Published February 27, 2026

New in Charlotte: Cane’s, Harriet’s, Waymo & Publix Coming to Uptown

Written by Jay White

New in Charlotte: Cane’s, Harriet’s, Waymo & Publix Coming to Uptown header image.

What’s New in Charlotte: Cane’s, Harriet’s, Waymo & a Publix Surprise

CHARLOTTE LIFESTYLE | WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW

It’s been a busy week around Charlotte.

From new restaurant openings to autonomous vehicles hitting the streets — and even a major grocery announcement in Uptown — there’s a lot happening across the metro.

If you missed our recent lifestyle updates on RealizeCharlotte, here’s the full breakdown.

🍗 Raising Cane’s Is Now Open in Rock Hill

Rock Hill just got a serious traffic boost.

Raising Cane’s officially opened February 24 at:

📍 520 John Ross Pkwy, Rock Hill, SC

If you’ve ever seen a Cane’s opening in another city, you already know — long lines, strong opinions about sauce, and instant buzz.

For Charlotte-area residents near the South Carolina line, this adds another high-demand fast-casual option and continues the retail growth story happening in Rock Hill.

☕ Harriet’s Opening in Plaza Midwood – March 3

Plaza Midwood keeps adding to its walkable, neighborhood charm.

Harriet’s opens March 3rd at:

📍 1711 Commonwealth Ave #180, Charlotte, NC 28205

New concepts opening in Plaza Midwood are always worth watching. The neighborhood continues to evolve while maintaining its character — and additions like this reinforce why it remains one of Charlotte’s most desirable in-town areas.

Expect strong foot traffic and community buzz right out of the gate.

🚗 Waymo Self-Driving Cars Arrive in Charlotte

Yes — this week, Waymo autonomous vehicles officially hit Charlotte streets.

This is a major signal.

Charlotte continues to be selected as a test and expansion market for forward-thinking technology companies. That says something about:

Infrastructure readiness
Population growth
Innovation adoption
National relevance

Whether you’re excited about autonomous vehicles or still skeptical, one thing is clear: Charlotte is on the radar.

🛒 Publix Purchased Land in Uptown

This one caught a lot of attention.

A Publix location is coming to Uptown after a reported $4.8 million land purchase.

There’s no official opening date yet — but the signal matters.

Uptown residential density continues to grow, and grocery access is one of the final pieces that solidifies a truly livable urban core. A Publix presence would be a meaningful addition for condo owners, apartment residents, and future development nearby.

We’ll be watching this closely.

Why These Updates Matter

At first glance, these seem like separate stories.

But together they point to something bigger:

Retail expansion in surrounding markets like Rock Hill
Continued investment in high-demand neighborhoods like Plaza Midwood
Tech companies selecting Charlotte for rollout markets
Grocery infrastructure strengthening Uptown’s residential appeal

Which Update Are You Most Excited About?

Did you try Cane’s yet?
Will you check out Harriet’s?
Have you seen a Waymo car in person?
Are you waiting on that Uptown Publix?

Let us know! We love keeping our finger on the pulse of what’s happening around the Queen City.