambient air of Walk-in cooler reading was 53 F.

#9 Famous Toastery 

8933 J M KEYNES DR, CHARLOTTE NC 28262
Scored 90.5 (A) on 10/28/2022 

They had the following violations;

  • Observed PIC did not have active control of kitchen.
  • Observed line cook not washing hand at frequency to prevent contamination and between glove changes.
  • Observed employees handling dirty dishes and going back to work with food without hand wash or glove change.
  • Observed front hand sink being used as a dump sink.
  • Observed hand sink near dish machine missing soap dispenser and no soap available.
  • Observed paper towel dispenser at hand sink near grill missing and paper towel hung on gas lines.
  • Observed raw steak over ready to eat foods in prep unit near grill.
  • Observed unwashed produce over ready to eat berries in walk in cooler.
  • Observed ice machine in need of cleaning.
  • Observed lettuce over stacked in prep unit at greater than 41 degrees.
  • Observed facility holding pasteurized eggs and pooled eggs on tphc without written procedure.
  • Observed raw salmon not on menu still available without consumer advisory.

#8 First Watch

16641 BIRKDALE COMMONS PKY, HUNTERSVILLE NC 28078
Scored 89.5 (B) on 10/27/2022

They had the following violations;

  • Observed employee drinks stored on and over prep tables, drinks on the supply shelving in warewashing area and prep area.
  • Observed food handler at the cookline opening the reach in cooler a few times and grabbing cut tomatoes and then plating a cooked omelette then folding the omelette with their gloved hand, observed this a couple times.
  • Observed no handsoap at the warewashing handsink and the front prep line handwash sink.
  • Observed unwashed boxed produce stored over ready-to-eat foods in walk in cooler.
  • Observed “clean” potato slicer with food debris.
  • Observed “clean” plastic cups for storage of eggs at the cookline with visible residue.
  • Observed pancake mixture on the top prep cooler temped above 41F.
  • Observed mixed greens at the prep top cooler temped above 41F.
  • Observed the following expired TCS foods: water chestnuts(10/11), cajun chicken (10/20), black beans (10/18), honeydew (two prep dates on product), roasted carrots (10/4) and observed the following without dates: black beans, feta, hard boiled eggs, chicken salad.
  • Observed unlabeled spray bottle of yellow liquid cleaner at the front hostess counter.

#7 Shun Lee Palace

4340 COLWICK RD, CHARLOTTE NC 28211
Scored 87.5 (B) on 10/6/2022 (rescored to 91 on 10/26)

They had the following violations;

  • Observed employees wearing gloves to do tasks not involving food preparation and not washing hands and changing gloves before engaging in food preparation tasks.
  • Observed raw shrimp and raw eggs stored over ready-to-eat sauces in walk-in cooler.
  • Observed container of chicken uncovered in reach-in freezer.
  • Observed dish machine sanitizer concentration at 0ppm chlorine.
  • Observed sanitizer concentration of 0ppm chlorine in sanitizer bay of 3 compartment sink.
  • Observed corrected chlorine concentration for dish machine and 3 compartment sink.
  • Observed cutting boards stored clean with visible food debris.

#6 Lulu’s Maryland Style Chicken and Seafood

2308 CENTRAL AVE., CHARLOTTE NC 28205
Scored 87.5 (B) on 10/24/2022 

They had the following violations;

  • No manager present at establishment during inspection.
  • Employee food and beverages observed on prep table at start of inspection.
  • Employee observed handling cell phone and went began straining ice out of raw shrimp.
  • No paper towels at both hand washing sinks in kitchen.
  • Several large mixing bowls, food pans, strainer, scoops and other utensils, and plates found stored as clean but had visible food or grease residue on them. Can opener blade also had visible multi-day buildup on it.
  • Collard greens (109F), green beans (125F), and rice (108F) were below 135F in hot hold cabinet.
  • Raw catfish in sandwich cooler top measured 51F.
  • Vacuum packages of raw salmon measured 50-52F in ice bath that was mostly melted.
  • Reach-in freezer was off, but a bag of fries was stored in it at 67F.
  • Large container of collard greens in walk-in cooler measured 47F.
  • Container of feta cheese missing date label in walk-in cooler.
  • Sanitizer bucket stored directly on top of container of sugar.

#5 Rincon Latino Restaurante

8432 OLD STATESVILLE RD, CHARLOTTE NC 28269
Scored 87 (B) on 10/7/2022 (rescored to 97 on 10/18)

They had the following violations;

  • Observed no PIC on site, the manager knew very little about food safety.
  • Observed FE go from grabbing raw chicken and beef, cooking them, then they went to the WIC and grabbed and tomatoe and was about to wash and cut it.
  • Upon entrance EHS observed 2 different employees cutting cilantro, touching tostadas, and making pico all without gloves.
  • Observed cooked oxtail in a large metal container covered at 46F, it was full enough to be over the brim.
  • Observed 2 DM from 9/26 and 9/27.
  • Observed no asterisk, advosiry or disclosure on the menu for undercooked eggs.
  • Observed a can of raid in the kitchen.

#4 NC Tavern

8225 UNIVERSITY CITY BV., CHARLOTTE NC 28213
Scored 87 (B) on 10/27/2022

They had the following violations;

  • Observed PIC without knowledge of the holding process for chickens wings.
  • Observed tag not stored with oysters.
  • Observed containers of tomatoes and lettuce cooling at a rate of .01.
  • Observed cheese, sour cream and chicken in the prep top holding above 41F.
  • Observed no time procedures for chicken wings.
  • Observed no time stamp for wings on TPHC.
  • Observed sour creams and cheeses over stacked in the prep top area.

#3 Diamond Restaurant 

1901 COMMONWEALTH AVE, CHARLOTTE NC 28205
Scored 85.5 (B) on 10/12/2022

They had the following violations;

  • Employee observed cleaning out pre-rinse sink and then went to putting away a clean dish without washing hands.
  • Employee observed handling cell phone and went straight to donning gloves to fry food without washing hands.
  • Another employee drank from a cup with no lid and straw and did not wash hands before preparing food.
  • Dish machine is not dispensing sanitizer. Establishment was using it to wash dishes.
  • Can opener blade and mixer bowl had visible buildup in them and need to be cleaned.
  • Utensils and food-contact equipment must be cleaned to sight and touch.
  • Vegan chili (44F), marinara (48F), and black eyed peas (55F) were still above 41F after cooling overnight.
  • Mashed potatoes at steam table measured 117F.
  • Sauteed onions, cooked peppers, bucket of feta cheese, and cole slaw missing date labels.
  • Sloppy joe mix (9-27), spaghetti (10-4), and tuna salad (10-3) were past 7 days old.
  • Live small roach observed mop sink.

#2 Crab Du Jour

8140 S TRYON ST, CHARLOTTE NC 28273
Scored 85.5 (B) on 10/26/2022

They had the following violations;

  • Observed issues with cold holding, cooling time and temperature, cooling procedures, food contact, handwashing violations, and date marking.
  • Observed an employee use cell phone then change gloves and prepare foods without hand washing prior.
  • Observed raw, frozen oysters in the shell, being thawed and used with multiple tags stored inside of one box.
  • Observed older oyster tags saved with one number on the tag.
  • Observed raw chicken stored above crabs and oysters.
  • Observed food contact surfaces with food debris left attached and labels attached.
  • Observed ice machine with excessive build up left attached to walls and divider board.
  • Observed unsalted butter in ice bath cooling after 36 minutes only drop 7F. In order to meet cooling, unsalted butter would have to drop a total of 19.44F in 36 minutes.
  • Observed lettuce, chicken wings, and lobster tails all held above 41F.
  • Observed 4 kettle sized containers of soup prepared the day before without datemarking present.
  • Observed degreaser stored in a secondary bottle without label attached.

#1 Las Meras Tortas 

14601 STATESVILLE RD, HUNTERSVILLE, NC 28078
Scored 77.5 (C) on 10/26/2022

They had the following violations;

  • Observed lack of Active Managerial Control(AMC) during inspection due to several critical violations and repeat violations.
  • Observed employees handling to-go boxes, using the phone, handling cash, and not washing their hands before donning gloves to prepare food.
  • Observed paper towel dispenser in poor repair/EHS unable to dispense paper towels at front hand sink.
  • Observed clogged hand sink in back of kitchen – soiled water standing in sink causing splash and staff unable to use.
  • Observed raw bacon stored above cilantro and lettuce in walk-in cooler.
  • Observed employee beverages stored inside ice in ice machine.
  • Observed high levels of chlorine sanitizer at three compartment sink and in red sanitizer buckets- 200+ppm.
  • Observed immersion blender stored as clean soiled with food waste.
  • Observed raw breaded beef not meeting cooling parameters in walk-in freezer.
  • Observed chicken not meeting cooling parameters in walk-in freezer.
  • Observed tamales and cheesy peppers being held below 135F in front counter steam well/heat lamp.
  • Observed hot dogs being held above 41F in flip top portion of make table.
  • Observed several TCS foods being held in bulk containers in walk-in cooler with no date labels(beans, beef, lettuce, salsa, slaw, tomatoes).
  • Observed raw breaded beef and cooked chicken cooling in plastic bus tubs covered with lids in walk-in freezer.
  • Observed shelving throughout facility soiled with food waste(dry storage, dish storage, walk-in cooler).
  • Observed gaskets throughout facility soiled with food waste(make table, reach in cooler, walk-in cooler).
  • Observed outside of ice machine soiled with food waste and sticker/white covering.
  • Observed food splash on walls around small prep table next to walk-in cooler.

If you’d like to monitor health scores or do a quick search for a restaurant you’re about to eat at, check out North Carolina’s health inspection database here.

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