Hello, Gaston! (my old friend),

As an NC State fan, I never expected to feel at home in a room full of UNC Tarheel memorabilia. But at Kyle Fletcher’s BBQ, it’s the BBQ (and maybe the onion rings) that brings all walks of life together and makes a Wolfpack guy like me feel welcome.

When I moved to town in 2000, I was told Kyle Fletcher’s BBQ was the best in town. Whether or not that was true didn’t matter—the crowded parking lot at lunchtime along Wilkinson Boulevard was all the proof enough I needed.

It was sad to hear about Kyle Fletcher’s passing this past week. Though I never had the chance to meet him personally, the outpouring of tributes shows just how beloved he was in our community. In addition to his deep love for his Tarheels, he also loved his South Point Raiders. 

He will be missed, but his and his brother’s BBQ legacy will live on—continuing to bring people together over the simple joy of sharing a meal. No matter what team they root for.

Thanks for reading!

Ben

P.S. If you enjoyed this week’s newsletter, please pass it along to someone who has eaten at Kyle Fletcher’s BBQ.

GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

BELOVED BBQ RESTAURANTEUR KYLE FLETCHER DIES AT 70

Kyle Fletcher, co-founder of the beloved Kyle Fletcher’s Barbeque in Lowell, passed away Thursday at CaroMont Regional Medical Center due to respiratory and cardiac issues. Known for his generosity, loyalty, and love for Gaston County, his iconic restaurant has been a community favorite since 1996. [Business North Carolina]

QUEEN’S FEAST STARTS THIS WEEKEND: JANUARY 17-26!

Treat yourself to a mouthwatering 3-course meal at the best local restaurants during Queen’s Feast! Enjoy special prix fixe pricing at Gaston County spots like The Bottle Tree, Old Stone Steakhouse,Marrelli's Italian Restaurant , and more. Be sure to reserve your table—this delicious deal won’t last long!

WATERBEAN COFFEE EXQUISITE COMING SOON

Gastonia’s Fuse District will soon welcome the first-ever Waterbean Coffee Exquisite. At nearly 4,200 square feet, it’s their largest location yet! With permits secured, construction is underway and expected to finish by May, with a grand opening set for summer. Stay tuned for more updates on this unique coffee shop!

CHURCH PLANS NEW SUBSTANCE ABUSE FACILITY IN GASTON COUNTY

City Church is transforming the Heritage Oaks Assisted Living Center into a 72-bed substance abuse treatment facility. With a $500,000 investment, the church is seeking $4 million in county funding for renovations. The facility will provide support for those battling addiction and address Gaston County’s opioid crisis. The church will present its proposal to county commissioners next month. [WSOC]

JADE & ELISE OBSIDIAN COFFEE CO. GRAND OPENING

Jade & Elise Obsidian Coffee Co. is celebrating its grand opening in Belmont this Saturday, Jan. 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stop by 7005 Wilkinson Blvd, Ste. D, for farm-fresh coffee, Colombian snacks, tropical smoothies, empanadas, and more. Explore their "tienda" of Colombian gifts, treats, and coffee to take home.

CAROMONT REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER-BELMONT OPENS

CaroMont Health’s new 54-bed hospital in Belmont, near I-85 Exit 27, offers 24/7 emergency care, maternity services, and a surgical suite. Designed to serve Gaston and nearby counties, it hopes to ease ER demand in Gastonia while supporting community growth.

SAKE EXPRESS IN BELMONT CLOSING

Sake Express in Belmont will close its doors on Jan. 24 after 14 years at 675 Park Street. Owners Lisa and Linda Nguyen are planning a return with a new, permanent location. In the meantime, customers can visit their Gastonia location to enjoy the same beloved flavors.

MEET TIONNA PETTUS: NATION’S TOP HIGH SCHOOL SCORER

Bessemer City’s Tionna Pettus is making history as the nation’s leading scorer in girls’ high school basketball, averaging 45.4 points per game. The 5’10” senior tied the N.C. single-game scoring record with 65 points in November and dominates with versatility, averaging 14.1 rebounds, 10.6 steals, and 4.6 blocks. [Charlotte Observer]

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16

Comedy Open Mic
📍Durty Bull in Gastonia
⏰8 p.m.
Ready for laughs? Bring your best jokes or just enjoy the show at this weekly open mic night. Free to watch, free to perform, and always a fun time. More Details.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17

Laser Shows: Electric Guitars (6 p.m.) & Led Zeppelin (7 p.m.)
📍The Schiele Museum in Gastonia
⏰Two shows (6 p.m. and 7 p.m.)
Enjoy your favorite bands paired with stunning laser graphics! More Details.

The Cherryville Little presents Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr.
📍The Cherryville Little Theatre
📆 Now through 1/19/25
⏰times vary
The Emmy-winning cartoon series comes to life in this fun-filled musical! Follow Tom, a young teacher, as he learns to engage his students with imagination and classics like "Conjunction Junction" and "Just a Bill."  More Details.

The Little Theater of Gastonia presents Clue
📍The Little Theater in Gastonia
📆 Now through 1/26/25
⏰times vary
Get ready for laughs and mystery in this hilarious whodunit, based on the iconic movie and classic board game! Who did it, where, and with what? More Details.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18

Laser Shows: Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon (6 p.m.) & Taylor Swift (7 p.m.)
📍The Schiele Museum in Gastonia
⏰Two shows (6 p.m. and 7 p.m.)
Enjoy your favorite bands paired with stunning laser graphics! More Details.

Pickin’ on the Porch featuring Ephraim Sommers
📍The Trailhead Store at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont
⏰2 - 4 p.m.
Enjoy live local music with warm drinks, s’mores, bonfires, and cozy vibes. Bundle up and beat the winter blues! Weather permitting. More Details. 

Rocky Road: Road to Trail Race
📍Whitewater in Charlotte
⏰8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
This new event, featuring Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K distances  combine road and trail running. Start on Whitewater Center Parkway, then transition to the trail system. More Details.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 19

Laser Show: Elton John
📍The Schiele Museum in Gastonia
⏰3:30 - 4:15 p.m.
Enjoy your favorite bands paired with stunning laser graphics! More Details.

MONDAY, JANUARY 20

Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
📍Historic Dallas Courthouse
⏰11 a.m.
This special program will honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebrate his impact on civil rights and equality. Refreshments will be provided following the event. More Details.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21

Veterans Coffee Connection
📍Outback Steakhouse in Gastonia
⏰8:30 a.m.
Join fellow veterans on the third Tuesday each month for free coffee, doughnuts, and camaraderie. Sponsored by Carolina Caring, this welcoming group is open to veterans of all ages and branches. More Details. (Disclaimer: I am an employee of Carolina Caring.)

Disclaimer: Event details are subject to change or cancellation. Please check with the event organizers for the most up-to-date information. We are not responsible for any changes after publication.

#GASTONGRAM

Check out the #GastonGram honorable mentions this week here and here.

SEE YA LATER, GASTON!

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