CHARLOTTE – Tommy Bahama will make its North Carolina debut with the opening of the brand’s latest hybrid dining and shopping experience at SouthPark Mall.
e Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar is scheduled to open in mid-March. e casual new concept allows guests to eat, drink and shop.
e 9720-square-foot space will include a retail store with Tommy Bahama men’s and women’s sportswear, activewear and swim collections as well as home entertaining and décor items.
“We’re excited to bring the Marlin Bar to SouthPark,” said Doug Wood, CEO of Tommy Bahama. “We developed the Marlin Bar concept to create a more casual way for our guests to enjoy the Tommy Bahama shopping and dining experience. It's one of the ways Tommy Bahama is di erent from other lifestyle brands.”
CHARLOTTE – More
than 1,100 participants took strides for local breast cancer patients at the 13th annual Run Jen Run 5K and Festival.
To date, the event has raised more than $195,000 –the most raised in the event’s 13-year history – to support the Go Jen Go Foundation and local breast cancer community.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make the 13th year of Run Jen Run so special and amazing,” said Susan Evren, executive director of Go Jen Go. “Honoring Jen’s legacy by showing up for breast cancer patients in nancial crisis means the world to us. Our
e Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar features a relaxed dining approach that appeals to a more casual diner. e menu o ers dishes such as WorldFamous Coconut Shrimp, Blackened Mahi Tacos, All American Beef and “Nashville” Hot Chicken Sliders, Ahi Poke Bowl, sandwiches and desserts like Key Lime Pie or Chocolate Brownie. e bar will serve cocktails, Island Rum drinks, martinis, wine and beer.
Want to go?
e Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar opens for dining from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through ursday and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 4400 Sharon Road. ere will be live music most evenings.
Retail hours span from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through ursday and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. On the web: tommybahama.com
CHARLOTTE – Publix Super Market celebrated the opening of its new 51,477-squarefoot location March 12 at Quail Commons. The store will employ 150 people.
“We are excited to open Publix at Quail Commons,” said Jared Glover, media relations manager.
“We look forward to providing premier service to our new customers and being active members of this vibrant community.”
Highlights of the store include:
• Deli – Th e full-service deli counter features a variety of meats, an international selection of olives, antipastos, hummus and more than 200 artisan cheeses from the U.S. and around the world.
• Produce – Shoppers can find organic and conventionally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, with locally grown produce and exotic choices from across the globe.
• Bakery – A scratch bakery of-
Tommy Bahama to open new bar at SouthPark
Run Jen Run raises record amount for breast cancer support
Publix Super Market opens new store in Charlotte
fers cakes, cookies and pies as well as desserts made by skilled decorators. Breads and rolls are baked fresh throughout the day.
• Meat – Shoppers can find custom cuts of meats, including Publix private label all-natural and organic GreenWise chicken. Ready-to-cook items are prepared fresh daily.
• Seafood – Fresh seafood is delivered throughout the week, including wild and farm-raised
sh, as well as a variety of shell sh. Whole sh and llets are fresh, never frozen. Sushi chefs create hand-rolled selections daily.
• Pharmacy – The full-service pharmacy includes a variety of body care products and a selection of natural and conventional vitamins, minerals and supplements. The store, located at 11525 Carmel Commons Blvd., also offers catering, delivery via Instacart and a pharmacy drive-thru.
CHARLOTTE – Andres Kaifer and Alex Bridges plan on opening a wine bar and retail shop within the 1,200-square-foot space that used to house Mere’s within The Courtyard shopping center off Park Road.
Kaifer and Bridges are the guys behind neighborhood restaurant Customshop and the recently opened Marina’s Tapas in Optimist Hall.
“Opening a wine-focused spot has always been a dream and is what’s kept me in the business,” Bridges said. “We look forward to working with small producers and importers because we care about the people making the wine and where it comes from. It’s also important for us to introduce people to regions and varietals they haven’t had and will love.”
e concept will o er an extensive “by the glass” list and feature a custom tap system. ey will also o er a wide selection of wines by the bottle, with the invitation to enjoy on-site or take away. ey want to o er frequent tastings.
e space will have indoor seats, including a bar, a banquet and a large communal table, as well as a patio with outdoor seating options. e bar will be a light and airy place for casual daytime hangs, meetings and work sessions, switching to a more intimate experience in the evenings.
“Alex becoming a partner at Customshop has led to what is now an amazing working relationship,” Kaifer said, “We designed a concept where his expertise on wine will be the main event and the food menu can be a culinary playground not tied to any genre. At the end of the day, we’re creating a place we’d both want to hang out with friends on a free afternoon or night.”
Photos courtesy of Tommy Bahama
Chef Andres Kaifer and business partner Alex Bridges are adding a wine bar to their portfolio. Photo courtesy of Customshop
These photos show various departments within the Publix Super Market at Quail Commons before the store opened. Photos courtesy of Publix
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MASCOTS PUMP UP HOSPITAL PATIENTS
CHARLOTTE – The ACC was in town over the weekend for its men’s basketball tournament.
Mascots from throughout the conference visited Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center, Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital and Novant Health Charlotte Orthopedic Hospital to spread joy to patients and staff.
Firmin-Sellers to lead United Way of Greater Charlotte
CHARLOTTE – Kathryn Firmin-Sellers will become president and CEO of the United Way of Greater Charlotte, effective April 1.
Firmin-Sellers steps into the role as the seventh leader of the 94-year-old organization, succeeding Laura Yates Clark, who accepted the position of president at Foundation For e Carolinas in May 2024.
Firmin-Sellers was appointed interim president and CEO in July 2024 after previously serving the organization as chief impact o cer and executive vice president. Over the last nine months, she has continued advancing United Way’s mission, overseeing nearly $18 million in community investments and supporting 134 nonpro ts across Anson, Cabarrus, Mecklenburg and Union counties.
“Kathryn’s depth of experience with the organization and the community made her an exceptional candidate from the beginning of the CEO search and selection process,” said Bill Currens, chair of the United Way of Greater Charlotte board of directors. “Under Kathryn’s leadership and with her unwavering commitment to United Way’s mission, we look forward to continuing the critical work of supporting children and families in our region.”
As she transitions into the permanent role, Firmin-Sellers will continue to advance the strategic priorities of the organization, support the evolving needs of the community, ensure the United Way team’s alignment to its mission, and engage with key stakeholders and leaders to continue expanding impact e orts.
“I’m honored and excited to continue the work,” Firmin-Sellers said. “United Way is my home, and I look forward to leading our talented, mission-driven team as we build on our progress to create lasting change in the community.”
Since joining United Way in 2018, FirminSellers has led strategic initiatives to promote racial equity, strengthen disinvested communities, and enhance economic mobility.
Firmin-Sellers spearheaded A Home For All, an e ort to address housing instability and homelessness, and played a key role in launching the COVID-19 Response Fund, which raised and distributed nearly $24 million to 237 local nonpro ts.
Before United Way, Firmin-Sellers spent 11 years at Safe Alliance as chief operating o cer.
Charlotte FC’s Agyemang, Ream called up for international duty
By Sam Spencer Contributor
(SoccerSheet.com) – Patrick
Agyemang’s rst invitation to play for the United States Men’s National Team in January was exciting, but not much of a surprise. He was Charlotte FC’s top goal scorer in 2024, and not many young American players can say they were the top scorer for a team in one of the world’s top 10 or 15 professional leagues.
However, while the January camp took place before domestic leagues like MLS started playing, it was in the middle of the season for top European leagues like Serie A, the Bundesliga and the Premier League. Top USMNT talent playing abroad – for example, Christian Pulisic – skipped the camp, opening more roster slots for rst-time players like Agyemang. In many ways, the winter camp is a tryout for the real squad.
“I think he’s still a little bit raw, [he’s] a player you can feel that he can evolve and learn a lot, but I see the potential and the characteristics if he continues his progression,” said USMNT Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino. “Now it’s up to him.” Today, it looks like Agyemang passed the test and will have his rst chance to play in his rst competitive international match. United States Men’s National Team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has named Agyemang and Charlotte FC
defender Tim Ream to the 2025 Concacaf Nations League Finals roster.
“[Patrick Agyemang’s] characteristics as a striker and an o ensive player can provide the team di erent things,” said Coach Pochettino at a press conference announcing the roster. “I think it is good because we’re going to have three di erent strikers with three di erent characteristics.”
Because this competition is during a FIFA international window, top players like Pulisic are also on the roster. However, Agyemang and Ream will miss at least one MLS match against the San Jose Earthquakes at home on March 22.
Agyemang and Ream will join a familiar USMNT roster that includes faces from both the January camp and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to take on Panama in the Nations League Semi nals in Los Angeles on March 20. If the team wins, they’ll advance to a nal against the winner of the semi nal between Canada and Mexico; if they should lose to the isthmians, they’ll play the other vanquished team in a third place match.
Ream has 67 caps for the national team and was on the roster for the USMNT’s 2024 Nations League Finals triumph. Charlotte FC is the only MLS team with multiple players on this Nations League roster, and join the likes of AC Milan, Juventus, Crystal Palace and Celtic with two players selected.
However, while the veteran Ream is
likely to be in the starting XI at center back, Agyemang has to compete for playing time, and the competition will be erce against Norwich City’s Josh Sargent – another player coached by Charlotte FC head coach Dean Smith – and Vancouver Whitecaps FC striker Brian White for who gets to start at striker in Pochettino’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.
“I think he’s still a little bit raw, [he’s] a player you can feel that he can evolve and learn a lot, but I see the potential and the characteristics if he continues his progression,” said Pochettino. “Now it’s up to him.”
Agyemang’s two goals during the January friendlies helped earn him the spot in the Nations League lineup, as did his unique style of play that can draw fouls at big moments – think James Harden, but playing soccer. It took Agyemang less than three minutes to earn the USMNT a penalty kick in his rst appearance, and it’s a testament to his ability to press.
Agyemang’s work ethic during his rst camp also impressed the coaching sta .
“We are so happy about [Agyemang’s play in] the January camp, he showed that we can trust in him,” Pochettino said. “To give the trust and calling him now is to show that we really believe in him.”
Agyemang and Ream will depart for the USMNT camp in California after Charlotte FC’s Saturday match at home against FC Cincinnati.
Charlotte FC star Patrick Agyemang has been called up to the 2025 Concacaf Nations League Finals roster. Sam Spencer/SoccerSheet.com
Photos courtesy of Novant Health
Charlotte Academy of Music wraps up Beauty and the Beast JR
– A story
MATTHEWS
written almost 300 years ago, ”Beauty and the Beast” is a tale as old as time.
Charlotte Academy of Music’s SHINE Musical Theatre division recently presented this classic story with a cast of Charlotte area youth.
is production was one of the last opportunities to see the adored Disney classic. “Beauty and the Beast JR.” will go into the Disney vault at the end of this month, which means it may be several years before it is available for licensing to studios, schools and community theatres.
The reason? Disney is launching a North American tour of “Beauty and the Beast” beginning this summer with a newly reimagined 30th anniversary production.
“We were honored to be one of the last companies in the country to perform ‘Beauty and the Beast JR.’ and so happy to provide our students with such a special opportunity,” said Regina Ziliani, owner of Charlotte Academy of Music.
e “Beauty and the Beast JR.” production featured all of the songs audiences have come to love by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, including “Belle,” “Gaston,” “Be Our Guest,” “ e Mob Song” and “Beauty and the Beast.”
Directed by Marissa Hertzfeld, the 40-member cast transported the audience to a French provincial town full of action, adventure, singing and dancing.
Appearing in the lead -
ing roles were Ellie Grace Fichtman as Belle and Miles Medlin as the Beast. Dylan Ryder portrayed the self-absorbed Gaston and Evan Ziliani as Gaston’s bumbling sidekick, Lefou. Ava Pereira gave a passionate
performance as Belle’s father, Maurice.
An audience favorite, the stunningly costumed enchanted castle sta – Sidney Miller as the candelabra Lumiere; Anika Ryder as Cogsworth the talking clock;
RUN from 1A
hearts are full, and our gratitude for our grantees, survivors and thrivers, sponsors, donors, participants, ambassadors, volunteers and race committee is immeasurable.”
e event took place on March 8 at Symphony Park. It included a 5K, fun run, festival with music and a kids’ fun zone.
There was also an expo area with community-driven sponsors and partners, Jen’s Garden of Hope with Signs of Hope on display, and a
Survivor/ river Corner for breast cancer patients to connect and be celebrated.
Consolidated Planning was the title sponsor. Coastal Bridge Advisors, Novant Health and Smiley’s 4 C’s Charitable Endowment were presenting sponsors.
By the numbers
• 1,174 participants
• 67 teams
• 97 breast cancer survivors, thrivers and ghters
• 70 volunteers
• 56 sponsors and partners
• 32 Go Jen Go Grantees
Grace Williams as Mrs. Potts the teapot; McKenzie Randall as Babette the feather duster; Katelyn Urbain as Madame de la Grande Bouche the wardrobe; and Abbie Faith Fichtman as teacup Chip.
Charlotte Academy of Music
looks forward to its next production, “Matilda JR.” is cast will even have an opportunity to perform at the Junior eatre Festival along with over 7,000 other musi-
cal-loving kids next January. Area youth interested in being part of the cast can nd information on the academy’s website, charlotteacademyofmusic.com.
Photos courtesy of Go Jen Go
Ellie Grace Fichtman (Belle) and Miles Medlin (Beast) had the lead roles in Charlotte Academy of Music’s ”Beauty and the Beast JR.” Kiersten Clay/K. Clay Photography
Evan Ziliani (Lefou) and Dylan Ryder (Gaston) added depth to a strong show.
The cast of “Beauty and the Beast JR.” ranged in age from 10 to 17.
Anika Ryder (Cogsworth) and Sidney Miller (Lumiere) had some of the most creative costumes in the production.
Easter Apps Made Easy
Weedeater to cut up in Charlotte CHARLOTTE – The memories might be fuzzy, but Weedeater members always remember a good time.
Six years ago, the Cape Fear legends commemorated the 10th anniversary of “God Luck and Good Speed” by hitting the road with their heavy Appalachian statesmen Bask. Now, they’re ready for a re-up.
e two Season of Mist label mates are touring the U.S. together this spring. ey’ll perform in Charlotte on May 1 at The Underground.
Get tickets: https://bit.ly/weedmetal
March 21
• Americana Beer Co.: Coleson Comer
• Amos’ Southend: Josh Ward
• Evening Muse: Timothy Chandler Hicks
• Grapes Bistro: David Porter
• Home Brew: Jim Tierney
• Local Logic: Dougie Plant
• Moochies Tavern: Bailey Marie Band
• Neighborhood Theatre: Enrage Against the Machine
• OMB Ballantyne: Weak Fade
• Ovens Auditorium: Los Tigres del Norte
• Peddlers Paradise Bartique: Tim Martin
• Shep’s Bar: Darren Deese
• Southern Range Brewing Company: Me and Lulu
• Stooges Pub & Grub: Flashback Band
• The Club House: 485
• The Courthouse Self-Pour Beer & Wine: Carrie Ann
• The Trail House: Vinyl Live
• The Underground: Sahbabii
• Visulite Theatre: The Chain (Fleetwood Mac tribute)
March 22
• Amos’ Southend: On the Border
• Cellar & Ale: Carrie Ann
• Great Wagon Road Distillery: Coconut Groove Band
• Home Brew: Ashlar Sargent
• Local Logic: Brandon Tenney
• Moochies Tavern: Minutes Past Midnight
• Neighborhood Theatre: Los Amigos Invisibles
• OMB Ballantyne: The Dialtones
• Peddlers Paradise Bartique: Leisure; Dual Drive
• Pineville Tavern: Grüv Soup
• Southern Range Brewing Company: Alan Gilbert & The Gamblers
• The Trail House: U-Phonik
• Vaulted Oak Brewing: Ellie Morgan
• Visulite Theatre: The Dirty Doors (The Doors tribute)
• Vintner’s Hill: Matthew Ablan
March 23
• Evening Muse: Waylon Wyatt
Home Brew: Sam Wilson Morris
March 24
• Evening Muse: Open mic
Spectrum Center: Deftones • The Underground: Maddie Zahm
March 26
• Home Brew: Danielle Hewitt
Neighborhood Theatre: Griffin House
Peddlers Paradise Bartique: Open Mic
• Spectrum Center: Tyler, the Creator
• The Fillmore: Connor Price
• The Trail House: River Lynch
March 27
• Evening Muse: Todd Day Wait
• Great Wagon Road Distillery: Open mic w/ Nate Whittenburg
• Neighborhood Theatre: Brenn!
• Spectrum Center: J Balvin
• Visulite Theatre: Wheatus
Caroline, green thumb
Weedeater specializes in heavy Appalachia. The band includes Jesse Van Note (bass), Scott Middleton (drums), Ray Worth (guitar) and Zeb Camp (guitar/vocals). Photo by Bryan Greenberg
S
You are invited to visit Epcon Communities during our Spring Open House Weekend, March 20-23.
Explore communities designed around single-level living and a low-maintenance lifestyle, with everything you need on one floor and lawn care included. With less time spent on chores, you will have more time to enjoy the lifestyle you’ve earned.
