Great bars and restaurants have always served up more than food and drink—they offer connection, belonging, and culture.

Tipping culture in 2025 is at a crossroads. Many guests feel pressured, workers depend on it, and businesses are rethinking how compensation works in hospitality.

Crisp air, changing leaves, and harvest festivals make autumn one of the most magnetic travel seasons in the U.S.

The 5th Annual Battle of the Babes Cocktail Competition wrapped with an evening full of creativity, energy, and unforgettable flavors.

The rooftop at Merchant + Trade was buzzing on Sunday, September 28, 2025, as hundreds of guests gathered for an evening of cocktails, community, and celebration at the 5th Annual Battle of the Babes Cocktail Competition.

Cocktails might take center stage at the 5th Annual Battle of the Babes Cocktail Competition, but the experience goes far beyond the bar.

The music scene in Charlotte has no shortage of incredible talent, but few artists embody creativity and cultural influence quite like DJ Fannie Mae.

Cocktail competitions are about more than spirits, garnishes, and technique—they’re about atmosphere.

Some careers are chosen, and some careers find you. For Imani Floyd, mixology came into her life through a chance decision to join student guilds during graduate school.

The hospitality industry thrives on individuals who can bring people together through food, drink, and unforgettable experiences.

The 5th Annual Battle of the Babes Cocktail Competition is already shaping up to be an unforgettable night.

Every cocktail tells a story, and for Ashe of Supperland, bartending is more than craft—it’s an act of expression, history, and even ceremony.

Every great bartender has a story, but few carry the mix of humor, grit, and cultural pride that Jenna of Bar Hermanita brings to her craft.

The hospitality industry thrives on personalities that can turn an ordinary night into something unforgettable.

There’s something magnetic about bartenders who can turn a simple drink into a story.

The magic of a great cocktail lies in more than the ingredients—it’s about the person behind the bar, the story they carry, and the energy they bring to every pour.

The hum of a busy bar holds a certain kind of magic. Glasses clink, conversations blend into a low hum, and at the center of it all stands the bartender—the person who brings the night together one cocktail at a time.

The skyline of Charlotte is breathtaking on its own, but from the 19th floor of Merchant + Trade, it becomes a front-row seat to the heartbeat of the city.

The hospitality industry, and specifically the nightclub sector, has seen significant growth in women-owned businesses in recent years. While the overall hospitality landscape provides more concrete data, nightclubs—though a smaller part of this ecosystem—play a vital role in driving social and economic change.

The hotel industry has seen significant growth in the participation and leadership of women over recent decades. However, while strides have been made in gender equality, challenges remain, particularly in terms of ownership representation, wage disparity, and leadership opportunities.