A long time ago, I learned that journalism is, in large part, finding out, “Hey, what are they doing over there?” That’s exactly what we have today.
No. 1
Here’s an update on convenience store news at the intersection of George Liles Parkway and Weddington Road. I was confused about where the Sheetz was going. I think I have some clarity.
Sheetz will be on the corner nearest Crossroads Church, diagonally from Willow Oaks (Publix, ABC Store, etc.).
Across Weddington (beside Sheffield Manor), Concord Planning & Zoning and Concord City Council turned down a rezoning request for another convenience store and car wash. That property is 4.879 acres at 190 George W. Liles Parkway NW.
TWP Acquisitions LLC in Atlanta requested approval to build a 5,600-square-foot Dash-In convenience store and a 1,330-square-foot Splash In car wash. That plan included a 1.08-acre lot for future development and stormwater management.
Dash-In’s only Cabarrus location is on Copperfield Boulevard. Tim Marburger Chevrolet recently held a ceremonial groundbreaking on a new dealership behind the Dash-In and the Cracker Barrel. Dash-In is building another store on North Tryon Street at the corner of Mallard Creek (beside OrthoCarolina in the University area).
I’m sure this is not the last time Concord will consider projects for the George Liles property, which is in a high-traffic, high-growth area.
In 2015, the property was rezoned from residential to allow a Lidl grocery store. It was never built.
No. 2
Navy Federal Credit Union appears to be the tenant in a new building under construction on Bruton Smith Boulevard. Technically, the property is at 7711 Gateway Lane. It is between Bojangles and the old Michael Waltrip Taproom.
Cross Commercial Real Estate Group lists the project on its website, showing Navy Federal as the tenant. The building is well underway.
Dutch Brothers Coffee is listed on a permit from back in 2024, but that project never moved forward.
The 1.26-acre lot sold May 5 for $1.35 million.
Next door, Michael Waltrip’s remains for sale. The taproom closed Dec. 1, 2025.
No. 3
Eloise Collections, a North Carolina-based specialty retailer focusing on collectible toys, mystery boxes, plush toys, and other pop-culture merchandise, is preparing to open at Concord Mills.
Construction signage has gone up for the store beside the Nike Clearance Store, and Concord Mills owner Simon has added Eloise Collections to its mall directory. An opening date has not been announced.
Eloise, whose logo says the company was established in 2023, has locations in Raleigh, Durham and Smithfield. Its merchandise includes blind-box collectibles, plush toys, collectible cards and miniature building kits.
The Concord location will also feature Bandai’s Gashapon capsule collectibles. Bandai’s official U.S. Gashapon directory now lists Concord Mills as a Gashapon location. Bandai has designated Eloise’s store at Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh as a Gashapon Bandai Official Shop.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the mall, JD Sports is open in the former Finish Line location.
I walked through the other day. JD’s has a lot of shoes and clothing. The Finish Line was much more open. I think JD’s has more stock on the sales floor.
No. 4
The Friends of Mount Pleasant Library had a great turnout for the Kristy Woodson Harvey book event on Monday. About 130 people attended and raised money for the Mount Pleasant Literary Festival.
Kim and I went and had a great time. Kristy was an entertaining speaker, and her fans seemed to enjoy hearing her speak and getting their books signed. There were a lot of women there. I think it was three other guys and me.
Editions was the bookseller for the event. The Kannapolis business continues to be active in a variety of fun events and groups. The bookstore was closed for a few days, but is back open on Main Street.
Save the date – the third annual literary festival at the Mount Pleasant Library will be March 18-20, 2027. “Chapter 3: The Plot Thickens” will feature 16 authors in the free three-day event.
Two other author events are coming up in October for the Friends of the Library. “The Mad Wife” author Meagan Church will be at the Mount Pleasant Library at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2. Editions were will be there with books for sale.
Storyteller Liz Pardue will be in Mount Pleasant on Monday, Oct. 19, for “Tarheel Terrors.”
Pardue will explore some of North Carolina’s most chilling ghost stories, haunted legends, and mysterious folklore.
No. 5
Anybody go to the Art Walk on Union last Saturday? We went and it was hot but fun. It looks like it was good for downtown business.
We got there a little after three o’clock and the new coffee shop was sold out.
1122 Coffee Company is a new locally owned coffee shop in downtown Concord, opened by sisters Karlee McBride-Webber and Kayla McBride, a guard for the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx. The name 1122 comes from the street number of the sisters’ childhood home in Erie, Pennsylvania. They said their goal was to recreate some of that feeling of home in a comfortable neighborhood gathering place.
The shop is located in the NOVI Flats development at 25 Barbrick Ave. SW, Suite 103 (attached to the parking deck). The small, 643-square-foot space seats about 17 people and serves locally roasted coffee, house-made syrups, pastries, and specialty drinks, including its blueberry-and-vanilla 1122 Latte. The sisters’ interest in independent coffee shops developed during their basketball travels and eventually inspired them to open their own.
Both Concord and Kannapolis seem to have a lot going on downtown these days, especially on the weekend.
This weekend Jordan and I are participating in the 4th Annual Let’s Get Moving Event & 5K on Saturday. It is being held at Harris Road Middle School/Moss Creek Greenway, 1251 Patriots Pride Blvd. in Concord.
Organized by the KennedyStrong Foundation, the event is designed as an inclusive celebration for people of all abilities, with participants encouraged to run, walk, or roll. Activities begin at 8 a.m., followed by a one-mile Buddy Run/Walk at 9 a.m., the 5K at 9:30 a.m., and an Activity Adventure Course from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. A DJ and family activities will continue throughout the morning.
Proceeds benefit the KennedyStrong Foundation, which provides programs supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in employment, independent living, skill development, and community inclusion. The organization is also working toward Independence Village, a planned mixed-use community intended to provide opportunities for people of all abilities to live, work, learn and play.
Looking for more to do. Here is a listing across Cabarrus County over the next couple of weeks:
· Saturday, Sept. 19 — Cars & Coffee, Concord: Charlotte Motor Speedway will host its monthly Cars & Coffee from 8 to 11 a.m. in the Fan Zone. Owners display classics, customs, hot rods, and other vehicles. Spectator admission is free, and there is no show registration fee.
· Saturday, Sept. 19 — Sunny’s Market, Kannapolis: Sunny’s Market returns to Atrium Health Ballpark from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free market features more than 100 local vendors, food trucks, live music and family entertainment. Organizers say the monthly markets have been drawing more than 5,000 people.
· Saturday, Sept. 19 — Cabarrus County Fair finale, Concord: The 2026 Cabarrus County Fair concludes its nine-day run at the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center. Saturday’s activities include the final night of the professional rodeo, with a “Denim and Diamonds” theme, along with midway rides, food, exhibits, and other fair attractions.
Saturday, Sept. 19 — Pokémon and Pints Nerdy Pop-Up Market: High Branch Brewing Company, 305 McGill Ave. NW, Concord, will host “Pokémon and Pints” from noon to 4 p.m. The free, all-ages pop-up market will feature cards, comic books, video games, toys, collectibles and more. A Pokémon Snap scavenger hunt will also give participants a chance to find Pokémon and win prizes. Beardy Weirdy’s Comics & Toys is partnering with High Branch for the event.
· Wednesday, Sept. 23 — MRO Bump n’ Run 5K, Concord: The Motor Racing Outreach Bump n’ Run 5K will be held at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Participants get the unusual opportunity to run on the speedway, with a post-race tailgate featuring live music, food trucks and fireworks.
· Friday-Saturday, Sept. 25-26 — Breakaway Carolina, Concord: The Breakaway Carolina Music Festival returns to zMAX Dragway for two days of live music. The touring music festival brings multiple performers and DJs to the Concord motorsports complex.
· Friday, Sept. 25 — Friday Night Flicks, Concord: Concord Parks and Recreation will present a free outdoor movie at Dorton Park beginning at 7 p.m. Families are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs, and food will be available for purchase. The showing is also part of Cabarrus County’s Creek Week activities.
· Sept. 25-Oct. 3 — Cabarrus County Creek Week: A week of environmental and family activities will celebrate the county’s creeks, rivers and streams. Events include a Sept. 26 festival at Frank Liske Park, a creek stomp, art programs, a rain-garden workshop, trivia night, frog walk and an Oct. 3 litter sweep. Mount Pleasant activities include a bottle-cap mosaic program Sept. 25 and an art-upcycling event Sept. 30.
· Saturday, Sept. 26 — Flint’s Fabulous 5K, Kannapolis: The Run Kannapolis series continues with Flint’s Fabulous 5K at 8 a.m. The race is part of the city’s yearlong Run Kannapolis series.
· Saturday, Sept. 26 — Vino & Vibes, Concord: ClearWater Arts Center & Studios will host its Vino & Vibes Wine Fest & Market with wine tastings, local artisans, specialty vendors, handcrafted goods and live music. The festival is open to all ages, although guests must be 21 or older to taste or purchase wine.
· Saturday, Sept. 26 — Live music, Mount Pleasant: The Shawn Ervin Trio will perform jazz and pop music at 73 & Main Restaurant in downtown Mount Pleasant. The performance is designed for patrons to enjoy over dinner or drinks.
If you have anything for the Friday Five or something I can rant about, email Plemmons.mark@gmail.com or text me at 704-786-0001.
