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By Ted Williams |
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Hello Thursday. Last night, we took our 3 kids to the Speedway Christmas drive-thru light show. All I could think about was their revenue at $45 per car — not including the Christmas Village, sponsorships, or the $75 fast pass upsell.
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We got there a few minutes after it opened at 6pm. It was already slammed. My advice is to go early on weeknights, otherwise you'll hit traffic (lots of grumpy online reviews).
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It's open from late November to early January. Let's just say on average it does 1,500 cars per night at $45 per car, that's over $3M in car revenue alone 🤯
💼 Hot Job: Director of Individual Giving at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation ($78K – $97K). Manage a portfolio of 250+ donors. Executive director is Jenni Gaisbauer.
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👨Shout-out: Natalie Parmenter, former CMS kindergarten teacher, for being featured on TODAY.com after aviral YouTube videos on "gifts teachers do not want" (3.2M views). Hint: more mugs, class treats, and Victoria's Secret.
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MARKETS: YEAR-TO-DATE
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Nasdaq |
19,392 |
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S&P 500 |
5,872 |
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THE LEAD
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Sauna House investing $3M in Nordic-inspired public bathhouse near Rhino Market
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Located between Town Brewing and Rhino
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Sauna House Charlotte aims to open on December 29th in Wesley Heights.
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Layout: 2 massive communal saunas, 2 stainless in-ground cold pools, salt lounge, heated furniture, showers, lockers, and dry changing area.
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Founding memberships: Popular option is 4 visits per month for $160 (regularly $255).
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Charlotte market: Their goal is to build total of 5 over the next 6 years.
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Targeting NoDa, Ballantyne, Steele Creek, and University City.
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They're looking for a Charlotte franchisee, so if interested contact Lane Genzlinger.
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Background: It's the brainchild of CEO Andrew Lachlan, who recently raised over $3M from investors including private equity firm JDS Sports.
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I’ve heard their original spot in Asheville is very cool.
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I haven't seen the investor deck or franchise disclosure document, but economics must be drool-worthy because they've got over $32M of build outs happening over the next 16 months.
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PRESENTED BY MOOD HOUSE
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Mood House voted "No. 1 Best Massage" in back to back years
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Holiday Chill Package, their bestseller
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Carolina Panthers TopCats cheerleaders and the Charlotte Ballet dancers turn to Mood House. It's owned by my good friend, Cristina Wilson.
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Gift idea: Use code "TINY20" for 20% off Mood House gift cards, valid only through midnight tonight.
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OFFSEASON TRAINING
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$300K indoor batting cage facility opens in Oakhurst
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Hack Attack pitching machines ($3.5K) with nasty curveball
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The Players Athletic Club, a 7,800 square foot indoor training facility, just opened near the Habitat Restore in Oakhurst.
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Idea: "My nephew got really into baseball, and we identified the need," said founding partner Blair Henson. "Parents tell me — we're so happy you're here and just 5 minutes from our house."
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Layout: Gym in the front and indoor turf field in the back with retractable nets to create an open field or 7 lanes of batting cages.
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Offering: Batting cage rentals, private lessons, and group coaching. Single use of the batting cage for 60 minutes will run you $60. Teams can also rent the entire facility. All bookable online, no membership.
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Use case: Forget the kids, I hope my washed up baseball buddy turned corporate attorney George Carter has his 40th birthday party here.
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MONEY TALKS
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29 year old making $150K frantically saving for down payment, but feels "out of reach"
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Bar at Al Mike’s in Uptown, their favorite spot for cajun fries
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Money Talks is a weekly series showcasing how real people in Charlotte approach money. Participate.
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Salary: "I'm a project manager at a financial institution. My salary is $130K plus an additional $15-$20K annual bonus. I started my career making $35K at a non-profit."
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Budgeting: "I'd consider it almost like a hobby at this point. I use Monarch Money. I also have a spreadsheet that I keep on my own with all expenses categorized since 2015."
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Investments: "I just try to max out my 401k and an IRA each year. Set it and forget it. No financial advisor, all index funds. My net worth is about $100K."
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On my mind: "Focus on being present — it's easy for me to get distracted by money and what I don't have. Money is just a tool and putting too much focus on it makes me unhappy and unable to be a good friend."
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Full story: Exact budgeting techniques from 29 year old trying to save for home down payment
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MONEY SNACKS
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5 other financial headlines I’m snacking on
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Yemeni coffee shop Qahwah House opens today in Plaza Midwood where Stroke used to be.
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Caesars Virginia now open 2 hours from Charlotte in Danville, VA. 79 table games, sports book (5 windows), 5 restaurants, and spa.
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Gravity Pizza now open at Camp North End. Made with sourdough. Go with the Tommy Boy.
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Delta Sky Club now open at the airport. 14,165 square feet, 246 seats, 6 six soundproof booths, and 14-seat bar.
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Growlers Pourhouse hosting "London" New Year's Eve party that ends at 8pm. 5-course meal. Tickets are $69.
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HOUSEKEEPING
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Steak 48 leaves the martini shaker at the table with you
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Dirty martini with bread lurking in the background
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My order: Tito’s dirty martini on the rocks with blue cheese olives. Only the finest for a sophisticated blogger like myself!
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Dirty martini power ranking: Steak 48, Supperland, Rooster's, Good Food (sleeper pick), The Crunkleton.
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Programming note: I love writing newsletters, but I love my family more. I’ll be back in your inbox on January 9th.
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Happy Thursday! I’ve got a double date tonight at Beef ‘N Bottle, where last time they ran out of glasses and served my dirty martini in a wine glass.
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– Ted
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P.S. Tomorrow morning I’m grabbing breakfast with Our State media mogul Bernie Mann in Greensboro and afterwards I’m driving the extra 45 minutes to hit the craps table at Caesars Virginia 🎲🎲!
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MONEY POLL
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Do you plan on switching jobs in 2025?
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Last week’s poll results: Best burger in Charlotte? (6,154 subscribers)
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