Mari Pressley
Mari Pressley is a journalism student at Winthrop University and freelance writer at CharlotteFive. While Pressley has previous experience with The Charlotte Observer and Credit Karma, she has written stories seen in The Charlotte Observer, MSN (US), Yahoo Canada, Yahoo News, Aol, Yahoo Sports Canada, Yahoo Style Canada, The News & Observer, Yahoo Movies Canada, The State, The Herald-Sun (Durham, NC), Rock Hill Herald, The Herald, Credit Karma, FireRescue1, QnotesCarolinas and Fire Chief. Previously, she has also served in multiple leadership positions, including Managing Editor at Winthrop University's award-winning student newspaper, The Johnsonian. She can be reached at pressleymari@gmail.com.
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Charlotte’s Black-owned restaurants offer seafood, soul food, sweet treats and more
When it comes to Black-owned restaurants, Charlotte has options for nearly every food craving you can imagine — including African, barbecue, Caribbean, soul food, seafood, modern upscale cuisine and more.
We’ve previously compiled a larger list of Black-owned businesses in Charlotte, but here you’ll find an update with more details about the city’s Black-owned restaurants, the cuisine they have to offer and menus so you can browse. Some food trucks, catering services and other food-related smal
We’ve previously compiled a larger list of Black-owned businesses in Charlotte, but here you’ll find an update with more details about the city’s Black-owned restaurants, the cuisine they have to offer and menus so you can browse. Some food trucks, catering services and other food-related smal
Explore an authentic Dominican experience at República Restaurant & Lounge in Matthews
Republica Restaurant & Lounge in Matthews promises authentic Dominican food with a “little bit of gourmet.”
The restaurant, which was once an idea shared among owner Madeline Perez and two friends, started with the sentiment, “We wish there was a good Dominican restaurant.”
“There’s very few Dominican restaurants here in North Carolina, and we wanted to get that authentic taste that we missed from our island,” Perez said.
The Republica dining experience is a cultural celebration, as it hosts
The restaurant, which was once an idea shared among owner Madeline Perez and two friends, started with the sentiment, “We wish there was a good Dominican restaurant.”
“There’s very few Dominican restaurants here in North Carolina, and we wanted to get that authentic taste that we missed from our island,” Perez said.
The Republica dining experience is a cultural celebration, as it hosts
‘Buy-sell-trade party’: ThriftCon is coming to Charlotte to share sustainable fashion
Longing for a nostalgic trip to the flea market and more sustainable clothing options? You’re in luck because ThriftCon, a market with over 150 vintage clothing and collectible vendors, will make its way to Charlotte for the first time ever on Dec. 3.
Whether you’re in a ‘70s groove or a Y2K mood, at this “buy-sell-trade party,” you’ll have the option of buying secondhand and vintage clothing with some pieces starting at just $1 and typically ranging from $10 to $50.
ThriftCon, which was found
Whether you’re in a ‘70s groove or a Y2K mood, at this “buy-sell-trade party,” you’ll have the option of buying secondhand and vintage clothing with some pieces starting at just $1 and typically ranging from $10 to $50.
ThriftCon, which was found
4 Barbie 🎀 themed places in Charlotte NC
🪩🐝GRWM for Beyoncé’s Charlotte
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Tea time and wellness: Inside the herbal experience at Charlotte’s Five Goddess Farm
Nestled on a cozy corner in Elizabeth, Five Goddess Farm’s Apothecary + Tea Room is a sanctuary curated by owner Ashley Masters. Five Goddess Farm, which takes its name from Masters’ four daughters and herself, also offers services such as massages, reiki, intuitive readings and yoga sessions.
While Five Goddess Farm has been around for over a decade, the tea room — which first opened in June 2022 — is the manifestation of Masters’ idea to offer an escape for Charlotteans outside of the all-too
While Five Goddess Farm has been around for over a decade, the tea room — which first opened in June 2022 — is the manifestation of Masters’ idea to offer an escape for Charlotteans outside of the all-too
Kristophers Sports Bar: The heart of Matthews turns into a ‘madhouse’ on game days
As waves of excitement echo off its walls, clamors of shouts and cheers can only mean one thing at Kristophers Sports Bar: it’s a Sunday night, and the game is on.
Kristophers, which is typically relaxed and dimly lit, comes to life with 52 TV screens, all guaranteed to be tuned in on game day.
“It’s not a wild party type of place. But when we crank up for a sporting event or for NFL football on Sundays, it’s a madhouse,” owner Robby Stringer said.
Built by Orie Johnson in 1989, when Matthews
Kristophers, which is typically relaxed and dimly lit, comes to life with 52 TV screens, all guaranteed to be tuned in on game day.
“It’s not a wild party type of place. But when we crank up for a sporting event or for NFL football on Sundays, it’s a madhouse,” owner Robby Stringer said.
Built by Orie Johnson in 1989, when Matthews
A fan favorite food truck will close, and a new Rock Hill restaurant will take its place
The team behind Rock Hill-based food truck Cibi! Cibi! will launch its first brick-and-mortar location, Elk Ave Tavern, in early 2024.
The Cibi! Cibi! food truck, run by owners Anthony Legatie and Hunter Newton, is well known for its variety of street foods including smash burgers, cheesesteaks and fried chicken.
But when doors open at Elk Ave Tavern, you can expect the atmosphere to be somewhat of a “casual neighborhood spot for locals.” Look for a menu consisting of modern comfort foods, wit
The Cibi! Cibi! food truck, run by owners Anthony Legatie and Hunter Newton, is well known for its variety of street foods including smash burgers, cheesesteaks and fried chicken.
But when doors open at Elk Ave Tavern, you can expect the atmosphere to be somewhat of a “casual neighborhood spot for locals.” Look for a menu consisting of modern comfort foods, wit
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Eat birria pizza and sip on $10 margarita flights at this Mexican restaurant in Concord
Inside its bright pink walls, a family-run restaurant in Concord serves traditional Mexican cuisine with a modern twist, accompanied by margaritas galore.
Birritaco offers a wide range of birria-inspired entrees and vegan and vegetarian options, along with an open kitchen, inviting you in.
Among the building’s other design features are its paintings, inspired by La Catrina’s Day of the Dead, and its walls displaying drawings and signatures from previous customers.
Marco Ruiz co-owns Birritaco
Birritaco offers a wide range of birria-inspired entrees and vegan and vegetarian options, along with an open kitchen, inviting you in.
Among the building’s other design features are its paintings, inspired by La Catrina’s Day of the Dead, and its walls displaying drawings and signatures from previous customers.
Marco Ruiz co-owns Birritaco
