Mark your calendars, Charlotte! The 4th Annual Bites on Seventh Festival (formerly Eat Black Charlotte Food & Culture Festival) is back and promises to be bigger and better than ever! This event on Saturday, June 1st from 1 PM to 8 PM EDT is the perfect way to celebrate the vibrant culture of Charlotte's Black-owned businesses and kick off the summer season in style.

Forget the days of feeling left out when the drink orders fly around! The world of non-alcoholic beverages is exploding with options so dazzling, you'll be the envy of the party (even with the mocktail in hand). Whether you're chilling poolside, conquering a hike, or having a sophisticated soiree, there's a booze-free beverage bursting with flavor waiting to be your new BFF.

With health consciousness surging and inclusivity at the forefront, the Mocktail Trend is stirring up excitement in the hospitality industry, injecting a fresh twist into traditional bar menus. No longer relegated to the sidelines, non-alcoholic drinks are stepping into the limelight, offering an enticing array of flavors and experiences to suit every palate. But what exactly is fueling this mocktail mania, and why should we all be raising our glasses to it?

Ladies, get ready to mark your calendars because the wait is finally over! Charlotte's beloved Babe Cave is making a grand comeback, and this time, it's all about embracing a more mature vibe while still keeping its signature flair for fabulousness. So, grab your gal pals and get ready to experience a whole new level of sophistication and fun at the chicest spot in town.

The emergence of foodie culture has been both a flavor-packed phenomenon and a potential disruptor. Let's delve into the intricacies of this trend, exploring its definition, its impact on the industry, and the shifting behaviors of consumers.

Get ready to pop the cork and clink glasses because Hollywood's brightest stars are trading red carpets for premium spirits! In a delightful twist, celebrities like George Clooney, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, and Kendall Jenner are stepping into the liquor limelight. This blog uncorks the mystery behind why celebs are tapping into the liquor industry, creating a buzz that's got everyone in high spirits.

The charm of family-style farm-to-table dining is making a significant comeback. Imagine a communal table adorned with an array of colorful, fresh dishes, brought straight from local farms to your plate. It's not just a meal; it's an experience. The delightful world of family-style farm-to-table dining has a myriad of benefits that make it more than just a trend – it's a movement.

We're diving into a trend that's shaking up the drinking scene: millennials turning away from traditional alcoholic beverages. From Dry January challenges to the rise of the "sober curious" movement, young adults are redefining their relationship with alcohol. But what's driving this shift? Here are the reasons behind millennials opting for low-alcohol lifestyles and how it's reshaping the drinking culture.

Alcohol Laws is a vast perspective and North Carolina is stirring up a spirited conversation that might just redefine its drinking culture. Enter House Bill 94, the torchbearer of anticipation, aiming to dismantle the age-old ban on happy hour promotions for alcoholic beverages. Riding shotgun is Senate Bill 527, geared to loosen the reins and infuse a vibrant zest into North Carolina's drinking scene. As the Tar Heel State's alcohol laws evolve, the proposed changes are poised to shake up the business and consumer experience alike.

When talking about global commerce, the hospitality industry stands as a prime example of the far-reaching implications of responsible sourcing practices. Hotels and restaurants, while offering luxurious experiences and delectable meals, face a profound ethical responsibility – ensuring that the products they source uphold human rights standards. The supply chain, often stretching across international borders, demands a conscientious approach to prevent and address common human rights issues.

The world is evolving, and so are our discussions on inclusivity. In recent times, the hospitality industry has found itself at the center of a dialogue on whether to adopt gender-neutral and inclusive restroom policies. As we delve into this topic, it's crucial to weigh the diverse perspectives, acknowledging both the challenges and opportunities that come with such a paradigm shift.

Hotels find themselves at the crossroads of fortifying security measures and upholding the sanctity of guest privacy. Achieving this delicate equilibrium between surveillance protocols and guest confidentiality is a nuanced challenge that the hospitality industry is bravely addressing.

With over 660,000 restaurants in the US alone, the dining scene is more vibrant than ever. How do you stand out in this culinary kaleidoscope? The answer is in the experience. Enter the world of experiential dining, where it's not just about the food—it's a multisensory journey that leaves an imprint on your memory.

The conversation around restaurant dress codes is like a simmering pot of ideas, flavors, and a dash of controversy. Let's dive into the complexities and unravel the question: Are dress codes a nod to elegance, a tribute to tradition, or perhaps a subtle source of unintended discrimination?

An unspoken revolution has been quietly reshaping the world of travel and accommodation. While we're accustomed to the glossy allure of hotels, there's an undercurrent of change that demands our attention – the rise of Airbnb. Beyond the polished exteriors and welcoming lobbies, an alternative accommodation experience is gaining momentum, and the statistics reveal a story that challenges conventional norms.

Picture this: a dreamy escape to all-inclusive resorts, promising a vacation of sun-soaked bliss with everything included. But as we bask in the allure of endless buffets and beachfront paradises, a thought niggles at the back of our minds: what's the real impact on local communities? Let's take a peek behind the palm trees, weighing the upsides and downsides to decide if all-inclusive resorts deserve our enthusiastic cheers or a thoughtful pause.

In recent years, a groundbreaking culinary revolution has unfolded as cannabis seamlessly intertwines with the artistry of cooking. This dynamic trend has captured the imaginations of both culinary enthusiasts and cannabis connoisseurs, reshaping the gastronomic landscape from high-end restaurants to the heart of home kitchens.

In the not-so-distant beats of yesteryear, mega clubs once pumped life into city streets, beckoning revelers to dive into a neon-soaked realm of music, dance, and pure hedonistic bliss. Yet, as we bid farewell to the old and welcome the new year, the grand era of mega clubs seems to be dimming, leaving behind vacant dance floors and wistful recollections.

A groundbreaking transformation is unfolding—a movement that extends beyond the glitz of lavish accommodations, exquisite dining, captivating events, and the allure of exotic destinations.

In the wake of the transformative waves brought by the pandemic, the hospitality industry has emerged not just intact but showcasing an inspiring resilience. As we reflect on the challenges faced, the industry's ability to adapt, innovate, and reinvent itself comes to the forefront.