Two Starbucks and an Olive Bar

Dallas is slowly becoming a world class city right before our very eyes. Or should I say, a world class town. I can safely say this because our second Starbucks just opened up last weekend.

Now when you have two Starbucks in the same town, that alone doesn’t make you world class. However, when you throw in the fact that we already have an olive bar inside the fancy Ingles grocery store, then that’s when you know you have made the big time.

When you can order a venti iced brown sugar oatmilk shaken espresso and a platter of specialty olives without leaving town, that’s world class. 

But it wasn’t always this way. There was a time when the only coffee shop in the entire county was Joe Muggs, and that’s because it was attached to the Books-A-Million.

The business of serving up coffee and other fancy drinks and sodas has exploded in the last decade. Now these shops seem to number in the double digits, especially when you factor in all the mobile coffee shops.

We’ve come a long way. For some this is progress. For others, they just miss a simpler time. Or maybe they just miss a simpler place - like the Dallas Dairy Queen.

You see, that new Starbucks, the one that just opened with the lines wrapped around it, was built on the very same land that housed the old Dairy Queen. The same Dairy Queen that had been there for over 50 years before closing in 2019.

The Dallas Dairy Queen was a throwback from a different time that refused to change with the times. They displayed faded DQ signage from the 2000s, only took cash and had an old arcade game of NBA Jam in the corner waiting for your quarters.

Times change. They always do. It’s fine to reminisce about the past, but don’t miss the here and now.

Be where your coffee is, because both the cup and the moment will soon be gone.

Thank you for reading! Please share with your friends and neighbors!

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GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

☕ NEW STARBUCKS OPENS IN DALLAS

A new freestanding Starbucks with a drive-thru has opened at Hwy 321 and Dallas-Cherryville Hwy, on the former Dairy Queen site. This marks Dallas’ second Starbucks location—though questions remain about whether the Ingles kiosk will continue operating.

⛳ TEE UP AT THE GBA GOLF CLASSIC – TEAM SPOTS OPEN!

The 2025 GBA Golf Classic, presented by Enbridge Gas, hits Cramer Mountain Country Club on Thursday, October 23. Play nine holes by day, nine holes by night, plus enjoy dinner, raffles, and networking. A few team slots remain—grab yours now!

✂️ GASTONIA STYLIST SETS NEW WORLD RECORD

Congrats to Molly Prescott of Faded Cuts & Shaves! Last week at CaroMont Health Park, she set a Guinness World Record by completing five skin fades in just 11 minutes and 54 seconds—beating the previous record by three minutes. What other world records can we break at the ballpark next season? [The Gaston Gazette]

🌟 BRING COMFORT: VOLUNTEER WITH HOSPICE IN GASTON COUNTY

Carolina Caring, formerly Gaston Hospice, seeks caring volunteers to provide companionship and support for patients and families. No medical experience needed—just your time, presence, and compassion. Men are especially encouraged to join this rewarding service opportunity. ($)

🎅 WIN A MAGICAL SANTA HOME VISIT

We’re three months from Christmas and you could win a visit from Santa at your doorstep! Enter by Oct. 31 for a chance to welcome Santa Doug, a professional with 48 years of experience, for an unforgettable in-home visit this December. (Big thanks to our field correspondent Joanne for spotting this one!)

🎧 MANY THREADS PODCAST RETURNS WITH NEW NAME

Formerly The Building Belmont Podcast, the rebranded Many Threads Podcast debuts Friday. Hosts Keanu Trujillo and Sam Kline spotlight Gaston County’s people, stories, and connections that make this community feel like home. Tune in for the launch episode!

📰  QUICK BITES

Disclaimer: News items marked with ($) in this section indicate sponsored content.

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GO-SEE-DO GASTON

PLAN AHEAD

Building Hope Gala
📍 The Casey, 1801 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte
📅 Saturday, October 11
⏰ 6 p.m.
An elegant Roaring 20’s evening featuring Molly Grantham, auctions, dinner, and entertainment, benefiting Strong Like AK House and children battling cancer. More Details.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25  

Belmont Farmers Market
📍Glenway Street, Belmont
⏰ 4–7 p.m.
Shop local produce, meats, baked goods, flowers, and handmade items in downtown Belmont’s open-air market. More Details.

Cleveland County Fair
📍 Cleveland County Fairgrounds, Shelby
📅 Thursday, September 25 - Sunday, October 5
⏰ times vary
North Carolina’s largest county fair returns with rides, games, food, exhibits, and live entertainment through October 5. More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and flowers from Gaston County farmers. More Details

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

Fall Plant Sale at Holy Angels
📍 Holy Angels, Belmont
📅 Friday, September 26 - Saturday, September 27
⏰ times vary
Shop seasonal plants, flowers, and greenery at the Holy Angels fall plant sale. Proceeds support their mission and programs. More Details.

Harry Potter Weekend at the Belmont Drive-In
📍 Belmont Drive-In, Belmont
📅 Friday, September 26 - Saturday, September 27
⏰ sunset
Enjoy back-to-back Harry Potter films each night. $25 per carload, cash only. Snack bar open—no outside food or drinks permitted. More Details.

Friday Night Football
📍 Various locations
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
Friday night lights feature Ashbrook at North Gaston, Bessemer City at East Gaston, Forestview at Crest, Highland Tech at Lincolnton, Hunter Huss at South Point, and Stuart Cramer at Shelby.

The Belmont Abbey Players present Oslo
📍 Haid Theater, Belmont Abbey College, Belmont
📅 Friday, September 26 - Sunday, September 28
⏰times vary
The Abbey Players present Oslo, a gripping Tony Award-winning play exploring diplomacy and peace. More Details.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

Gaston College Rhino Run for Education
📍 Gaston College, Dallas
⏰ 8 a.m.
Annual 5K run/walk supporting scholarships for Gaston College students. Community, fitness, and philanthropy all in one event. More Details.

Brewstock Music Festival
📍 The Rooster, Gastonia
⏰ 12 p.m.
Annual Brewstock Music Festival features regional bands, craft beer, food trucks, and community celebration in downtown Gastonia. More Details.

Carolina Sound Music & Record Expo
📍 Gastonia Conference Center, Gastonia
⏰ 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Dive into Carolina’s music culture with record vendors, collectors, musicians, and more at Gastonia’s annual expo. More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Locally sourced produce, baked goods, meats, and flowers from Gaston County farmers. More Details

Kings Mountain Farmers’ Market
📍 313 South Battleground Avenue, Kings Mountain
⏰ 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Weekly farmers’ market offering local produce, baked goods, crafts, and more in downtown Kings Mountain. More Details

Mount Holly Farmers Market
📍 226 S. Main Street, Mount Holly
⏰ 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Shop fresh produce, local meats, flowers, and artisan goods at Mount Holly’s community farmers market. More Details

Movies in the Park: The Incredibles
📍 24 S. Main Street, Belmont
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
Join the Parr family for superhero fun under the stars at Stowe Park. More Details.

Muddy River Fall Festival
📍 Muddy River Distillery, Mount Holly
⏰ 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Celebrate autumn with craft spirits, live music, food trucks, and family fun along the Catawba River. More Details.

Cramerton Concert Series: Music & Movie
📍 Centennial Center, Cramerton
⏰ 6 p.m.
Enjoy live music from Next Level Band, then stay for a family-friendly movie in downtown Cramerton. More Details.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

Carolina Panthers at New England Patriots
📍 Gillette Stadium, Foxborough
⏰ 1 p.m. (FOX)
Panthers travel north to battle the Patriots in Week 4.

Trails + Treats: Book Signing and Guided Walk
📍 Daniel Stowe Conservancy, Belmont
⏰ 3 p.m.
Meet authors Palmer McIntyre and Hollis Oberlies for Trails & Treats talk, signing, and hike. More Details.

Dallas Farmers Market
📍 147 Sandcastle Rd, Dallas
⏰ 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Weekly farmers market with food trucks, full bar, live music, and local vendors at Sandcastle Farm. More Details.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Fresh produce, meats, baked goods, flowers, and handmade crafts from local Gaston County farmers. More Details

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. Events marked with ($) in this section indicate sponsored content.

#GASTONGRAM

SEE YA LATER, GASTON!

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