Business stories in Charlotte

Texas Roadhouse is set to open a new restaurant in Steele Creek on November 9, creating 220 jobs in the Charlotte area. The new location will be part of the chain's expansion, joining existing restaurants in nearby cities.

Guard and Grace, a Michelin-recommended steakhouse, is set to open its doors in Charlotte on October 1. The restaurant will occupy a spacious 10,224 square feet on the 10th floor of the Vivian at Queensbridge Collective.

Duke Energy is awaiting final approval from the North Carolina Utilities Commission for its Buck Station expansion project, which includes two natural gas combustion turbines. The project has faced public opposition and scrutiny over its necessity and potential costs to customers.

Diesel prices have reached a record high, surprising experts who expected a decline post-Labor Day. This spike raises concerns about broader economic impacts beyond just fuel costs.

Black and minority business owners gathered in Greensboro to advocate for new state contracting opportunities after the dismantling of the HUB office. They are calling for the transfer of certified businesses into the Small Business Enterprise program and the establishment of a new Advisory Council on Black Affairs.

Wegmans, a popular supermarket chain from New York, is set to open its first store in Charlotte's Ballantyne area next month. Local fans are eagerly anticipating the arrival of their favorite products, including specialty items from their home region.

Cheerwine and Power Curbers from Rowan County have advanced to the semifinals of the Coolest Thing Made in N.C. competition. Voting for the next round is open until September 15.

Prysmian, a leading wire and cable manufacturer, has commenced a $1 billion expansion in Catawba County, significantly increasing its U.S. fiber optic production capacity. This investment aims to bolster domestic manufacturing for critical digital infrastructure.

Silfab Solar has appointed Jamie Watts as its new corporate director for health and safety, bringing over 30 years of experience. This move comes as the company faces ongoing legal battles in Fort Mill, S.C.

The Rowan Chamber of Commerce is set to host management expert Glenn Shepard for a professional development seminar on September 22. Attendees will learn advanced leadership techniques and strategies to enhance workplace behavior.

Suuz Martines utilized AI to successfully navigate a refund dispute with Synchrony Bank after a spa she paid for shut down. After months of denial from the bank, AI-generated suggestions led to her refund approval within days.

Apple has unveiled its first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, featuring a 7.6-inch inner display and advanced camera system. Preorders begin on October 16, with availability starting October 23.

Silfab Solar has announced the hiring of Jamie Watts as its new corporate director of health and safety, overseeing operations in South Carolina and Washington state. Watts, a veteran with over 30 years of experience in chemical and process manufacturing, aims to enhance the company's safety culture.

Silfab Solar has hired a new health and safety executive following two chemical incidents that led to the temporary closure of its Fort Mill facility and a nearby elementary school. This move comes as the company faces legal challenges related to these incidents.

A recent report by Oxfam highlights North Carolina as the worst state for workers' experience, citing stagnant minimum wage and lack of collective bargaining rights. The nonprofit emphasizes the need for better wage policies and worker protections.

DaBaby has launched his new restaurant, 'No Knife Chicken & Waffles,' in north Charlotte, featuring upscale Southern comfort food. The restaurant has received mixed reviews online, particularly regarding its pricing.

Oxfam's annual report ranks North Carolina as the worst state for workers in the U.S., highlighting ongoing challenges in worker treatment and pay. The findings come amid a national affordability crisis affecting households.

Gas prices reached a record nominal high for Labor Day, causing significant financial strain for drivers in the Charlotte area. Factors such as international conflicts and supply disruptions are driving these elevated costs.

Starbucks is set to launch a special merchandise collection featuring Peanuts characters on September 15, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of 'It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.' The collection includes 10 collectible items such as drinkware, accessories, and a plush toy, available for a limited time.

Local Steals & Deals is featuring exclusive discounts on a comprehensive oral care set and a reliable driving aid. These offers aim to enhance daily routines for health and safety.

A new study reveals that more than one in three U.S. workers are considered 'disposable,' lacking job security and career prospects. This trend affects various sectors, from hospitality to gig economy jobs.

A new Oxfam report reveals North Carolina is ranked last in the 2026 Best States to Work Index, highlighting the struggles of workers amid rising living costs. The state's minimum wage has remained stagnant since 2009, contributing to economic hardship for many families.

Rapper DaBaby has opened a new southern cuisine restaurant, No Knife Chicken & Waffles, in north Charlotte. This venture reflects his passion for cooking and his connection to the local community.

The Charlotte housing market showed modest annual gains in July, with home sales up 1.6% year-over-year but down 3.7% from June. Elevated mortgage rates continue to pose challenges for potential buyers.

Alpha Modus Holdings Inc., an AI company based in Cornelius, is pursuing a $200 million Bitcoin acquisition to bolster its financial standing. The move aims to enhance shareholder equity and resolve a Nasdaq listing issue.

Local tourism leaders from Charlotte recently pitched the city to influential meeting planners at a national convention in Indianapolis. The Charlotte group aims to attract future events, including the ASAE's 2027 annual meeting, expected to draw 5,000 attendees.

Charlotte Mayor Rob Harrington announced that discussions between the city and American Airlines regarding a new lease for the airport are progressing. However, specific details of the negotiations remain undisclosed.

Lucid Bots is relocating its headquarters to a larger facility in north Charlotte, doubling its current space. This move is driven by increased demand and aims to support the expansion of its product portfolio.

Momentec Brands is set to centralize its operations in a new 756,000-square-foot Customer Success Center in Kannapolis, employing 700 people. The facility will enhance order fulfillment for various athletic apparel brands and is expected to be fully operational by early 2026.

Siblings Jessie and Colson Hammill have opened Sweet Sippers Caffeine Club, a new coffee business in Rockwell. The family-run venture began after Jessie expressed interest in continuing a mobile coffee business.