All this hot weather should be heating up the water. It's definitely pool weather and good for a lot of other stuff going on in the area.
No. 1
Two restaurant projects we told you about a few weeks ago are moving forward.
Construction crews have been active at the former Chick-fil-A building at Concord Commons and at the former O'Charley's restaurant across from Atrium Health Cabarrus.
Jaggers, a fast-casual burger and shake chain owned by Texas Roadhouse, is taking over the old Chick-fil-A location. Meanwhile, breakfast and brunch chain First Watch is renovating the former O'Charley's building.
Several permits have now been issued for both projects, a sign that work is progressing.
The rumor mill has been especially active around the O'Charley's site, with many people speculating that a Whataburger was headed there. To be clear, the project is First Watch.
As for Whataburger, I have not found any permits for the Texas-based chain anywhere in Cabarrus County. The closest confirmed location under construction is at the corner of Odell School Road, Derita Road and Carolina Lily Lane, just across the Mecklenburg County line.
No. 2
Families are invited to a free afternoon of fun, music and inspiration at the Love & Light Fest from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at Eagle Hall, 4827 Camp Cabarrus Drive, Kannapolis.
The children's event will feature a live book reading and signing by author Taylor White, with You Are So Loved available for purchase. A portion of book sales will benefit The Lantern Project, a local organization serving the community.
The Lantern Project is a Cabarrus County-based nonprofit dedicated to combating human trafficking and supporting survivors. The organization operates safe houses and provides resources designed to help survivors rebuild their lives while raising awareness about the realities of human trafficking in local communities.
Attendees can enjoy free activities including a bounce house, face painting, crafts, games and live music by Heaven Bound Collective. Children will also receive a free macaroni and cheese cup from the food truck.
A raffle featuring a fully loaded gift basket valued at more than $150 will be held, with tickets available for $3 each. All raffle proceeds will benefit The Lantern Project.
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A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Taylor White's
book, "You Are So Loved," will benefit The Lantern
Project.
Food vendors and specialty treats will also be available.
For more information, follow @tellofhisgoodness and @the.lantern.project on Instagram, or email tellofhisgoodnessbook@gmail.com
No. 3
Breakfast, brunch and lunch lovers have a new dining option in Concord with the opening of Another Broken Egg Cafe in Christenbury Village. This is the top of the hill off Christenbury Parkway, beyond Concord Mills.
Located at 2420 Herrons Nest Place NW, Suite 101, the restaurant serves a Southern-inspired menu featuring chef-driven breakfast, brunch and lunch selections. Signature offerings include Shrimp ’N Grits, Chicken & Waffles and the Lobster & Brie Omelette, along with kid-friendly, vegetarian and gluten-friendly options.
The Concord location is owned and operated by FourFiveNine Global, a North Carolina-based company that opened its first Another Broken Egg Cafe in Winston-Salem in 2025. Company officials said the Concord restaurant reflects the brand’s focus on Southern hospitality and innovative daytime dining.
Seasonal summer menu items include Peach Cobbler French Toast, Raspberry White Chocolate Pancakes, Low Country Shrimp & Fried Green Tomato Benedict and a Champagne Lobster Omelette.
The cafe also features a full bar with handcrafted cocktails, mocktails, mimosas and Bloody Marys.
Another Broken Egg Cafe is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Takeout, delivery and catering services are available.
For more information, visit anotherbrokenegg.com.
No. 4
Step into a world of fantasy during the Streetquest Fairy Walk in downtown Concord. It will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 27.
Participants are encouraged to dress as their favorite mythical or storybook character — including fairies, unicorns, dragons, princesses and knights — and take part in an afternoon of themed activities at participating downtown businesses.
The adventure begins at Purple Star Signs, where participants can pick up a magical passport. Visitors will then travel from business to business collecting stickers. Once passports are filled, participants can finish their quest at Serenitea Emporium.
Activities at Serenitea Emporium will include prize wheel spins, treats, face painting, children's loot bags and other family-friendly fun.
Serenitea Emporium also features a rotating selection of merchandise from local artisans and vendors.
For more information about the Fairy Walk and participating businesses, visit downtown Concord or contact Serenitea Emporium.
No. 5
A historic railcar once used by tobacco and energy magnate James B. Duke will receive a facelift thanks to a $75,000 grant from The Duke Endowment.
The North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer announced that the funding will support restoration work on the Doris, Duke's private rail car, which is part of the museum's permanent collection. The car was named for Duke's only child and was used for business travel along the East Coast during the early 20th century.
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The Doris was James B. Duke’s private rail car named after his
only child.
N.C. Transportation Musuem
Built in 1917, the Doris includes sleeping quarters, a dining room, kitchen, lounge area and an observation platform. Duke traveled in the railcar between New York, New Jersey, Charlotte and other locations tied to his business interests. During the final year of his life, he used the car while making trips related to the creation of The Duke Endowment.
Museum officials said the grant will fund replacement of worn carpeting and window blinds, along with interior and exterior painting. The railcar has been on display for decades following an earlier restoration.
The Doris is available for public viewing inside the museum's Back Shop and is occasionally featured in specialty tours. The railcar was also highlighted during The Duke Endowment's centennial traveling exhibit in 2025.
The North Carolina Transportation Museum is located in Spencer and is part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
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.
