8 Charlotte stories that reveal how influencers and food trends shape the city
Charlotte’s influencers and food creators play a visible, evolving role in shaping the city’s culture and tastes.
Local figures like Cory Wilkins of Tha Daily Special have seen viral success by spotlighting local restaurants with dramatic food videos, such as a turkey leg falling off the bone or highlighting small, minority-owned eateries.
Other creators, like Wynee Bermudez, note how food trends — especially indulgent or visually entertaining dishes — attract more views compared to healthy options, reinforcing the city’s love for comfort cuisine.
Influencers also drive change by choosing authentic storytelling and building genuine communities, as seen in the varied approaches of real estate expert Maceon McCraken and spooky historian Jason Tapp.
These stories reveal how Charlotte’s digital tastemakers shape everything from where people eat to broader perceptions of the city.
NO. 1: READ THIS STORY ON GEN Z TRENDS OR DON’T. EITHER WAY, THE INTERN WRITING THIS GETS PAID.
Listen up y’all, the trends are changing. Gen Z has classified themselves as a mentally ill, chronically online and feral bunch. | Published August 12, 2022 | Read Full Story by Lorenza Medley
NO. 2: A FOODIE UNION TOOK THIS WELL-KNOWN CHARLOTTE FOOD PHOTOGRAPHER TO HOUSTON
Always Hungry photographer Kenty Chung left Charlotte to join his TikTok-viral fiancee. | Published March 15, 2023 | Read Full Story by Laurie Larsh
NO. 3: WHAT DO A GOOFBALL, A TEACHER AND AN NC CONGRESSMAN HAVE IN COMMON? MILLIONS OF THINGS.
We spoke to content creators behind popular accounts in Charlotte and beyond about their transformation from ordinary to extraordinary online success. | Published March 8, 2024 | Read Full Story
NO. 4: THESE CHARLOTTE CHEFS SHARE TIPS FOR FINDING THE BEST PLACES TO EAT WHEN TRAVELING
Local chefs share their favorite methods for finding the best restaurants while on the road or overseas, including fine cuisine and local flavors. | Published February 8, 2024 | Read Full Story by Laurie Larsh
NO. 5: SHE WANTS TO MAKE GEN Z MORE MEDIA LITERATE VIA TIKTOK. MAYBE IT WILL SAVE NEWSPAPERS?
Kelsey Russell tried to find some copies of The Charlotte Observer when she passed through Charlotte Douglas International Airport last fall and came up empty-handed. | Published March 8, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jodie Valade
NO. 6: A LOOK AT HOW CHARLOTTE CONTENT CREATORS ARE SHAPING THE CITY ONLINE AND OFF
For many people, a typical Monday is pretty much spent at an office behind a desk. | Published March 7, 2024 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon
NO. 7: THEY’VE FOUND FAME ON SOCIAL MEDIA BY FOCUSING ON CHARLOTTE. WHAT ARE THEIR SECRETS?
Is there a secret to becoming a social-media influencer? | Published March 7, 2024 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon and Théoden Janes
NO. 8: DO PEOPLE IN CHARLOTTE HATE HEALTHY FOOD? A FOODIE DILEMMA: MORE JUNK FOOD, FEWER SALADS
In an age where excessive eating garners more views, Charlotte’s content creators are seeking a balance. | Published December 3, 2024 | Read Full Story by Samantha Husted
The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.