THE QC LOCAL!
Bet you weren’t expecting this today. I’ve got to keep you guys on your toes.
This newsletter has been way too much fun for me, and I couldn’t have done it without you. While my consistency hasn’t always been there, your support has always been consistent, which has led to the following:
Over 250 total people subscribed (shoutout to my unsubscribers)
80.4% Total Open Rate (5.4% higher than 75%)
27 total personal emails with debates, questions and submissions (most proud of this)
0 sponsorships (despite countless shoutouts)
Admittedly, I stopped trying to grow this. However, what’s stopping us from becoming the biggest Charlotte newsletter and overtaking Ted Williams? While we may not ever get there, my friend recently told me that “everyone needs to be a QC Local.” I’d greatly appreciate it if you shared this link with a friend or 20!
Anyways Charlotte has changed. Here’s what I think you should know…
Charlotte Tiny Homes
🏡 Tiny Homes in your Backyard?
Got a backyard and want some rental income? Charlotte is offering up to $80,000 in forgivable loans to build an ADU for lower-income renters through the Queen City ADU Program.
How it works: Build an ADU that complies with zoning laws. Rent it to someone earning no more than 80% of the median local income at or below Fair Market Rent (currently $1,098 in CLT). Receive $80,000 with zero interest that is forgivable for $10,000 per year that you rent out your ADU.
Why is this important? Charlotte is getting gentrified and developed, leaving little room for affordable housing. This is a strong alternative for folks that are below the median local income. It also creates opportunities to meet great people and get plugged into communities that would not be as easily accessible otherwise.
Restaurant News
🍔 Dilworth Social House opens in former Bakersfield Space
Dilworth Social House moves into the old Bakersfield Space
Two weeks ago, I was driving down East Boulevard when I noticed new lettering on the former Bakersfield space, entitled “Dilworth Social House.” This transported me back to my childhood, triggering memories of the old East Boulevard Bar & Grill, otherwise known as “Frank’s”, because it was owned by a guy named Frank.
I was sad to see Bakersfield close. They had great food (although portions were small) and great margaritas. However, putting a de-facto sports bar in the middle of one of the highest traffic spots in the city is a brilliant idea. Within a week, I’ve had 15 people mention it to me. I haven’t gone yet, but this is big for the city. The draft beer and bar food combo is a dying art. Providence Road Sundries and Ed’s Tavern are historic spots that the city loves. I’m hoping that Dilworth Social House will function the same way.
Does this matter? Yes. Charlotte needs more gathering spots that aren’t home or work (aka “Third Places”). I met my girlfriend and some of my best friends in the city at Ed’s Tavern. There’s no better place for that than on one of Charlotte’s busiest streets.
QC Local’s Unsolicited Reviews
🍽️ Kindred Review: Michelin Handbook Worthy?
For Valentine’s Day this year, I managed to have the foresight to get a Kindred reservation for my wonderful girlfriend Gracie and me, which was originally at 9:30, but was luckily bumped to 8:30 due to a cancellation. Since it’s touted as one of the best spots in the city, I figured I’d drop an honest review.
Milkbread: Quite literally the first thing on the table. Perfection. 10/10.
Drinks: We got the Pimm’s Cup and the Beach Bum. Good, but nothing crazy. 6/10.
Apps: Duck Fat Potatoes (8.5/10) & Brassicas (broccolini and cauliflower on whipped feta - 9/10). Both were outstanding.
Mains: Squid Ink Conchiglie (11/10) & Pickle Brined Fried Chicken (9/10). Squid Ink Conchiglie may be the best dish in Charlotte. Fried Chicken was awesome and almost better heated up for lunch on Tuesday.
Dessert: Milkbread Cinnamon Roll (10/10). Heavenly.
Overall: Definitely one of the best restaurants in Charlotte. Also, great bang for your buck. Big portions, and I’ve spent way more money for less (and worse) food in Charlotte.
Should you go? Yes. A great reason to get out of town for a bit with a friend, significant other, or parent.
Squid Ink Conchiglie (top) and Pickle Brined Fried Chicken (bottom)
🌐 Global Headlines That I Care About
Thrive Capital raised a record $10B in fundraising, making it the most raised by a Venture Fund in recorded history.
Wuthering Heights starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi made $82M at the box office opening weekend. Impressive.
Investor apps Robinhood and Fundrise are respectively taking their venture funds public (RVI and VCX, respectively). This marks a trend that mimics Invesco’s QQQ, but with private companies. Headline companies from these funds include SpaceX, OpenAI, Anthropic and Databricks.
🏢 Local Headlines that I Care About
Michelin recommended steakhouse Guard & Grace is opening this fall on the 10th floor of the new Queensbridge Collective.
Naked Farmer recently opened up next to the Southend Harris Teeter. Looks like good bowls for lunch and dinner.
Great concerts coming up:
📕Book Recs of the Month
The Second Mountain by David Brooks - great perspective shifter.
Notes on Being a Man by Scott Galloway - tons of basic forgotten principles.
I almost let this newsletter die. Only due to a recent book I read, along with a couple friends asking about it did I get the inspiration to not only revive this but try to grow it. My cadence is planning to publish on the third Wednesday of every month. I may even launch ads. Could get crazy.
The best is yet to come (probably),
Jack
