UNC Charlotte packs a big punch in the local economy. With nearly 100,000 alumni in the Charlotte region, it’s safe to say you’re encountering a Niner every day, including through many of your favorite businesses.
As we celebrate Charlotte’s hometown university during Niner Nation Week, we’re highlighting alumni-owned businesses around the region and thanking them for their contributions to the Queen City and beyond.
GO NINERS!
THE DETAILS
- Dates: Monday, October 17 - Friday, October 21.
- Daily riddles will feature one or two Niner-Owned brick and mortar businesses.
- Featured businesses have a limited number of goody bags, including one “Golden Ticket” each day.
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Golden Tickets include Panthers and Hornets Games, Blumenthal Performances, Whitewater Center Packages or Restaurant Gift Baskets.
HOW TO PLAY
- Follow UNC Charlotte on Instagram.
- Watch Instagram Stories for clues on the day’s featured businesses.
- Consult the list of Niner-owned businesses for possible answers.
- Head to the business to claim your prize — first come, first served!
EXTRA CREDIT
Want to take the competitions to the next level? Join the extended campus Scavenger Hunt to earn extra prizes and gear. Download the Scavify app, create a username and password, search for the “Niner Nation Week” hunt, and start racking up points and special rewards!
All are eligible to play and no purchase is necessary.
Niner-Owned Businesses
The list below represents just a handful of UNC Charlotte alumni-owned businesses. If you are an alumni business owner, register with Niner Business Network, an initiative from the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association to support and connect fellow alumni in the business community.
704 Shop
Chris Moxley '03, Jerri Shephard '14 and Scott Wooten are three former UNC Charlotte roommates with a passion for their hometown. The trio built the 704 Shop brand founded on showing Charlotte pride with style.
Americana Beer
Co-owner Justin Moore '05 opened Americana Beer Company in the summer of 2022 as the second craft brewery and taproom in Monroe, North Carolina.
Autobell
A foundation of Charlotte’s business community, Autobell was founded in Charlotte in 1969 and now has over 80 locations across the southeast. Current CEO Chuck Howard '71 runs the privately held and family-operated company.
Box Babe/Corporate Gift Co.
Launching Box Babe in March 2020, Haley Sutton '19 provides personalized gifts and exemplary customer service. The venture was so successful, Sutton landed herself on the Forbes Next 1000 list and will soon launch her second business, Corporate Gift Co.
Dilworth Neighborhood Grille
Matt Wohlfarth '91 has been welcoming friends and Niners for good food and drinks at Dilworth Neighborhood Grille, the go-to spot on Morehead since 2004.
DUPP & SWAT
Brother and sister duo, Dion and Davita Galloway '03, '06 have created DUPP & SWAT, a creative studio in Camp North End, established as a safe and creative platform with access to resources, programming, meaningful events and social growth opportunities for black entrepreneurs and creatives in Charlotte.
El Puro Cuban Restaurant
Ana A Perez Ochoa '22 and Manny Perez '21 own and operate El Puro Cuban Restaurant in Charlotte and Havana Carolina Restaurant and Bar in Concord. Both restaurants are filled with incredible food, lively atmosphere and family love.
Gold Leaf Cigar Lounge
Larry Payne '01 operates Lake Norman's Gold Leaf Cigar and Lounge offering the finest selection of smokes and drinks. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
Pharr Mill Brewing & BBQ
Alston Richardson '07 helped found Pharr Mill Brewing, a local favorite in Harrisburg, N.C. The venue recently expanded to a new location in Concord and added the “& BBQ” to their name to create a full experience honoring their roots.
Prohibition Candle Company
CharLIT got a whole new meaning when alumni couple Andrew '15 and Emily Baker '15 created a cocktail-themed Prohibition Candle Company in March 2022.
Royal Bliss Brewing
With a philosophy of “In life and beer, balance is bliss,” Larry Griffin Jr. '84 created Royal Bliss Brewing Co. in Denver, N.C. It’s the perfect spot to meet a friend or family for an afternoon of good food and fellowship.
Sabor Latin Street Grill
Dynamic alumni couple Dalton Espillat '07 and Miriam Espillat '13 created Sabor Latin Street Grill with FAB (fresh, authentic, and bold) food and locations popping up all over the region. They seek to make an even greater impact on their community through good works, and not just with happy bellies!
Sammy’s Neighborhood Pub
John Bailey '94 is the man behind Sammy’s Pub which has been serving up great food (try the wings, trust us) with a smile in downtown Belmont since 1994. Their reputation for a good eats and atmosphere spurred the opening of location #2 in nearby Dallas.
SmallCakes Utopia
When Steve “CJ” White '13 and Samantha White '11 opened Smallcakes Utopia, they found their happy place. They believe that a cupcake will always bring happiness to others. Hard to argue with that!
Summit Seltzer
Crafted for adventure, Kristen Cagney '19 opened Summit Seltzer, the first seltzery on the East Coast featuring craft seltzers and cocktails. Stop by after a yoga session, weekend hike or for an afternoon of yard games.
The Savage Way
Torrie Savage '05 and her team are creating something out of nothing and turning heads while doing it. The Savage Way’s unique approach to advertising is catching the attention of brands and companies all across town who are putting their names down in clean graffiti and moss art. Including UNC Charlotte!
The Wine Vault
Tim Wallace '99 owns this alumni and faculty/staff favorite. The Wine Vault has been serving the university community with a unique blend of fellowship, dialogue, music and of course, wine, since 1994!
Vaulted Oak Brewery
Built on a sense of community and with the lessons from two business grads, Chuck Kistler '06 and Kiel Arrington '08 opened Vaulted Oak Brewery in the Oakhurst neighborhood. Just look for the bar in the former BB&T bank!
Village Juice & Kitchen Company
Looking for a healthy — but tasty — option in Optimist Hall? Joey Cohen '07 opened Village Juice & Kitchen offering just the thing since bringing the franchise to Charlotte in 2019.
Waterbean Coffee
With 12 locations across the region, Tony Vo '07 has struck gold with his popular Waterbean Coffee. In a world of coffee drive-throughs, Vo has remained true to his original vision that a good cup of coffee should be served in a place where you can relax, be in community and enjoy.
Niner Nation Week celebrates the people and progress of UNC Charlotte, and we are delighted to showcase just a handful of Niners making an impact in our community. If you are an alumni business owner, register with Niner Business Network, an initiative from the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association to support and connect fellow alumni in the business community.