
A popular cupcake vending machine in Fayetteville could soon debut in Raleigh. (Shutterstock)
North Carolina knows good food both old and new. This Good News Friday puts a special spotlight on food stops in NC, plus a scholarship opportunity for NC students.
Good News Friday is back with the first 2024 installment of feel-good news from North Carolina!
This week has a lot of good food in store as well as an opportunity for NC’s high school seniors and college students.
Fayetteville Cupcake Vending Machine
Two sisters from Fayetteville opened the city’s first cupcake vending machine in November and have already sold hundreds of sweet treats!
Melinda Borom and Melissa Moore installed a custom-built refrigerated vending machine in the Cross Creek Mall. It holds 170 homemade cupcakes with flavors like banana pudding, salted caramel, red velvet, and chocolate.
The sisters also told The Fayetteville Observer about their hopes to expand in Fayetteville colleges and Raleigh’s Crabtree Valley Mall.
Hickory’s First Food Hall
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Family-owned Hickory Food Hall has plans to open this summer! The town’s first food hall is the product of Lynn Nguyen, Annie Lam, and Tony Vo will transform the empty First National Bank into 14 stalls for food and retail vendors.
$1000 Conservation Scholarship
The 2024-2025 Conservation Scholarship is now open. North Carolina high school and college students pursuing a career in conservation can apply for a $1,000 merit-based scholarship to assist their studies now through Feb. 2.
The NC Foundation for Soil and Water Conservation invites those interested in wildlife management, marine biology, natural resource management, or associated careers to submit an application.
**Be sure to consult their website for a full list of requirements.
Charlotte Favorite Gets a Shout Out
A staple in uptown Charlotte, Alexander Michael’s Tavern & Bar, received high praise from Southern Living magazine with a mention in “The South’s Most Legendary Restaurants.”
While the building dates back to 1807, the local favorite celebrates its 41st anniversary this month and boasts a variety of dishes like the blackened catfish sandwich and London broil.

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