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By Ted Williams |
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Hello Thursday. OMG, Carowinds is building an adults-only swim-up bar inside their water park.
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Forget Blackberry Farm, I'm taking my wife here for her 40th birthday! We can sip rum runners as the kids hit the coasters. True romance.
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There's a subculture of theme park drinkers. I'm actually bullish on this concept.
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I posted the news on my LinkedIn and a local CEO dove headfirst into the comments with, "I can have a cocktail and sit in pee without leaving my neighborhood pool."
💼 Hot Job: Account Executive at Lucid Bots ($100K – $120K). Venture-backed AI robotics startup. Hiring manager is NC State grad Nick Ruocco.
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👨Shout-out: DeJané Angel Cade, 19 year old crochet designer and entrepreneur, for amassing 163K TikTok followers. She crocheted her entire prom dress, generating over 23M total views.
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MARKETS: YEAR-TO-DATE
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S&P 500 |
5,948 |
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Nasdaq |
19,020 |
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BULLISH
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Tipsy Pickle invests around $6M in huuuge build out, 24 people got "iced" on blockbuster opening weekend
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Saturday afternoon at Tipsy Pickle in Camp North End
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Now open: Co-founders Tanner Brooks (31) and Mike Salzarulo (42) nailed it with Tipsy Pickle at Camp North End.
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"We were thrilled with the reception," Tanner told me. "Guests couldn’t stop raving about how excited they were to have this concept be a part of this side of town."
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You couldn't open TikTok or Instagram and not see it on your feed. A true masterclass in influencer marketing.
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Layout: The 35,000 square foot facility has a massive mezzanine level and gives off adult playground vibes.
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6 pickleball courts
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2 TrackMan golf simulator bays
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3 bars with 31 TVs
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5 pool tables, shuffleboard, darts, arcade games
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Surface-level parking is free and easy — and you know Charlotte loves its parking
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Pickleball wars: Tipsy Pickle charges $40/hr for a weekend indoor court vs Rally Pickleball at $96/hr. Fascinating.
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Food and drink:
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"We sold an alarming amount of our Yoohoo Espresso Martinis for two," said Tanner. Cost is $18.
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Visitors can also "ice" their friends with Smirnoff Ices found inside discreet lockers. 24 were sold on opening weekend.
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From a food standpoint, The Supreme Crunchwrap ($12) and the Double Smash Burger ($14) were hits.
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Back of the napkin math: Tanner declined to disclose financials, but my bet is they’re aiming for around $12M in annual revenue (mostly food/bev) with 25% margins for net income of $3M.
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Build-out was around $6M and rent is likely over $1M/yr.
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"We partnered with Jared Londry and PointBlank Ventures as our capital raise partner," said Tanner.
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PRESENTED BY LAST MINUTE CLUB
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Last Minute Club aims to connect service-driven businesses with new leads — and it's already working
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Goodes Mobile Detailing, a LMC business member
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Local businesses who end up with last-minute cancellations or openings have to eat the cost of lost revenue… until now.
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How it works: For an easy $35 business membership fee, the LMC Instagram (2.1K followers) reposts same and next-day appointments.
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Owners: Join popular concepts like Kenna Kunijo, Mood House, SkillPop, Toccare, and others that use LMC to drive last-minute bookings.
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FRANCHISE PURCHASE
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25 year old Ian Martens quit EY to sell $3,500 mosquito misting systems
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Ian sporting a strong khaki and sneaker trade show look
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Ian Martens (25) and his friend Alex Close (31) invested 6-figures to start the MosquitoNix franchise in Charlotte.
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Economics: An average mosquito misting install is $3,500 and there’s a $130/mo servicing fee. It's perfect for homeowners in wooded areas, country clubs, and outdoor venues.
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On leaving his job: “Very hard decision to give up a cushy salary and benefits package,” Ian told me. “It’s weird not having someone telling me what work needs to get done on the day-to-day.”
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MONEY TALKS
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27 year old mortgage loan officer's income ranges from $110K to $300K, all commission
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Yafo SouthPark, home of the $45 family meal (so good)
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Money Talks is a weekly series showcasing how real people in Charlotte approach money. Participate.
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Living situation: “My partner and I have owned our townhouse since 2022. We split housing costs. I opted to put 5% down to keep cash more liquid. HOA is $275/mo with no amenities!”
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Credit cards: “I focus on cash back rather than points. Capital One Savor (3% back on groceries and dining), Citi Custom Cash (5% back on top spending category), and Citi Double Cash (2% back on everything).”
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Best expense: “ChatGPT Plus at $20/month! I use it for work, organizing grocery lists, brainstorming for gifts, writing poems about my dog and creating custom memes with friends.”
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Net worth: “Approximately $300K. I manage my investments myself. I use an Ally high-yield savings account (3.7%) and I've set up monthly recurring investments in FSKAX (total market index fund) through Fidelity.”
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Favorite book: “Die With Zero by Bill Perkins. It emphasizes creating ‘memory dividends,’ which are like investments in experiences that pay happiness over time.”
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Money hack: “$45 Yafo Family Meal. Best bang for your buck. Got family coming to town? Yafo Family Meal. Too lazy to meal prep? Yafo Family Meal.”
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Full story: 27 year old shares budget breakdown and $300K investment strategy
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MONEY SNACKS
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5 other financial headlines I’m snacking on
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Tickets start at $18 for Charlotte FC’s home opener at 2pm on Saturday. First fans to arrive get a limited-edition hat. 50,000 expected to attend.
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U.S. economy now reliant on rich. Households making $250K or more now account for 50% of spending.
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Foxcroft home with breathtaking three-sided glass room asks $2.9M. It's on Lemon Tree Lane, a top 10 street. Listed by Brandon Lawn.
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Major League Table Tennis (MLTT) hosts a 3-day tournament at Charlotte Convention Center this weekend. Tickets are $7.
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The EDIT Sale takes place now through Saturday. 80% off designer brands like Chanel, Zimmerman, and Valentino. Sundresses are around $100-$400.
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HOUSEKEEPING
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Puerta releases new menu with $18 tuna guacamole, adding more booths to their lounge
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Ceviche and tuna guacamole at Puerta in Elizabeth
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Puerta gives me OG Soul Gastrolounge vibes.
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Date night order: Red snapper ceviche ($21), tuna guacamole ($18), street corn and lamb empanadas ($12), and the carne asada with roasted shishito peppers ($42).
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New for groups: $150 "tacos for the whole table" package with your choice of two proteins and two sides. Choose the Wagyu flat iron steak.
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Brains: Credit to operating partner Ryan Hart (7K Instagram followers) of 1957 Hospitality, who also leads The Crunkleton, Rosemont, and Cheat's Cheesesteaks.
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Happy Thursday! Wish me luck as I coach my son’s U10 church basketball team in the playoffs this weekend.
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– Ted
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MONEY POLL
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How much do you plan to spend on alcohol this year?
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Last week’s poll results: What's the No. 1 most prestigious private school in Charlotte? (7,549 subscribers)
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