Three years have passed since the Charlotte City Council approved the establishment of social districts. You are aware of the places where you are allowed to stroll down the sidewalk while intoxicated. There was immediate interest from a number of businesses and neighborhoods, although Charlotte has only one as of now. The location is Plaza Midwood. Lindsey Banks of the Charlotte Ledger Business Newsletter is joining me now for our BizWorthy segment to discuss this and other business stories.
Terry Marshall:According to local organizers, Plaza Midwood’s social district has been a success. If there was so much interest at first, why aren’t there more in other parts of the city?
Banks, Lindsey:Yes, I believe there was a lot of early excitement when Charlotte’s social district law was first established three years ago. As you mentioned, companies and neighborhoods such as South End, Uptown, and NoDa all submitted interest forms. I believe that a large portion of that impetus has just cooled off. Most of the time, organizations claim that it is simply no longer a priority. The real neighborhoods or business groups are given a lot of responsibility by the city to establish and run the district rather than the city itself. Thus, a lot of logistical effort is involved, particularly in crowded places like the South End or Uptown. Groups are stating that while they are still interested, it is not a top priority at this time.
Terry:Is it contributing to the fact that businesses haven’t received the boost that many had hoped for? Or are other communities that were thinking about this just succeeding and no longer saw the need?
Banks: A little bit of both, in my opinion. They have reported that everything has gone smoothly in Plaza Midwood. About 25 companies are involved, and they have reported an increase in revenue of about $90,000 over the previous 16 months. However, nobody is claiming that it is a game-changer, and I believe that bars in places like South End are already crowded, so there isn’t as much of a rush to try something new at this time.
Terry:People are generally drinking less, and the craft beer boom has plateaued, according to a lot of reporting. Do you think that “sip-and-stroll” isn’t as popular as it was a few years ago, and that this is partly due to a change in what’s cool?
Banks: Without a doubt. I can sense that cultural shift for myself. Mocktails other maybe lower-alcohol options are becoming more popular, so the novelty of carrying a beer about isn’t as strong as it previously was. That may be the reason why some communities have just chosen to move on.
Additionally, I don’t think the social district’s limitations—such as needing to complete your drink before entering another institution, keeping inside a specific geographic region, and the district’s closing time of 10 p.m.—had the allure that individuals may have once believed they might.
Terry:Let’s head to South End, where there is a lot of conversation about a potential large new tenant at 110 East, the new office skyscraper. Can you tell us anything?
Banks: There is undoubtedly some conversation. After a poor start, First Horizon Bank is apparently considering a large lease at the new 23-story skyscraper at East and South Boulevards. According to reports, they have even considered how they might get their name on the building’s façade. Thus, it hasn’t been verified yet.
Although no announcements or permits have been made, it would be consistent with the bank’s expanding local presence. Although First Horizon is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, it already operates a few shops in Charlotte, and last year they inked a significant sponsorship agreement with the Hornets. Therefore, that might be a component of the larger effort to increase their visibility in the city.
Terry:At last, Bo-Berry biscuits are now available for purchase in Spanish. This week, Bojangles revealed new Spanish ordering choices. Why is this happening, and does it also apply to the drive-thru?
Banks: It does, indeed. Thus, Bojangles has introduced additional ordering options in Spanish on both its online and in-store platforms. This covers their drive-through as well as their kiosks, mobile app, and website. Bo-Linda, their AI assistant, has been accepting orders in English, but she can now take commands in Spanish. It’s quite significant. Bojangles is one of the first national chains to provide that choice at this magnitude, with over 400 locations currently offering it. The decision was made mostly because language is not a barrier to hospitality, according to CEO Jose Armario. Although I haven’t got the opportunity to test it out yet, I’m intrigued. However, I may need to practice my Spanish first.
Robertson and Associates is the legal firm that supports BizWorthy.
