Amélie’s to make its uptown Charlotte return + North Carolina NAACP regains tax-exempt status from IRS

Hey, everyone! Drew here. Happy Wednesday!

Muslims in Charlotte and around the world are beginning a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and more in observance of Ramadan.

It’s the holiest month in the Muslim calendar and ends with a multi-day celebration, Eid Al-Fitr, or the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast. Mary Ramsey provides an overview of the holiday in Charlotte and what you need to know

On to your news.

1. Amélie’s uptown Charlotte location is reopening soon. Here’s what we know.

A popular uptown spot is making a return soon.

Amélie’s French Bakery and Café announced the reopening of its uptown Charlotte location with limited hours this May. The restaurant is the Charlotte staple’s largest location at 14,000 square feet of space. It closed in November 2020 amid COVID-19 challenges.

Construction is under way to redesign the space to increase service speed with a new ordering system, along with a ‘Pick-Up Only’ section for lunch customers who are in a rush.

Heidi Finley runs down the details on the reopening.

2. NAACP branches across the country get IRS tax-exempt status restored

The North Carolina NAACP and hundreds of other state and local branches are back in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service.

The NC NAACP spent months on a list of nonprofits that lost their tax-exempt status. It did so after the IRS erroneously concluded that the groups had not filed required tax forms.

Dan Kane shares more on the NAACP’s news.

3. Pittsburgh-based steak, seafood restaurant opening this spring in south Charlotte

A new restaurant is coming to Ballantyne.

Walnut Grill, a Pittsburgh-based bar and grill, is expected to open the week after Easter Sunday in the space formerly occupied by Stone Mountain Grill. It will be Walnut’s 10th location and first in the Southeast.

Executive Chef and Charlotte native David Smith says Charlotte is ideal for the chain’s expansion because patio season is almost year-round, plus the city’s culinary scene is growing.

Catherine Muccigrosso shares an overview of what to expect from the new restaurant.

4. These are the 10 absolute best excuses for going to a concert in Charlotte this summer

You might know that Taylor Swift’s tour isn’t coming to Charlotte in 2023. Or you might not.

That’s the thing about live music — everybody has their individual likes and dislikes when it comes to artists and genres, so it’s all subjective. This, of course, makes compiling a list of the things that have us most excited about the 2023 summer concert season a challenge.

Théoden Janes lists the 10 best excuses for you to go to a concert in Charlotte this summer.

5. Some more stories to read

• ‘Don’t worry’ bats may be in your NC home, says wildlife expert. How to get them out.

• No so fast: Is Michael Jordan really selling his stake in the Charlotte Hornets?

• Trump case recalls John Edwards’ scandal in NC. Would it play out differently in court?

• NASCAR drivers excited by North Wilkesboro Speedway’s slick track, nostalgic feel

• Dirt to finally turn on long-planned four-lane Lake Norman road to ease bottlenecks

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