Welcome to the Charlotte Invite! This is week 4 of my 8-week experiment to see if people want this newsletter.
Creating this newsletter isn’t a random side hustle for me; it’s actually a part of my “big girl job”. Which is why I want to make it as helpful as possible for you guys.
If you’d be sad if this newsletter stopped hitting your inbox:
And don’t worry, I’m doing some of my own marketing too, but word of mouth is best!
In today’s Charlotte Invite, you’ll find:
WFH isn’t giving connectivity
New restaurant & bar in Plaza
Shake Shack x local cocktail bar
Ever tried a silent book club?
- Happy reading! Bethany
Gen Z is tired of WFH, they prefer IRL
It sounds like a plot twist, but the latest data for 2026 suggests that Gen Z—the generation that started their careers on Zoom—is actually the group leading the charge back to the desk.
While Millennials are still white-knuckling their "work from anywhere" freedom, a recent Gallup study shows that only 15% of Gen Z now prefer a fully remote setup. In fact, Gen Z is currently the generation most likely to report feeling lonely or disconnected when working from home.
What’s happening in Charlotte? Our city is a unique case study. As a banking and tech hub, our "office-using" employment hit nearly 380,000 jobs this year. While many firms have settled into a hybrid rhythm, the energy in areas like South End and Uptown is shifting:
Most are hybrid: 52% of remote workers in the region are now on hybrid schedules, typically in the office 2–3 days a week.
Gen Z wants mentorship: Local career coaches note that younger Charlotteans crave "passive mentoring"—the kind of learning you only get by overhearing a senior VP handle a crisis or grabbing a quick coffee after a meeting.
The perks: It's not about the ping-pong tables anymore. Charlotte Gen Zers are citing social connection and free food as the top reasons they’re willing to brave the I-77 commute.
Essentially, for the 22-to-35 crowd, the office isn't just a place to work; it’s becoming a primary social circle in a city that can sometimes feel hard to break into.
Just so you know…
🍣 Plaza is getting non-traditional Japanese food. Uchi will open on Tuesday, March. 31, followed by its upstairs bar & restaurant, Uchibā, which opens April 3. Personally, I’m headed to Uchibā for the laid-back vibe and street-food dishes like bao buns.
🖼 The Levine Museum of the New South is moving to South End. And they want your help reviewing the space's design concepts and offering feedback. Join them on March 19 to help shape their new home.
🚶🏾♀️ Going alone is a flex…check out this list of 11 Charlotte events that are solo-friendly happening this spring.
The Naked Farmer line is still long. I’ve never been one to wait in line for anything aside from TSA and rollercoasters. Plus, I feel like you can get the same thing from Food Lion’s new hot meals. If you love Naked Farmer, tell me I’m wrong, and I’ll feature your opinion next week.
The line at Naked Farmer in South End as of Monday
Weigh in
Last week, I asked if the dating scene here is dead, and 66% of you said you try to meet people IRL, otherwise you’re good.
Now I want to know, if you could only save one Charlotte neighborhood, which would it be? 🌉
Events
Here are our top five:
FOOD: 🍝 Savor Charlotte starts today through Mar. 28. It includes daily food-events plus discounts & deals like a 2-course brunch menu for $18 at Ruby Sunshine.
MUSIC: Thursday 🎶 head to Free Range Brewing for a free concert featuring a local wind-ensemble
PARTY: Saturday ☘️ celebrate St. Patricks day with a bar crawl + block party featuring outdoor games, satellite bars, & 13 DJs
COCKTAILS: Thursday 🍸 Shake Shack is partnering with South End cocktail bar Blue Door with exclusive cocktails and a limited food menu. Be sure to make a resy.
MOVIE: Saturday 🍿 the live action version of Mulan is playing at the Carolina Theatre.
A budget-friendly weekend
Here’s your under $50 weekend schedule:
Start Friday early with ½ off shared plates at Suffolk Punch in South End from 4-7pm. I’d get the sweet potato goat cheese dip ($8)
If you’re in your reading era, try the Silent Book Club at Camp North end on Saturday (free)
Before you leave Camp, stop by Eggroll Co (one of Keith Lee’s favorites). Their combos are ~$20
The Whitewater Center river turns green on Saturday. They have live music and yoga happening all day ($12 parking)
Sunday morning go try out Giddy Goat’s new spring menu, featuring an iced pineapple matcha ($8)
The total for this weekend comes to around $48!
Last week, Charlotte Invite reader Josh J. attended the coffee festival featured in our top 5 event pics. He shared this pic 👇🏾.
Share a pic of what you’re up to in Charlotte.
That’s it for this week.
What’d you think? Love it? Hate it? Either way we want your feedback - email [email protected] with your thoughts.
