Charlotte-area business owners, from entrepreneurs opening a flagship location to franchisees helping national brands grow, came together to connect with one another and share progress about their plans.
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The first-ever What Now Charlotte Accelerate event took place at The Goodyear House on Sept. 24, 2024.
Throughout a presentation led by What Now Media Group Founder and CEO Caleb Spivak, entrepreneurs took turns sharing their stories, giving updates on their progress, and reflecting on what their business means to them. Some key takeaways: You’ll get nowhere without passion, it’s crucial to know how to pivot effectively, and connecting with others in the community can be a gamechanger.
Tyler Kotch, the owner and operator of PIE.ZAA, shared that the establishment boasts a menu full of high-quality ingredients and plans to expand are actively in the works. Originally in Asheville, PIE.ZAA has now taken over the pizza scene in Charlotte and soon to be Wilmington.
Aimee Larson, president of Conway Restaurant Group, discussed Napa’s goal to make good wine accessible. According to The Charlotte Observer, Napa is “wine focused without being pretentious [and they want people to feel comfortable, no matter where they are in their wine journey, but they also want to focus on really good food.]” The Conway Restaurant Group is looking forward to the continued expansion within the Charlotte area and now Raleigh.
Preferred Partners in attendance included 7th Peak Marketing, Heartland, ADT, Our Town America, Disco Coffee, Ecolab, Liquid Recover Solutions, National Restaurant Properties, SpotOn, Offline, and US Foods. The industry experts in What Now Media Group’s network of Preferred Partners help new businesses open and existing businesses grow.
What Now Media Group shares restaurant opening news in 31 cities across the U.S., breaking news and providing timely insight into yet-to-open brick-and-mortar businesses. Stay tuned for future Accelerate events from What Now Media Group in 2024. See the Accelerate page here for more details.

Mariah Medley is an emerging writer with a passion for amplifying the voices of business owners in the hospitality industry. With a background in copywriting, Mariah has curated a gift for crafting compelling narratives that resonate with audiences, giving attention to the unique stories behind business concepts.
Having worked alongside hospitality professionals,
Mariah understands the challenges and difficulties they face in today’s oversaturated market. This insight fuels Mariah’s desire to share their experiences, celebrating the creativity and resilience they uphold.
Now venturing into journalism, through interviews, features, and profiles, Mariah seeks to highlight the personal journeys of business owners, fostering a deeper connection between them and their communities.