SCAVENGER HUNT

UNC Charlotte packs a big punch in the local economy. With nearly 85,000 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!


Two WAYS TO PLAY

Traditional Scavenger Hunt and QR CODE CHECK-IN CONTEST


Traditional Scavenger Hunt

details:

  • Dates: Monday, October 9 – Sunday, October 15.
  • Daily riddles will feature Niner Alumni-Owned brick and mortar businesses.
  • Businesses have four goody bags, including one “Golden Ticket” each day.
  • Golden Tickets include Panthers and Hornets tickets, Blumenthal Performances, Whitewater Center Packages or Gift Certificates.

HOW TO PLAY:

  • Follow UNC Charlotte’s Alumni Account on Instagram
  • Watch Instagram Stories for clues on the day’s featured business. 
  • Consult the list of Alumni-Owned businesses below for possible answers. 
  • Head to the business to claim your prize — first come, first served!

QR CODE CHECK-IN CONTEST

Details:

  • Dates: Monday, October 9 – Sunday, October 15.
  • Alumni-owned businesses will prominently feature a QR code for check-ins
  • Various points are assigned to specific locations and are listed below.
  • Prizes will be awarded to three participants with the highest points 
  • Prizes include 704 Shop Gift Cards, Nov. 18 premium Niner Club tickets and a premium Charlotte swag bag.

how to play:

  • Consult the list of Alumni-Owned Businesses below to see who is participating
  • Visit the business and scan the QR code displayed using your smartphone and check-in with the provided form.
  • In the event of a tie, winners will be determined through a selection process facilitated by an online randomizer tool.

NINER-OWNED BUSINESSES

The list below represents just a handful of UNC Charlotte alumni-owned businesses. If you are an alumni business owner and would like to be included in initiatives in the future, please reach out to Jessica Dunlow, Assistant Director of Affinity Networks via email at jldunlow@charlotte.edu.

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.

QR CODE STOP

 Alpha Male Nail Care

For a modern take on grooming, visit Alpha Male Nail Care owned by Sheena Pickett ’06 , where meticulous nail services cater to men looking for a polished look with a masculine touch.

QR CODE STOP

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.

QR CODE STOP

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.

The Bevery

Crafted for adventure, Kristen Cagney ’19 opened The Bevery, 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.

Boardwalk Billy’s

Boardwalk Billy’s Raw Bar and Ribs opened in 1998 and has been a University City landmark ever since. It’s famous for fresh seafood, award-winning BBQ and down home southern hospitality. Jamie Jenkins ’97 and Darnaye Black ’99 have been involved since the beginning.

QR CODE STOP

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.

Cabarrus Brewing Co.

Sip on the spirit of Cabarrus Brewing, where handcrafted beers are brewed with a dash of local pride, making every pint a taste of North Carolina.

QR CODE STOP

D9 Brewing

Founded by Andrew Durstewitz who attended UNC Charlotte in 2009, D9 Brewing is a staple of the North Carolina craft beer scene,  where master brewers craft unique, innovative brews that push the boundaries of flavor.

QR CODE STOP

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.

QR CODE STOP

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.

Ed’s Tavern

Owned by Tina Blundell ‘14,  Ed’s Tavern is a popular Dilworth neighborhood watering hole where camaraderie and cold brews flow freely.

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.

QR CODE STOP

Heist Brewery

Embrace the craft beer caper at Heist Brewing, where each brew is a masterful heist of flavors, making every visit an adventure.

QR CODE STOP

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!

Moo and Brew

At Moo and Brew, indulge in the ultimate burger and beer pairing experience, where mouthwatering patties meet an extensive selection of craft brews. It’s owned and operated by Zach Current ‘99.

QR CODE STOP

Ninety’s Dessert Bar:

Indulge your sweet tooth in a wonderland at Ninety’s Dessert Bar, dessert destination like no other, brought to you by Darith Ngear ‘10, a 90s kid-owned family business.

QR CODE STOP

Open Kitchen

Dishes like Mama K’s Supreme Pizza Pie, Chicken Livers Grecque, Chicken Scallopini and the Eggplant Parmigiana are fan favorites at this family-owned Charlotte staple owned and operated by Christina Skiouris ‘76 Stephanos Skiouris ’13.

Paper Skyscraper

Discover whimsical treasures at Paper Skyscraper owned by  Bill Godwin ‘11, a charming boutique where unique gifts and eclectic goods await the curious shopper.

QR CODE STOP

Petty Thieves:

Raise a glass to rebellion at Petty Thieves Brewing, where each beer is an act of defiance against the ordinary, brewed with a touch of mischief owned by Ted Rosenau ‘04

QR CODE STOP

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.

Red Rocks Cafe

Red Rocks Cafe, owned by John Love ’84, is your destination for upscale dining with a dash of southern hospitality, where exceptional cuisine meets warm, welcoming service in an elegant setting.

QR CODE STOP

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.

QR CODE STOP

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.

QR CODE STOP

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!

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!

Super Abari Game Bar

Level up your nightlife at Super Abari Game Bar, where vintage arcade games and craft cocktails collide for a fun-filled evening of gaming and libations, owned by Zach Pulliam ‘09.

QR CODE STOP

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!

QR CODE STOP

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!

QR CODE STOP

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 – Belmont Location

With 14 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.

QR CODE STOP


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 and would like to be included in initiatives in the future, please reach out to Jessica Dunlow, Assistant Director of Affinity Networks via email at jldunlow@charlotte.edu.