If you like to eat, drink and read, today's Friday Five is for you.
No. 1
A 7 Brew Coffee Drive-Thru is coming to the vacant lot between the Hibachi Pit and the Chase Bank on Concord Parkway.
The building permit describes it this way: "Prefabricated freestanding building with accompanying walk-in cooler delivers coffee, tea, and energy drinks to customers via drive-through lanes. No interior or exterior dining component is provided. The interior is only occupied by staff."
A fence has gone up around the property, and a portable toilet is on-site. Looks like construction will begin soon.
7 Brew is a fast-growing, drivethru-only beverage chain that began in Rogers, Arkansas, in 2017. Unlike a traditional coffee shop with indoor seating, the company said 7 Brew focuses on speed, customization and customer service, with employees often taking orders outside while customers wait in line. The company's menu extends well beyond coffee, offering flavored energy drinks, Italian-style sodas, teas, lemonades, smoothies, shakes and espresso drinks. Customers can choose from thousands of possible drink combinations by mixing flavors, milk options and other add-ins.
The chain has built a following by emphasizing what it calls "Cultivating Kindness" — creating an upbeat, friendly atmosphere while serving drinks quickly through its double drive-thru lanes. Since opening its first stand, 7 Brew has expanded rapidly to more than 700 locations across 38 states, making it one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in the country.
No. 2
The Cheesecake Factory is opening a restaurant at Concord Mills Mall.
It will go into the old Kirkland's slot at the entrance near Primark. Demolition began several days ago. It appears the restaurant will have to build an addition to the building.
The restaurant will have patio dining in addition to the interior seating.
The Charlotte Observer reported that The Cheesecake Factory will spend $7 million for the project.
I have not found a target day for an opening, but someone said November 2027. No doubt there is a lot of work to be done.
No. 3
Speaking of restaurants, Famous Toastery's new location at Farmington in Harrisburg is nearing completion. It will be the third Cabarrus location for the restaurant.
One is on Concord Mills Boulevard, and the other is on Branchview Drive in Concord.
No. 4
Residents will have two opportunities to celebrate National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 4, with community events hosted by the Kannapolis Police Department and the Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office.
The Kannapolis Police Department will host National Night Out from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Swanee Theatre, 200 West Ave., in downtown Kannapolis. The free event will feature games, bingo, free food, nonprofit vendors and family-friendly activities designed to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the community.
The department will also collect new school supplies for Kannapolis students in kindergarten through 12th grade during the event. Donations of items such as notebooks, pencils, pens and other classroom essentials will be distributed to students in need through Kannapolis City Schools this fall.
The Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office will hold its sixth annual National Night Out from 5-7 p.m. at the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center. This year's theme is "Neighbors United, Crime Defeated."
The event will include a free school supply giveaway for families while supplies last, along with opportunities to meet deputies, public safety professionals and community partners, explore specialized law enforcement units and enjoy free hot dogs, potted plants and dental hygiene giveaways.
The school supply giveaway is made possible through support from Cabarrus Partnership for Children, Novant Health and other community sponsors.
National Night Out is a nationwide campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to help build safer, stronger communities.
No. 5
The Friends of the Mount Pleasant Library invite readers to an evening with New York Times bestselling author Kristy Woodson Harvey as she celebrates the launch of her newest novel, "Falling for Peachtree Bluff." The event will be held at The Coach House in Mount Pleasant and includes an author talk, a hardcover copy of "Falling for Peachtree Bluff," refreshments, and a meet-and-greet with the author. Local bookseller Editions Bookstore will also have additional titles available for purchase and signing.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the 2027 Mount Pleasant Literary Festival, scheduled for March 18–20, 2027. A portion of every ticket sold will support the festival's mission to remain free and open to the public.
The event is hosted by the Friends of the Mount Pleasant Library. For ticket information and event details, visit: https://bit. ly/KristyWoodsonHarveytickets.
We've got an interview with Kristy coming up in the next couple of weeks. She is from Salisbury and lives in Beaufort.
If you have a Friday Five, story suggestion, or something I can rant about, email mplemmons@independenttribune.com or call or text 704-786-0001.
