Co-owner Val Panizzut says he wasn’t initially looking to move, but saw the vacant spot that once was home to short-lived VJ Cappas Italian Steakhouse as a real opportunity.
“I like the idea of being on the water, and I like the idea of the patio seating,” Panizzut says of the location next door to Vinnie’s Sardine Grill & Raw Bar. Tom McMahon of Sperry Van Ness is the broker who helped Panizzut recently close the deal.
Other than the view and the added outdoor seating, Panizzut says there are no major changes on tap for the nine-year-old restaurant. He says the menu will essentially stay the same, perhaps with the addition of more happy hour offerings and a future expansion of the wine list. He also says he will likely hire a few more servers and back-of-the-house positions, but his core staff will transfer across town with him.
As competition for parking spots may also be an issue, Panizzut says there may come a time when they consider valet parking for their customers.
The Prickly Pear is now at 673 Williamson Road, off I-77 Exit 33. View the menu or get more information at www.pricklypear.net or call 704-799-0875.
Cornelius loses two restaurants in a week
Sebastiano’s Due, an Italian restaurant on West Catawba Avenue in Cornelius, closed its doors earlier this week and will not reopen, according to a source close to the owner. The source says following the death of owner Tommy Lacon’s father about three months ago, Lacon has found it difficult to keep up with both the Cornelius location and its sister restaurant in Mooresville (Sebastiano’s Pizzeria on Brawley School Road), which will remain open.
Also shuttering its business this week was the K&W Cafeteria in Magnolia Plaza, after 12 years there in business.
“As you know, Sunday, April 29 was the last day of business for our Cornelius K&W Cafeteria,” said Dax C. Allred, president of K&W Cafeterias Inc. “Since opening in May of 2000, we have enjoyed being part of the Cornelius community and appreciate the support of our loyal customer base. Unfortunately though, the location has under-performed for quite a while now despite all efforts to streamline operations and it was pure economics that drove us to make the difficult decision to close the restaurant.”
Business booming in top-rated Iredell
Site Selection magazine has placed the Mooresville and Statesville economic development organizations on its list of “Top Economic Development Groups for 2011.”
Mooresville and Iredell County are part of the 16-county Charlotte region marketed worldwide by the Charlotte Regional Partnership.
Robert Carney, executive director of the Mooresville-South Iredell Economic Development Corp., credited its success to the close relationships with the governing board and the leadership and guidance it receives from members of the Mooresville Town Board and the Iredell County Commission.
“Mooresville’s continued success is attributed to our efforts to market our region as a whole and to share with our clients that the Mooresville community is a great place to live, work and raise a family,” Carney said in a recent press release from the magazine.
”The 16-county region that makes up Charlotte USA is one of our biggest resources when it comes to recruiting new businesses and generating new jobs,” Carney said. “Creating new jobs and increasing capital investment in our community takes a cooperative effort on behalf of local governments, business and citizens.”
The magazine reported that in 2011, Iredell County landed 28 projects. Mooresville’s 2011 total community investment figures were $248 million in new investment, 1,142 new jobs and nearly 2.5 million in new square footage.
Site Selection based its ranking on Mooresville’s performance in several categories, including new jobs, new jobs per 10,000 residents, new investment and new investment per 10,000 residents.
Top window retailer expands local store
Window Nation has expanded its Huntersville showroom and will hold an open house for visitors and potential customers Saturday, May 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The new 2,500-square-foot showroom at 15905 Brookway Drive (Suite 4104) features name-brand vinyl, fiberglass and wood windows in settings that simulate the interior and exterior walls of a home to give buyers a sense of how the windows look once installed.
“In the midst of a tough economy, we’re finding Charlotte-area homeowners are still paying attention to their homes’ upkeep and value,” says the company’s president, Harley Magden. “Windows that improve energy efficiency have been especially good sellers in this market.”
For customers who prefer in-home demonstrations, Window Nation specialists bring samples directly to the home, giving customers a realistic view of how the windows will appear in their own setting. The company also carries a variety of siding options and doors.
More information is available at www.windownation.com or 704-816-1720.
New market features food, plants and more
A new weekly, open-air market will debut Saturday, May 5, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Shoppes at Birkdale Crossing in Huntersville (9525 Birkdale Crossing Drive).
Yah’s Best Products of Huntersville will be on site with fresh vegetables and its popular salsas, dips and dressings. Oakdale Greenhouses will provide a wide variety of plants and about one dozen local vendors will sell handmade soaps, candles, jewelry, baked goods and more.
Admission is free and is sponsored by 32 Flavors Boutique and The Nook Coffee Bar & Eatery, with support from the management of the Shoppes at Birkdale Crossing. More information is available on the Shoppes at Birkdale Crossing Facebook page or by calling 704-896-3232.
Myrick to receive small biz ‘thank you’
U.S. Representative Sue Myrick will be the guest speaker at the next Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce Power Luncheon on Friday, May 11.
Myrick will offer an update on business-related legislation as well as gather input on creating private sector jobs. She is expected to highlight the importance of small businesses as job creators and the agenda of House Republicans to create a more competitive business environment. In addition, the Chamber will honor Myrick for her 18 years of service to the state’s Ninth District.
The luncheon will be held at NorthStone Country Club in Huntersville, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., and is sponsored by Carolinas HealthCare System and Business Today. Registration is required. Cost is $16 for Chamber members and $20 for non-members. RSVP to the Chamber by calling 704-892-1922.
Lunch with a side of learning in May
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management will host a drop-in “Lunch and Learn” series in Huntersville on Wednesdays, May 10, 17 and 24. The weekly series will address Social Security and Medicare, retirement income and women in transition.
The certified financial planners of the Watson Rericha Group host this free catered lunch series aimed at helping navigate sensitive times — market fluctuations and life changes, among others — while ensuring that financial goals remain a priority. The schedule is: May 10, Social Security and Medicare; May 17, Retirement Income; and May 24, Women In Transition. The series is held at 8015 W. Kenton Cir., Suite 200. Attendees should RSVP to Shelly Dems by Monday, May 7, by calling 704-987-4153 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it "> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Chamber seeking small biz nominations
In recognition of Small Business Week (May 21-25), the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce will honor a “Small Business of the Year,” as selected by a panel of judges representative of the Chamber’s small business leadership. The winner will be recognized during a ceremony at the Chamber on Thursday, May 24, at 4 p.m. Sponsors of the contest are Park Avenue Properties and the Lake Norman Citizen.
The winner will be selected based on criteria that include growth, community involvement, work environment, staying power and customer-friendly practices. Chamber members with 15 or fewer employees are eligible for the award. Chamber members may submit as many nominations as they choose, or a business may nominate itself.
Deadline for nominations is Friday, May 18, at 5 p.m. Submit them to the Chamber by mail at P.O. Box 760, Cornelius, N.C. 28031; by fax to 704-393-5313, or by e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it "> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
‘Chicks with Sticks’ have day on the links
The Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce will introduce a new golf tournament to its mix of events this month with its first annual “Chicks with Sticks” golf outing on Monday, May 14.
The tournament is designed with all player levels in mind, with a focus on networking and meeting new people. Event organizers say it is the first in a series of women’s initiative events for 2012.
Registration cost is $65 per player or $240 for a foursome and includes a golf clinic prior to tee time, green fees, cart fees, range balls, lunch and an afternoon wine and cheese reception.
The golf clinic will begin at 8:30 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 9:30 a.m. Registration is due by Friday, May 4 (no tournament day registration will be available). To register, call the Chamber at 704-892-1922.
Free leadership series continues at MSU
Mountain State University North Carolina’s 2012 Leadership Seminar Series continues, presented by MSU faculty member Douglas A. White, Ed.D. Upcoming programs slated for the series include:
• May 23 — Women’s Leadership Role in the Workplace;
• June 13 — Leading for Results;
• Sept. 19 — Visioning and Progressing;
• Oct. 24 — Coalition Building in the Digital Age; and,
• Nov. 14 — Diversity Leadership Celebration.
All sessions in the series will be held at the MSU Mooresville campus at 517 Alcove Road (off I-77 Exit 33). Register for one session or all by visiting www.mountainstate.edu/leadership-seminar/nc-seminars.aspx or contact Dallas Bragg, executive director, MSU Mooresville, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it "> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Mountain State University, founded in 1933, is a private, not-for-profit institution based in Beckley, W.Va., serving approximately 8,200 students nationwide in five locations. For information about MSU academic programs, call 866-367-6781.
Faces and places making local waves
• Financial professional Norris Woody of the Cornelius office of AXA Advisors, LLC, has earned the Honor Agent of the Year Award for outstanding professional performance in 2011. The announcement was made by K. Mark Poulton, executive vice president of AXA Advisors in Charlotte.
“This award was given to Norris in recognition of his outstanding professional performance, academic record, community involvement and industry loyalty,” said Poulton in a press release. “An Honor Agent shows balance in their lives and serves as a role model for years to come. Norris was truly deserving of such an honor.”
Woody graduated from High Point University with a degree in pre-law and is past president of the alumni association. He earned his Certificate in Retirement Planning from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania for completing the AXA Equitable At Retirement Plan at Wharton, and has been awarded the title of Retirement Planning Specialist by AXA Equitable for completing the Wharton program.
He is active in professional and community organizations, including serving as a member of the Executive Committee for the Boy Scouts of America, Town of Cornelius Planning Board, and the board for Global Evangelism Ministries in Charlotte. Woody has also been a member of the National Ski Patrol (NSP) for 39 years, and is currently a member of the NSP Board of Directors. Woody is also registered in the National Football League Players Association financial advisors program.
The Cornelius office of AXA Advisors is at 19900 W. Catawba Ave., Suite 207. For more information, visit www.norriswoody.com.
• Merrill Lynch has announced that financial advisors Les Watson and Jason Rericha have joined together to form the Watson Rericha Group in the Merrill Lynch Huntersville branch office.
“We are excited to have Les and Jason join together to form the Watson Rericha Group as Merrill Lynch Wealth Management continues to deliver highly personalized, comprehensive wealth management and holistic advice to individuals, families and businesses of the Charlotte-area,” said Charlie Utz, senior branch manager. “Their combined experience enhances our ability to provide integrated solutions to help clients with all aspects of their financial lives.”
Watson, who also holds professional designations as a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Investment Management Analyst, received an M.B.A. from Virginia Commonwealth University and joined Merrill Lynch in 2007 after spending five years with A.G. Edwards & Sons. Rericha, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, joined Merrill Lynch in 2009. He received a bachelor’s degree from Miami University and a Master’s degree from Case Western Reserve University.
The Watson Rericha Group at the Huntersville Merrill Lynch office is at 8015 W. Kenton Cir., Suite 200, in Huntersville. The phone number is 704-987-4153.
• Barbara Brown has joined Tom McMahon and his team at Sperry Van Ness in Cornelius.
Active in the commercial real estate industry since 1986, Brown was also a founding member of the Charlotte chapter of CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) in 1990 and served on its board of directors for four years.
She has also been active in the Charlotte Region Commercial Board of Real Estate in various capacities. Brown was a board member for five years, received the President’s Award in 1999 and has been included in the Multi-Million Dollar Club for 10 years.
Brown’s expertise is in office/medical sales and leasing, but she is also well versed in land, retail and warehouse transactions. Contact Brown at 704-896-1028 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it "> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
• Town of Davidson employee Cindy Reid has graduated from the 2011-12 Municipal Administration Course of the School of Government.
Reid, who has worked for the town since 2007, was one of 67 officials who graduated the course this year and is one of more than 2,800 officials who have completed the course since it began in 1954. Reid has lived in Davidson for 16 years with her husband and three children. She serves as the town’s inclusionary zoning coordinator and as staff attorney.
More than 60 instructors participate in the program, which is about 150 hours in length. The course covers North Carolina local government law, organization and management, finance and budgeting, employment law and administration, planning and regulation of development, and the delivery of specific city or county services.
Established in 1931 as the Institute of Government, the School of Government provides educational, advisory and research services for state and local governments.
For more information on the program, contact Gregory Allison, director, Municipal and County Administration, at 919-966-4376 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it "> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
• Lake Norman Regional Medical Center has been awarded accreditation by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), based on the results of a recent on-site inspection. The LNRMC laboratory is one of more than 7,000 CAP-accredited laboratories worldwide.
“This is a tremendous honor to our entire laboratory team and one where everyone works together to achieve this accreditation,” says Tracy Hofstetter, director of the laboratory.
The CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program, begun in the early 1960s, is recognized by the federal government as being equal to or more stringent than the government’s own inspection program. During the CAP accreditation process, inspectors examine the laboratory’s records and quality control of procedures for the preceding two years.
CAP inspectors also examine laboratory staff qualifications, as well as the laboratory’s equipment, facilities, safety program and record, and to the overall management of the laboratory.
In addition, the facility’s imaging department has been designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology’s Commission on Quality and the Commission on Breast Imaging.
LNRMC is at 171 Fairview Road in Mooresville (near I-77 Exit 33). The medical campus includes a 123-bed hospital, orthopedic specialty center, an outpatient surgery center, comprehensive women’s center, a surgical center for weight loss and four medical office buildings. Learn more at www.lnrmc.com.
