When will Whataburger open? Best Greek food, a new baseball hub and Pride pours
Hello, foodies. Here’s the rundown from today’s CharlotteFive newsletter — it includes a long-awaited burger chain opening, a new youth baseball facility and a lesser-known mountain route. Here’s a quick look at what Charlotte readers should know.☕✨
🍔 A delayed Charlotte-area burger joint finally has an opening date
After more than a year of waiting and a few delays, Heidi reports that Whataburger’s newest Charlotte-area location is opening in Rock Hill, South Carolina, on Thursday, July 9. The Texas chain joins a growing Carolinas lineup that already includes Gastonia, Charlotte proper, Mooresville, Hickory, High Point and Indian Land — with another spot on the way in Charlotte’s Mallard Creek neighborhood. 🐔
The 8:30 a.m. ribbon cutting comes with complimentary Honey Butter Chicken Biscuits for the first 100 customers, plus giveaways of exclusive Whataburger swag. Unlike many 24-7 Whataburgers, this one will roll with drive-thru and front-counter service daily from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. — solid late-night fuel for the after-hours crowd.
📍 2265 Cross Pointe Dr, Rock Hill, SC 29730
📰 Read the full story for all the yummy details.
⚾ A new baseball development center is shaping Charlotte players on and off the field
The Training Camp HQ opened last week with a different take on youth sports — one that pairs baseball skills with academics, mentorship and character building. Founders Josh and Brittany Whitlock, both former Division I athletes (Josh played in the Chicago Cubs organization), built the facility to develop the “whole athlete,” physically, mentally and academically.
“We wanted to recreate that feeling of community where parents feel comfortable bringing siblings, athletes feel supported and everyone feels like they belong here,” Brittany Whitlock told Amari. The space serves players from age 5 through pros and includes a study hall clubhouse, strength and conditioning areas, and a family-zone mezzanine with books and beanbag chairs.
📰 Check out the full story for more on the Whitlocks’ approach.
🇬🇷 You’ve picked the best Greek restaurants in Charlotte — which one will win?
Voting in the latest CharlotteFive Readers’ Choice poll closes at noon Friday, and Heidi reports the field has narrowed from your favorites down to two finalists. If you’ve been sleeping on this one, now’s the moment to weigh in for your gyro and spanakopita spot of choice. 🥙
📰 Head over to the poll to vote.
🍔 New menu drop at Ace No. 3
Charlotte’s beloved smash burger spot Ace No. 3 is adding three new items to the lineup, including the long-requested Turkey Avo burger, the Garden Bowl and a limited-time Smash Taco. 🌮 A welcome lineup for fans who’ve been waiting on a turkey option — and a great excuse to roll through for the taco before it disappears.
🏳️🌈 Cheers to Pride at Ruby Sunshine
Ruby Sunshine is pouring for a cause throughout June. 🍹 Order a Pride Flight ($1 donated per flight sold), grab a limited-edition Pride T-shirt ($1 donated per shirt) or round up your check by $1, $3 or $5 — 100% goes to nonprofit partners including Charlotte Pride. A sweet way to brunch with a purpose. 💛
🏔️ Plan a weekend escape on NC’s “Little Parkway”
If construction on the Blue Ridge Parkway has you rethinking summer plans, the Little Parkway — an 18-mile stretch of U.S. 221 — offers many of the same mountain views, hiking spots and small-town charm. Originally built in 1889 as a toll road between Blowing Rock and Linville, the route predates the Blue Ridge Parkway by decades and connects Blowing Rock, Linville, Banner Elk, Valle Crucis and Boone.
Stops worth a detour include Grandfather Mountain’s Mile High Swinging Bridge, Moses Cone Manor, Price Lake and the historic Mast General Store in Valle Crucis. 🌲 Local tourism officials are encouraging visitors back as many businesses remain open despite lingering perceptions following Hurricane Helene.
📰 Find more weekend ideas in the full guide.
📰 What else you’ll want to know
- 🎤 Neighborhood Theatre in NoDa is shutting down for 8 weeks. Here’s what happens next.
- 🥦 Teriyaki Madness rewards members can grab a $1 Chicken Teriyaki Bowl today for National Eat Your Veggies Day.
- 🀄 Optimist Hall hosts a Mahjong Night with The Queen’s Mahjery on Tuesday, June 23.
- 🏡 A 45-acre NC luxury estate is on the market with “world-class” equestrian amenities.
Want Charlotte food, drink and weekend picks straight to your inbox every day? Sign up for the free CharlotteFive newsletter — it lands every morning with new restaurant openings, hidden gems, readers’ choice polls and plenty of reasons to explore the Queen City. ☕
This report was produced with the assistance of a proprietary tool powered by artificial intelligence and using our own originally reported, written and published content. It was reviewed and edited by our journalists. To learn more about how The Charlotte Observer is using AI in our newsroom, see our policy here.