Local News

FTCC’s Child Care Assistance promotes life balance

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Tuesday, 27 May 2025

Written by Dr. Christopher Thrasher, FTCC Social Science Instructor

Fayetteville Technical Community College is excited to welcome new students to apply for the Parents for Higher Education Child Care Assistance Program.
The PFHE helps full-time FTCC students with childcare costs if they are enrolled in an approved program. The program is designed to support student-parents and help them succeed in school while balancing the challenges of family life. It’s a great opportunity for a brighter future. With PFHE, students can enjoy a fun and balanced college experience.
Program Benefits:
• Meet and connect with other parents in the PFHE Club
• Build leadership skills by becoming an officer in the PFHE Club
• Learn helpful parenting and money management tips
• Find ways to reduce stress
• Participate in school activities, like the annual Spring Fling
• Get personalized tutoring sessions to help you succeed
Here’s what some FTCC students have to say about the program:
A Dental Assisting student: “PFHE has helped my family a lot, especially during this semester. Currently, my husband and I are in school, so having daycare for my son is relieving because we have a secure place he will be taken care of throughout the day while we’re in school. I hope people hear more about this program so they can get their education while having children.”
An Associate in Arts student: “The support from the Parents for Higher Education grant in covering my childcare expenses has been invaluable. This aid has enabled me to concentrate on my studies without the stress of securing affordable and reliable care for my child. Their kindness has not only alleviated my financial strain but also provided reassurance that my child is well taken care of while I continue my education. I am profoundly thankful for their assistance, which has greatly impacted my academic path.”
A Respiratory Therapy student: “The Parents for Higher Education Grant has allowed me to pursue my degree. As a first-generation college student, I felt lost on how to navigate the workload of my program, the cost of childcare, and make time to teach my children. Now that I have the PFHE grant, I am able to study and do homework while my children attend daycare and when I pick them up, I can spend all my attention on taking care of them and my household. This grant is so much more than providing childcare: it gives time, it gives relief, it provides opportunities that otherwise would not be available for parents. It felt like a life raft for me.”
PFHE is a comprehensive support system that can make a significant difference in the lives of FTCC student-parents and their families. We invite you to explore this invaluable opportunity and discover how PFHE can help pave the way for a brighter future.
Space is limited, and the fall 2025 application deadline is June 13, 2025.
Contact Dixie Canon, Family Support Services Associate at the Tony Rand Student Center Office 109 via email at canond@faytechcc.edu or by phone at 910-678-8486. For more information, visit https://www.faytechcc.edu/ccg

The Gathering Place: More than an event center

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Tuesday, 27 May 2025

Written by Amber Little

Downtown Fayetteville is seeing some changes, from the renovations to the Market House, new businesses setting up shop, and even some closing the door. One thing is for sure, there is no shortage of space—parking is a whole different topic— and potential in the area. The building off Maiden Lane downtown next to Segra Stadium has been an underutilized space for some time, but 2025 has brought two new businesses to the once vacant building.
The building is now home to two new businesses: The Gathering Place and Sol’s Arcade + Taproom at 421 Maiden Lane, a much-appreciated sight among the vacant buildings for lease on Hay Street. The location is prime downtown real estate. It’s walking distance from the baseball stadium, bars, and restaurants, like Gaston’s and Blue Moon.
The Gathering Place is not your average event center. The event center was established to provide a quality space where “community meets celebration.” It boasts an event center, communal workspace, and community gathering space. The beautifully remodeled space is available for rent 7 days a week, with weekday rates as low as $300 and $600 for the weekend, and can accommodate events of all sizes, from large-scale to intimate.
Chairs, tables, and basic amenities are included in event packages as well as access to the outside patio space. The space is currently adding a prep kitchen to better serve clients and caterers. Entrepreneurs and businesses alike are encouraged to check out the communal workspace or business hub. This area provides small office spaces, which can be rented out by the hour, and a large space for conferences and larger meetings, and custom rental options.
The new downtown business is dedicated to bringing the Fayetteville community together. This summer and fall, every Fourth Friday, TGP will host a market on the outside patio area, Fourth Friday on the Lawn. Vendors, large and small, are encouraged to participate. They are currently looking for food trucks, mobile eats, pop-up shops, vendors, artists, creatives, community businesses, live performers, and entertainers. The vendor fee is only $10, and spaces are limited.
To sign up as a vendor, contact them via social media at The Gathering Place Fay.
Along with the weekend markets, The Gathering Place is hosting Business Meet & Greets. The next one is Friday, June 14, starting at 11 a.m. This event is an opportunity for business owners to network with one another, check out the business hub space, and make lasting connections. All attendees will get a guided tour of the business hub, an update on everything happening at TGP, and guest speakers. Chef Joy will provide a catered lunch of sandwiches, snacks, and refreshments. This event is free, but registration is required. To register, vist https://bit.ly/4mp8UW3.
For more information on The Gathering Place, visit the website at https://thegatheringplace.live/.

New to the Neighborhood

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Tuesday, 27 May 2025

Written by Staff Report

New to the Neighborhood
Check out some of the new venues, shops and restaurants that have opened in the last few
months.
OISHI BUBBLE TEA
5855-7 YADKIN RD.
Tues-Sat: Noon-8 p.m.
Sun: Noon-6 p.m.
910-500-3400
https://www.oishibubbletea.com/
Oishi Bubble Tea is committed to creating premium, refreshing beverages that offer an ideal mix
of flavors, textures, and enjoyment. The menu includes bubble teas, fruit tea, milk tea, tea, coffee,
slushies, milkshakes, and more.
DANK BURRITO
5508 RAEFORD RD.
Mon-Sun: 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
910-229-2951
https://www.dankburrito.com/
This isn’t your average burrito spot. They bring together global flavors, ultra-fresh ingredients, and
chef-driven techniques to create innovative burritos, tacos, and bowls you’ll want to enjoy again and
again.
BITES & BLISS GRAZE BAR
910-703-7879
bitesandblissboards@gmail.com
https://tinyurl.com/2p3uxcx6
Bites & Bliss Graze Bar is a mobile charcuterie experience, serving gourmet cheeses, meats, and
fresh accompaniments at your next event, school, or office.
ALOHA POKE & SUSHI
1052 LILLINGTON HWY, SPRING LAKE
Mon, Wed & Thurs: 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Fri & Sat: 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Sun: Noon-9:30 p.m.
910-920-1133
https://alohapokenc.com/
Aloha Poke & Sushi creates healthy, fresh and delicious dishes in Hawaiian-style and Japanese
cuisines.

CARIBOU COFFEE

2606 BRAGG BLVD.
Mon-Sun: 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
910-912-1616
https://tinyurl.com/j85smsrm
Caribou Coffee is the second-largest coffeehouse chain. It serves various beverages, including hot
and cold coffee drinks, teas, non-coffee options, and food items.
LEGACY ROLLS
1161 N BRAGG BLVD., SPRING LAKE
Mon-Thurs: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Fri & Sat: 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sun: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
919-448-5241
https://tinyurl.com/53mhbpkz
Legacy Rolls is dedicated to using only the highest quality ingredients as toppings for all their natural
rolls. Serving breakfat, lunch, dinner, and rolls to go.

SNOWY TOWN
1828 OWEN DR., STE A
Mon-Thurs: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
Fri: 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sat: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sun: 1 p.m.-6 p.m.
472-248-2659
https://www.instagram.com/snowy_town_official/
Snowy Town serves up coffee and other drink options and Korean desserts like bingsu, croffle, and
soul bread.
CUPPA YO FROZEN YOGURT
2844 FREEDOM PKWY DR., SUITE 3
Mon-Thurs: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Fri & Sat: 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Sun: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
910-491-0803
https://www.cuppayo.com/about
Cuppa Yo is a self-serve frozen yogurt shop with many yogurt flavors and toppings. They offer low-
fat and non-fat options.

SUN LITE ASIAN MINI MART
8108 CLIFFDALE RD., STE. 110

Mon-Thurs: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Fri & Sat: 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sun: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
910-745-8020
https://tinyurl.com/5ah6nndj
This market offers a wide variety of items to prepare delicious meals for Asian dishes. They also
offer Japanese and Korean candies, chips and drinks.
SIMLO'S JERK HUT & CARIBBEAN GROCERY
2945 HOPE MILLS RD., SUITE 100 & 102, HOPE MILLS
Mon-Thurs: 10:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Fri & Sat: 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
910-491-0708
https://simlosfood.com/
Simlo's Jerk Hut serves authentic Jamaican food, including oxtails with rice and stir-fry cabbage.
The other part of the store is items to prepare Caribbean and Jamaican meals.
ROCKFISH SEAFOOD SMOKE PIT & BAR
519 GROVE ST.
Tues-Sat: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sun: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
910-229-2826
https://rockfish.com/
This restaurant serves a variety of seafood and smoked meats. They make all of their sauces,
soups, and bases from scratch daily.
DADDY MAC’S RESTAURANT & SPORTS BAR
6065 TURNPIKE RD., RAEFORD
Wed-Fri: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sat: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
https://tinyurl.com/msyded45
Customers can look forward to country cooking, seafood, BBQ and Jamaican dishes. They also
have lunch specials and host a variety of events.

Up & Coming Weekly Dining Guide

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Tuesday, 27 May 2025

Written by Staff Report

This month, we are highlighting some of the great places to eat in Hope Mills.

SAMMIO'S ITALIAN
RESTAURANT
3057 N Main St.
Mon-Sat: Noon-8:45 p.m.
Sun: Noon-3:30 p.m.
910-424-4000
https://www.sammiositalianrestaurant.com/
Sammio's offers a variety of traditional Italian dishes like pasta, pizza, calzones, as well as subs, chicken, steak, and seafood. Known for their hearty portions and welcoming atmosphere, they also provide catering services.

BARBARA ANN'S SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN
3740 S Main St.
Wed-Sat: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sun: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
910-491-5859
https://www.facebook.com/barbaraannsnc/
A popular take-out spot renowned for serving up the most delicious Southern fried chicken, mouthwatering turkey BBQ, and a variety of classic fixins’ that keep customers coming back for more.

CUMBERLAND COFFEE
ROASTERS
3109 N Main St.
Mon-Sat: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sun: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
910-229-3943
https://www.cumberlandcoffeeroasters.com/
Great place to grab a cup of coffee, a fruit smoothie, and another specialty drink. Start your day off at a warm and welcoming place and a comforting cup of your favorite coffee.

CHINA BUFFET & HIBACHI
3059 N Main St.
Mon-Thurs: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri & Sat: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sun: Noon-10 p.m.
910-423-7988
https://chinabuffetandhibachihopemills.bestcafes.online/
China Buffet & Hibachi serves a wide variety of Chinese and Japanese cuisine, with a focus on buffet-style dining and hibachi dishes. They offer a hibachi grill where you can select your raw ingredients and have a chef cook it in front of you.

  PHENIX CHINESE RESTAURANT
3467 N Main St.
Tues-Sat: 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
910-425-6488
www.thephenix.co.nz
This restaurant serves a variety of classic Chinese-American dishes with lunch specials and a sushi bar lunch menu. Take-out and delivery services are also available.

YAMATO JR
4230 Legion Rd.
Mon-Thurs: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri & Sat: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sun: 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.
910-425-2365
www.yamatojrhopemills.com
Yamato Jr offers a wide array of authentic Japanese Food, such as hibachi vegetable, steak teriyaki, honey wing, and hibachi steak.

CHINA STAR
4230 Legion Rd., Ste D
Mon-Fri: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sat: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sun: Noon-10 p.m.
910-425-9998
https://local.ilacfiyati.org/e/china-star-6
China Star serves a variety of classic Chinese American cuisine, including egg rolls, wonton soup, fried rice, lo mein and more. Takeout and delivery services are also available.

ELIZABETH'S PIZZA & ITALIAN RESTAURANT
2468 Hope Mills Rd., Fayetteville
Mon-Thurs: 3 p.m.-9 p.m.
Fri-Sun: Noon-9 p.m.
910-424-2848
elizabethspizza.org
Elizabeth’s Pizza’s hand-tossed New York style pizza has long been the standout favorite on their menu, earning a reputation as their signature dish. They have broadened their offerings to include a tempting selection of sandwiches, flavorful pasta dishes topped with homemade sauces, and much more.

LA COCINA MEXICAN
RESTAURANT
3310 Footbridge Ln., Fayetteville
Mon-Thurs: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri & Sat: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sun: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
910-779-0453
www.lacocinanc.com
La Cocina Mexican Restaurant serves a wide variety of traditional Mexican dishes. Described as a casual local Mexican chain known for its traditional dishes and margaritas.

SMITHFIELD'S CHICKEN 'N
BAR-B-Q
5539 Camden Rd., Fayetteville
Mon-Sun: 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
910-426-9515
www.scnbnc.com
Smithfield's restaurant chain serves fried chicken and Eastern North Carolina barbecue. They also offer catering services.

TAQUERIA JALAPENO
2622 Hope Mills Rd., Fayetteville
Mon-Thurs: 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
Fri & Sat: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sun: 2 p.m.-8 p.m.
910-425-9094
ordertaqueriajalapeno.com
Taqueria Jalapeno offers a variety of authentic Mexican cuisine like tacos, burritos, quesadillas and other Mexican favorites. They also offer takeout and delivery services.

ZORBAS GYRO
3114 N Main St.
Mon-Sat: 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sun: 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
910-424-3332
www.zorbasgyro.com
Zorba's serves a diverse menu with a focus on Greek and Mediterranean cuisine but also includes some American favorites. Known for its casual atmosphere and offers both dine-in and takeout options.

OMA'S SCHNITZEL HAUS
3920 Black Bridge Rd.
Mon-Sun: 3 p.m.-8 p.m.
910-229-3121
Oma's Schnitzel Haus serves authentic German cuisine, with a focus on schnitzel dishes like wiener-schnitzel, rahmschnitzel, zwiebel-schnitzel and more. Primarily a takeout restaurant offering delivery through services like Grubhub and DoorDash.

PARADISE ACRES
1965 John Mcmillan Rd.
Fri & Sat: 4 p.m.-9 p.m.
Sun: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
910-424-2779
https://www.paradiseacres.biz/
Paradise Acres offers dine-in, carryout, curbside and delivery options for a variety of homestyle dishes. Enjoy casual dining and relaxation at a family-friendly restaurant with BBQ, seafood, and desserts.

MARCI'S CAKES & BAKES
5463 Trade St.
Tues: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wed-Fri: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
https://www.facebook.com/marciscakesandbakes/
This bakery specializes in custom buttercream cakes, cupcakes, cake pops, brownies and specialty desserts. They offer a wide variety and selection daily.

EGGS UP GRILL
2951 Town Center Dr.
Mon-Sun: 6 a.m.-2 p.m.
910-500-3447
https://eggsupgrill.com/hope-mills-nc/
Eggs Up Grill serves breakfast, brunch and lunch 7 days a week from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. They also offer catering and delivery.