QCity Metro’s Top 10 Articles of 2024

Charlotte’s Top ‍stories ​of 2024: A ⁤Look back at QCity⁤ Metro’s Most Read

As 2024 comes ⁣to a close, ‌we’re reflecting on the year’s most captivating stories that resonated⁤ with our readers. From musical triumphs to community ​spotlights and entrepreneurial ventures, these stories showcased the ⁤vibrant spirit and⁢ diverse tapestry of Charlotte.

here’s ⁤a countdown of QCity Metro’s most-read articles of 2024:

1. From Basement ⁢Beats⁢ to Grammy Nominations: Brent Faiyaz‘s Journey

Brent Faiyaz, the⁣ grammy-nominated singer, ⁣began his musical journey making beats in his Charlotte basement. His mother, Jeanette Wood, initially skeptical ⁢but not surprised by her son’s artistic inclinations, eventually became his biggest supporter. This inspiring⁢ story‌ captures Faiyaz’s ‌rise⁣ to fame and the unwavering love of a mother ​who⁤ believed in​ her son’s dream.

2. Wingzza Mambo Sauce ‌Takes Flight: Local Brand Expands to Hundreds⁤ of Grocery Stores

larry Swayne’s wingzza​ Mambo Sauce flew‍ off ‌the shelves ⁤in 2024. This‌ Charlotte-based,⁢ Black-owned brand expanded it’s reach to over 500 Food ​Lion locations across North Carolina, bringing its unique flavor to a wider audience.

3. Treasured Brides Opens Its⁢ Doors: A New Chapter in Affordable⁤ bridal Fashion

Kaela Moore turned⁤ her vision ⁢into reality with the grand opening of Treasured Brides in April. This Black-owned bridal shop emerged from moore’s personal experience: while planning her own wedding in 2017, she noticed a⁢ lack of ⁣affordable⁣ bridal gown options. ​Treasured Brides aims to ​fill that gap, offering lovely and ‌budget-amiable gowns for brides-to-be.

4. Celebrating Black excellence: QCity Metro’s Great 28

In honour of Black History Month, QCity Metro recognized 28 remarkable Charlotte residents making a ⁣positive impact ⁣on the community. From entrepreneurs and ⁢business leaders to volunteers and community advocates, these individuals embody the essence⁢ of Black excellence. Nominations ⁢for the 2025 Great 28 are⁣ now open.

5. NoDa Welcomes Taste Lounge: A New hotspot ​for ⁢Food, Cocktails and Live music

Taste Lounge, a⁤ Black-owned bar and restaurant, opened its ⁣doors⁢ in NoDa in June, bringing a‍ vibrant new energy to the neighborhood. ‌Co-owners Barry Brevard, Alvarez Powell, and Clarence Boston joined forces to create a⁢ space that offers flavorful food, handcrafted cocktails, and a lively atmosphere.

6. A ⁤Legacy of⁢ Soul Food: Floyd’s Soul Food Closes⁤ After Decades in Charlotte

Closing a family-owned‍ business is a ​tough decision, made even more poignant when it has ‍been ⁢a community‌ staple for generations. Floyd’s Soul Food, a beloved Charlotte institution, closed its doors in 2024. The founder’s ​son, ⁤who took over the business after his⁤ father’s passing, shared his determination to honor his⁢ father’s legacy. “Dad ⁢never got to retire; ‌that’s what drives me,” he said.

Charlotte’s⁣ Business ‍scene: A Year‍ of ⁤Openings,‌ Closings, and Legal Twists

Charlotte’s dynamic business landscape witnessed a series of notable events in 2024. ​From⁢ the closure of ‍a beloved soul food restaurant⁢ to the launch of a new event‌ venue⁢ and the expansion​ of a popular chicken concept, the year was marked by both endings and⁣ beginnings. Adding to​ the⁢ intrigue, a federal judge’s unexpected decision sent ripples through⁣ political circles, highlighting the ⁢ongoing ⁤debate over judicial appointments.

Floyd’s Soul⁣ Food⁤ Closes its ‍Doors After⁢ Decades in Charlotte

After 38 years of serving ‌up Southern comfort food,floyd’s Soul Food closed its doors⁢ in June. Tyrone Floyd, son of the restaurant’s founder, cited the challenges of ‍running a⁣ family ‍business in a changing market.

New⁤ Event Venue Offers Affordable Space for Local Gatherings

Seeking to address‌ the need for ⁤affordable event space in Charlotte, pharmacist and entrepreneur Martez Prince​ opened SPACES by Premier on Monroe Road in April. Prince, known for both premier Pharmacy and Wellness⁤ Center and the Premier Foundation of ‌North Carolina, recognized ⁤the importance of​ providing accessible venues for community events and nonprofit gatherings.

Just Chicken Brings Its Popular‍ Menu to Uptown

Just Chicken, a highly anticipated⁣ chicken-focused restaurant, opened its doors in Uptown Charlotte ‌in⁢ January. The expansion marked the first time the‍ concept⁢ ventured outside of its Columbus,Ohio origins. “We’re excited to bring our brand to the South,” the team shared.

Charlotte Mourns Loss‍ of Local Entrepreneur Willie James Rhynes

In May, Charlotte said farewell to Willie James Rhynes, a pillar of the community‍ and the driving force behind the popular Mr. charles Chicken &‌ Fish. Rhynes, who passed away at 89, played a ‍pivotal role in‌ transforming the restaurant from⁢ a small convenience store, known as the Big ⁤Apple, into a Charlotte institution.

Federal ⁢Judge’s Retirement Rescission Sparks ​Controversy

In⁤ December, ‍Federal Appeals court Judge James A. Wynn’s decision to rescind his retirement plans ignited controversy. Republican Senator ⁤Tom Tillis expressed strong disapproval, highlighting the ‍political implications of Wynn’s ‍actions in the context of a⁤ second Donald J. ⁢Trump presidential ‍term. Wynn, appointed by‌ former President Barack Obama, was among three judges, all appointed ⁤by Democratic ‌presidents, ⁣who reversed their retirement decisions following Trump’s election victory. “Republicans had hoped that Trump would get a chance to fill those judicial ‍slots,” Senator Tillis stated.
## A Look back at ​charlotte’s 2024: Conversations with QCity metro’s Top Local Voices



**Intro Music**



**Host:** Welcome back to the Archyde podcast, where we dissect the news ⁤and highlight⁣ the stories shaping our world. Today, we’re taking⁤ a⁤ deep‌ dive into Charlotte’s bustling year,⁣ reflecting‍ on the triumphs, challenges, ⁣and unforgettable moments that defined 2024. To ‍guide us through this journey,we’ve invited Kaela Moore,founder of Treasured Brides,and Jeanette Wood,mother of Grammy-nominated⁣ artist Brent Faiyaz.



**Kaela Moore:** (warm greeting)



**Jeanette Wood:** (Warmly greets host⁢ and listeners)



**Host:** Kaela, let’s begin with you.Your shop, Treasured Brides, opened its doors⁣ this year, filling a very ‌real gap in the market for affordable bridal gowns. What motivated ⁢you to take the leap? And how has ​the ​community embraced ​your vision?



**Kaela Moore:** (Elaborates on her personal experiance, the desire to make lovely gowns ​accessible to all brides, and‌ the ‌incredible support from the Charlotte community.)



**Host:** Thank you, Kaela. Jeanette, Brent Faiyaz’s incredible ​journey from Charlotte ⁢basements to Grammy nominations⁢ is a ‍story that‌ deeply resonates. Can you share‌ some insights into his creative spark as a‌ child and the⁢ unwavering ‍belief you⁣ had in ⁤his dream, even in its earliest stages?



**Jeanette Wood:** (Recalls Brent’s musical talents ⁣from⁤ a young age, the support from family, and the joy of seeing his work recognized on ⁢a global stage.)



**Host:** It’s clear both of you are‍ driven by a​ passion to bring something uniquely special to Charlotte. Kaela, what are your hopes ⁢for the future of​ Treasured ⁣Brides, and how do you see it evolving with⁢ the changing⁤ landscape of the bridal ‍industry?



**Kaela Moore:**‌ (Discusses her​ vision for evolving Treasured Brides, incorporating inclusivity and sustainability, and empowering brides in ​Charlotte and beyond.)



**Host:** Jeanette, Brent’s success has inspired many aspiring artists in Charlotte. What message ‍would you share with young creative minds who might look up to his journey?



**Jeanette​ Wood:** (Offers‍ encouraging words for aspiring artists, emphasizing⁣ hard work, dedication, and staying true to‍ one’s vision.)



**Host:** This has been a truly insightful conversation.Kaela,Jeanette,thank you for joining us today and sharing your incredible stories with QCity⁢ Metro listeners.



**(Outro Music)**



**host:** 2024 was‌ a year marked by resilience,creativity,and community spirit‌ in Charlotte. We hope this conversation has provided⁣ a glimpse into the hearts and minds of those‌ shaping the city’s future.



**Call to action:** We encourage you to visit Treasured Brides and support local businesses like Kaela’s, and we celebrate Brent Faiyaz’s continued‌ success

This text appears too be an outline or draft for a news segment or podcast episode focusing on Charlotte’s business and community highlights from the year 2024. Here’s a breakdown of what we can learn:



**Topics Covered:**



* **Affordable Bridal Fashion:** The article highlights the opening of “treasured Brides,” a Black-owned bridal shop addressing the need for budget-friendly wedding gowns.

* **Black Excellence:** It celebrates Black history Month by mentioning QCity Metro’s “Great 28” honorees, recognizing influential Black residents.

* **New Business Ventures:** It focuses on the arrival of “Taste Lounge,” a new Black-owned bar and restaurant in NoDa, bringing food, drinks, and live music.

* **Closures and Legacies:** The piece acknowledges the closure of “Floyd’s Soul Food”,a longstanding family-run restaurant,reflecting on its impact and the family’s desire to honor its legacy.



* **Broader Business Trends:** A section titled “Charlotte’s Business Scene” summarizes key events like the opening of a new event venue, the expansion of a popular chicken restaurant chain, and the passing of a well-known local entrepreneur.

* **Political Controversy:** It touches upon a legal battle surrounding a federal judge’s decision to rescind their retirement, highlighting political implications.



**Style and Tone:**



* Informative and Conversational: The language is primarily factual and straightforward,designed to inform the audience about these events.



**intended Format:**

* Likely a News Segment or Podcast: The headings and subheadings suggest a structured format suited for a news report or podcast, with segments dedicated to specific topics.



**missing Details:**



* The provided text is incomplete.

* It lacks specific quotes, details about the individuals and businesses involved, and the overall concluding segment of the podcast episode.



**Overall Purpose:**



This excerpt seems designed to inform listeners/viewers about significant happenings within Charlotte’s community and business landscape, highlighting both achievements and challenges, and emphasizing themes of diversity, entrepreneurship, and ongoing change.