A Matthews bakery scored 85 after inspectors cited missing soap, no thermometer and a soiled slicer. The latest Mecklenburg inspection roundup includes more than 140 restaurant visits.

Swooger’s is closing after 26 years in Kings Mountain, taking its burgers, ice cream and famous spaghetti Tuesdays with it.

Club House Kitchen & Cocktails has quietly closed in Plaza Midwood, and a lounge-style concept called Touché Charlotte is lined up for the space.

Lil’ Robert’s Place plans to close by September 1 after 16 years in downtown Concord. The eclectic bar’s owner called it “one hell of a ride.”

A new sixth-floor bar and restaurant is bringing botanical cocktails, pizza, DJs and a greenhouse to Steele Creek this fall.

Michael Waltrip has opened a NASCAR‑themed signature bar inside Eleven Lakes Brewing in Cornelius, bringing his beers, memorabilia and race‑watch nights to Lake Norman.

A Mooresville staple known for home cooking will close this Friday; longtime customers and staff are mourning the end of a neighborhood fixture.

Cooper's Hawk has signed a lease at The Arboretum for a 10,600‑sq‑ft south Charlotte restaurant, joining planned openings in Indian Land and Concord.

Chipotle opened a Ballantyne outpost Wednesday and will open a Concord drive‑thru next Tuesday; each location is expected to add about 30 jobs in the Charlotte area.

A viral video shows employees doing hair inside a Charlotte Crumbl while cookies were being prepared; the chain temporarily closed the shop and cleaned up.

Daughtry's Bar-B-Que in Morganton will close at the end of the month after 63 years; owners blamed rising costs and staffing shortages in a farewell post.

Taj House has opened in Elizabeth, offering biryanis, tandoori specials, lunch rice bowls and a cocktail-forward drinks list. The new spot occupies the former Big Ben/Carpe Diem space.

A Hyderabad‑style food truck has parked in University City, serving spicy dosas, Chicken 65 and late‑night Indo‑Chinese plates.