Hospitality Meets Tech: The Rise of AI, QR Menus, and Smart Service
The hospitality industry has always been about creating memorable experiences, but technology is redefining what “service” means.
Charlotte Just Got Its First Michelin Star, And It’s About Time
Charlotte has finally joined the Michelin map.
The “Experience Economy” Bubble: Are Guests Getting What They Paid For?
The hospitality industry has entered an era where dining out, staying at a hotel, or even grabbing a drink has evolved far beyond the basics of food, service, and shelter.
How Hospitality Brands Can Tap Into Halloween & Spooky-Season Experiences
October has evolved far beyond pumpkin-spice and jack-o-lanterns, it’s now a full-on experience economy, and hospitality brands stand to gain big.
Your Local Restaurant Is Doing More Than Serving Meals
Great bars and restaurants have always served up more than food and drink—they offer connection, belonging, and culture.
Tipping Culture in 2025: Fair Pay or Outdated Practice?
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.
The Fall Travel: What Seasonal Tourism Means for Local Hospitality
Crisp air, changing leaves, and harvest festivals make autumn one of the most magnetic travel seasons in the U.S.
Meet the 2025 Battle of the Babes Cocktail Competition Winners
The 5th Annual Battle of the Babes Cocktail Competition wrapped with an evening full of creativity, energy, and unforgettable flavors.
A Toast to an Incredible Night: Thank You for Making the 5th Annual Battle of the Babes a Success
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.
Beyond the Cocktails: The Vendors Bringing Extra Magic to Battle of the Babes
Cocktails might take center stage at the 5th Annual Battle of the Babes Cocktail Competition, but the experience goes far beyond the bar.
DJ Fannie Mae: The Soundtrack of Innovation and Community
The music scene in Charlotte has no shortage of incredible talent, but few artists embody creativity and cultural influence quite like DJ Fannie Mae.
Meet the Curator of Quality Vibes: DJ Micki Blendz
Cocktail competitions are about more than spirits, garnishes, and technique—they’re about atmosphere.
Imani Floyd on Creativity, Hospitality, and Breaking Barriers
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.
Marcus Hammond: From Banking to Building Culture, A Judge Who Knows the Power of Hospitality
The hospitality industry thrives on individuals who can bring people together through food, drink, and unforgettable experiences.
The Cocktail Bandits Bring Bold Flavor and Feminine Energy to Battle of the Babes 2025
The 5th Annual Battle of the Babes Cocktail Competition is already shaping up to be an unforgettable night.
Ashe Ortiz of Supperland: Bartending as a Ceremony and Storytelling
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.
Jenna of Bar Hermanita: Funk, Flair, and Flavor
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.
Alley Brown: Mixing Passion, Personality, and Purpose
The hospitality industry thrives on personalities that can turn an ordinary night into something unforgettable.
Craft, Curiosity, and Connection: Meet Rosalyn Cannon of Lorem Ipsum
There’s something magnetic about bartenders who can turn a simple drink into a story.
Bold Flavors & Fierce Confidence: Meet Ky Brown of The Waterman
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.