Sweet Meadow Café will reopen at its new location in the Bernhardt building on Feb. 1, the popular restaurant announced on its Facebook page.

The cafe, owned by Heather Teeter, is now in a bigger space in the renovated building on North Main Street. It was formerly on West Innes Street across from the Salisbury Post. The new location will offer seating for 70 or more, as well as a brick patio area with additional seating.

New hours are: Closed on Monday. Tuesday through Saturday, lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

State awards grants to help businesses train workers

RALEIGH — North Carolina has awarded over $200,000 to more than 20 businesses across the state to help them invest in building the skills of their workers.

The NCWorks Incumbent Worker Training Grant program assists businesses with reimbursements for the cost of training programs, provided such services meet state requirements. Each business applies for a grant through its local workforce development board, which reviews the application and submits its recommendations for evaluation to the N.C. Division of Workforce Solutions.

After the latest round of applications, the state awarded $205,000 in grant money to 26 businesses, benefitting more than 475 workers.  The employers are also contributing more than $238,000 for worker training.

“These grants can cover the costs of instructional courses, training for certification exams, or skills assessments directly related to training,” said Will Collins, commerce assistant secretary of workforce solutions.  “Manufacturing, administrative, health care and logistic industries, as well as others, benefit from these grants.  For example, a recent grant recipient — a wholesale distributor of truck parts — trained its sales people, thus increasing sales. We’re excited to see how this solution strengthens our workforce and improves the competitiveness of our businesses.”

In July, the state announced more than $717,000 in grant funding to 69 businesses, helping 1,655 workers.  The money for the program is made available to the states through the federal Workforce Investment Act.

Blog says North Carolina is top place for craft beer

North Carolina loves craft beer, and according to a national wine blog, the state is the most exciting place in the country for brewers.

Vinepair touted North Carolina in a post last week, saying, “… if you’re looking for the next great beers that hop heads will ultimately drool for, chances are you’ll find them in the Tar Heel state. Over 110 breweries can currently be found across North Carolina and they’re winning medals …,” Vinepair said.

New Sarum Brewery in Salisbury is currently expanding downtown. It plans to open a microbrewery in the Old Tractor building on Lee Street later this year.

Subway  has new loyalty program 

CHARLOTTE — Diners looking for perks this new year can register for Subway Rewards. Locally-owned restaurants in North Carolina have introduced the loyalty program in 2015.

To participate in the Rewards Program, customers register a Subway Card – available online or at any Subway restaurant – and provide their name, email and mobile number. One Rewards Point is earned for every dollar spent on Subway restaurant menu items.

Rewards Points can be redeemed for specific Subway menu items, including a cookie for 10 points, fountain drink for 20 points and select 6-inch subs for 50 points. A bonus award of 50 Rewards Points is being offered for joining the program for a limited time.

For more information, you can visit your local participating Subway restaurant or the website www.mysubwaycard.com.

Real estate group will discuss marketing strategies

The Rowan Real Estate Investors and Associates will meet on Tuesday, and Brannon Williams, CEO of Art Cube, will speak about marketing strategies.

The group meets regularly at China Buffet in Salisbury at 7 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month.  The meeting is open to anyone who would like to attend. China Buffet is on Arlington street behind O’Charleys near Interstate-85 exit 76.

The purpose of the group is to provide information regarding real estate investing in Rowan county and to exchange ideas regarding how to buy, sell, rent and rehab properties. At times, a speaker will present information that will be valuable to investors as well as home owners or even prospective home owners.

For information. contact Bob Yon at 704-762-1117.

Local travel agency can help make most of experience

Last November marked the 25 anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, and travel through Central Europe has become more convenient than in the past, affording opportunities to comfortably discover the rich cultural centers while also gaining a better understanding of the years of suppressed development.

One of the best ways for travelers to gain an intimate understanding of this region is through an escorted tour. Explanations by
tour managers and local guides enrich sightseeing, especially in these historically unique countries where understanding the story
behind the sights is quintessential to the travel experience.

For more information about escorted tours of Central Europe, contact Wayne Mullis Travel at 704-633-1081.