Local News

Gates Four to host 2028 Women’s Golf Championship

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Tuesday, 05 May 2026

Written by Erin C. Healy

Gates Four Golf & Country Club on Irongate Drive in Fayetteville is adding another event to its prestigious lineup. The National Junior College Athletic Association Division I Women’s Golf Championship will be held at the classically designed course in 2028. The Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau aided with the club’s winning proposal. Approximately 150 golfers will participate over the week-long event, held May 8-11, 2028. Accompanying coaches, parents, and spectators will not only be supporting women’s golf and junior college athletics in general, but also area hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
Gates Four opened in 1967. Since 1974, it’s been under the ownership of the Riddle family, starting with the late J.P. Riddle. The family took a deliberately strategic approach to the development of its golfing community. Originally slated for 900 homes, it is just now opening 300 lots in its final phase. Architect Willard Byrd designed the 18-hole course in 1967, and in 2011, it was redesigned by Kris Spence. New bent-grass greens, restored bunkers and pine-tree-lined fairways keep it on the list of top courses. In particular, the U.S. Golf Association-specified greens area consists of a blend of A1/A4 bent grass, providing optimum putting surfaces throughout, no matter the season.
Kevin Lavertu has been the club’s general manager for 15 years. Originally from Maine and a PGA golf professional, his position affords him the means to make a living while indulging his love for golf. PGA golf pros are certified experts in golf instruction, management and operations. He’s been instrumental in hosting other top golfing events at Gates Four, including the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Men’s National Golf Championship, the Cumberland County Golf Championship, plus charity and social golf outings.
Preparations for the 72-hole tournament will begin two to three months before the event. Cleaning, laying sod, adding sand to the bunkers, designing T-shirts, collecting gifts and arranging a possible tour of Fort Bragg are all on the list of things to do. When the golfers arrive, they will have Sunday to practice, followed by four days of 18-holes each.
The charitable contribution made by Gates Four is closing its club to members for the duration of the competition. In addition, rules officials and volunteers need to be organized. There seems to be little standing in the way of Gates Four hosting even larger events in the future. The club has previously handled golf competitions with $200,000 purses. Lavertu’s is confident the club, its knowledgeable staff and the community at large can entertain even larger events going forward.
The NJCAA moves its Division I championship to different locations across the country each year, ensuring it’s fair to all participants and that no golfer has a home-course advantage. The NJCAA is the governing body for two-year college athletics in the U.S. It is the second largest intercollegiate athletic organization in the country behind the National Collegiate Athletic Association NCAA. The NJCAA was founded in 1938, and it includes over 500 member colleges in 44 states with over 70,000 students receiving athletic opportunities in 28 sports.
During the bidding process, the Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau escorted the NJCAA representatives around the area. They saw that Fayetteville had the accommodations and amenities to comfortably serve the influx of people. The military connection was another draw. Lavertu conducted the tour of Gates Four for the NJCAA officials. The conclusion was that the course is attractive, and it offered an every-club-in-the-bag challenge for their golfers.
Up & Coming Weekly is excited to follow Gates Four’s journey and provide updates to the community about this wonderful event.

In Loving Memory of Merrilyn Bowman

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Tuesday, 05 May 2026

Written by Sheila Barker

Editor's Note: This last week, the Up & Coming Weekly family lost a special person. Merrilyn Bowman always had a smile on her face and a kind word for those of us in the office.
Merrilyn was a major supporter of children's literacy and served as the Chair of the Kidsville News! Literacy and Education Foundation. She also served as President of Merrigold Publishing Inc., the publishing company behind Kidsville News!
She made us all feel special by showing up to our birthday celebrations and holiday lunches, and her support of the UCW team made us all feel valued.
She will be incredibly missed.
As the UCW family mourns, we thank the community for your thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper.
— Aly Hansen, Editor

Merrilyn Elaine Harrison Bowman, 78, of Fayetteville, died on April 30, 2026 at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center after a brief illness.
Merrilyn was born in Kyoto, Japan where her father was stationed, but spent most of her life in Fayetteville. She is the daughter of Colonel Merrit and Doris Harrison. She is a graduate of Fayetteville Senior High School.
She worked with and retired from the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, Cumberland County Center. She enjoyed her work with the growers and farmers of Cumberland County and the relationships she made with coworkers over the years.
Merrilyn enjoyed visits with her sons and grandchildren, the arts, yardwork and reading. She excelled at managing a well-kept home. William (Bill) Bowman was the love of her life. They were married in 1980 in Fayetteville where they made their home.
She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Bill; son Leonard Thagard Jr. and his wife, Donna, of Raleigh, and their sons, Nicholas and John; son Grady McLeod Bowman and his wife, Kate, and their daughter, Guthrie, of Decatur, Georgia; and her sisters, Gail Joyner of Wake Forest and Kathy Bass of Fayetteville.
She was predeceased by her parents; her brother, Merrit Harrison Jr.; and her brother-in-law, Worth Joyner.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 12 at 11 a.m. at Rogers & Breece Funeral Home, 500 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville North Carolina with Rev. Archie Barringer officiating. The family will receive friends at a reception following the service at Two Brothers Catering located at 806 Katie St. in Fayetteville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kidsville News Literacy and Education Foundation, c/o Up & Coming Weekly, 225 Ray Avenue, Suite 204, Fayetteville North Carolina 28301.

New to the Neighborhood

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Tuesday, 28 April 2026

Written by Staff Report

Fayetteville and its surrounding communities continue to see a wave of new energy as recently opened businesses bring fresh opportunities to shop, dine, and connect. Major retailers and incoming brands are investing in the region, signaling continued confidence in the local economy and offering residents even more reasons to explore what’s new around town.

QDOBA Mexican Eats
4401 Ramsey St.
910-912-1003
https://tinyurl.com/bde8nzt2
QDOBA announced the opening of its newest location in Fayetteville on March 11.
QDOBA Mexican Eats is a fast-casual restaurant that specializes in customizable Mexican-inspired dishes. Renowned for its modern atmosphere and efficient service, it has become a popular choice for both quick sit-down meals and takeout. Guests can create their own burritos, bowls, tacos, nachos, and quesadillas, selecting from a variety of proteins, salsas, and toppings. One of the standout features of QDOBA is that guacamole and the signature 3-cheese queso are typically included at no extra cost with most entrees.
In addition to dine-in options, this location will offer online ordering for pickup and provide catering services for larger groups or events.

Kandle Queens Candle Company
8164 Fayetteville Rd., Raeford
910-565-2040
https://kandlequeens.com/
Kandle Queens proudly celebrated its grand opening on April 18. Located in Raeford, Kandle Queens Candle Company is a boutique retailer specializing in handcrafted home fragrance products. The shop is designed to be a destination for high-quality, artisanal candles and related accessories.
Kandle Queens focuses on small-batch production, offering a diverse selection of scented candles and wax melts, each crafted with unique fragrance profiles. In addition to their charming storefront, customers can explore their full collection online.

Cleopatra Ink Tattoo & Piercing Studio
150 Francam Dr., #112
910-797-0185
https://tinyurl.com/ewphtcsc
Cleopatra Ink proudly celebrated its grand opening on March 24. The studio is committed to maintaining high hygiene standards and creating a professional, modern environment that offers a personalized art experience. Their talented artists specialize in a diverse array of techniques, including black and gray realism, fine line work, minimalist designs, and custom cover-ups. They offer customers free design consultations, where you can collaborate directly with their artists to develop unique concepts tailored to their vision.

Keep An Eye Open For…
• Dutch Bros is set to open at 3619 Ramsey St. While the building and signage are already in place, an official opening date has yet to be announced. The new location has taken over the former Clutch Coffee space and is designed for efficiency, featuring a drive-thru that prioritizes high-volume service rather than a sit-down coffee experience.
In addition to a wide variety of coffee options, the menu includes iced drinks, blended coffees, teas, lemonades, and their popular Rebel energy drinks, all of which can be highly customized to suit your taste. Stay tuned for more updates.
• The Back Nine is excited to announce its expansion into the Fayetteville market with a new location at the Westwood Shopping Center. This facility operates as a 24/7 indoor golf center dedicated to its members. It boasts state-of-the-art Full Swing simulators, renowned for their exceptional realism and utilized by professional golfers such as Tiger Woods and Jon Rahm.
These simulators offer detailed insights into ball flight and swing mechanics, making them ideal for both serious practice and casual play. Unlike typical "entertainment-first" venues, The Back Nine emphasizes a focused, private club atmosphere where golfers can enjoy iconic courses or engage in virtual leagues.
• A new Publix is going up in the new Rockfish Village at the intersection of Rockfish Road and King Road. This store will be unlike other Publix in the area, because it will have a second story. Scheduled to open in Fall 2026. In addition to Publix, the Rockfish Village will have nearly 28,500 square feet of space for other smaller retail shops and restaurants.

Dining Guide: Food Trucks

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Tuesday, 28 April 2026

Written by Staff Report

Our city boasts a diverse array of food trucks, each serving up mouthwatering dishes that cater to every palate. Additionally, there are fantastic food truck depots where you can sample offerings from multiple trucks all in one place! Join us in celebrating the creativity, passion, and unique flavors these mobile kitchens bring to our community, turning every meal into an unforgettable adventure!

CAROLINA HIBACHI
Carolina Hibachi brings the authentic hibachi experience directly to you through their mobile food truck. With 25 years of culinary expertise, they serve fresh, customized Japanese-style grilled dishes made right before your eyes. Catering services are available.
https://tinyurl.com/5avprxwk

VEE’S SEOUL KITCHEN FOOD TRUCK
Vee's serves up authentic Korean cuisine, featuring their signature beef bulgogi bowls with tender marinated meat, crispy homemade egg rolls, and indulgent loaded fries topped with savory ingredients.
https://tinyurl.com/bdzn8vdw

GR FIL-AM GRILL
GR Fil-Am Grill offers a unique dining experience, blending traditional Filipino flavors with classic American cuisine. Their carefully curated rotating menu features approximately five signature dishes at any given time, allowing them to focus on perfecting each fusion creation while keeping the offerings fresh and exciting.
https://tinyurl.com/2mbuky9f

BIG ERV BBQ & 910 SWEETS-THE NEIGHBORHOOD PIT STOP, LLC
This beloved family-owned food truck has earned multiple accolades for its mouthwatering BBQ specialties. Their perfectly smoked wings, tender brisket chili, and slow-cooked meats draw crowds daily. For those with a sweet tooth, their homemade dessert selection features creamy banana pudding and freshly baked cupcakes.
https://tinyurl.com/5abw8v4x

LATIN FLAVOURS STREET CUISINE
Latin Flavours Street Cuisine delights customers with authentic Puerto Rican comfort food favorites. Their menu features traditional hand-crafted empanadas filled with savory meats and crispy alcapurrias made from root vegetables.
https://tinyurl.com/p8bdmen2

TY'S UPTOWN GRILL
Ty's Uptown Grill stands out as the premier New York/New Jersey-style food truck in the south. Their commitment to quality is evident in their strict use of fresh, never-frozen ingredients that are carefully sourced daily. Each mouthwatering dish is made to order with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that customers receive their meals at the peak of freshness and flavor.
https://tysuptowngrill.com/about-us

HARMON'S DEUTSCHE KUCHE
This mobile eatery showcases authentic Bavarian fare, featuring robust tastes and tangy elements from genuine German condiments and seasonings. They partner with nearby farms for fresh ingredients, and their signature offerings, including the breaded pork cutlet sandwich, come from traditional family cooking methods handed down through generations.
https://harmonsdeutschekuche.com

BELLA NONNA
Bella Nona serves up a delightful array of Italian cuisine, from traditional Italian American favorites to authentic regional specialties and innovative fusion creations. Diners can savor house-made pasta crafted daily, generously stuffed calzones, and an extensive menu of carefully prepared Italian delicacies
https://tinyurl.com/58ejnmhk

CORNBREAD KITCHEN & SMOKEHOUSE
Cornbread Kitchen & Smokehouse stands as a beacon of authentic Southern cuisine, delighting guests with their masterfully smoked BBQ and traditional comfort dishes. Their perfectly seasoned meats and homestyle sides capture the essence of Southern cooking. Living up to their motto, "It's always a good day for cornbread," they serve warm, golden cornbread that keeps customers coming back.
https://tinyurl.com/yswdj6u8

CALIFORNIA TACO
California Taco, a vibrant food truck destination, delights customers with its authentic Mexican culinary offerings. From traditional tacos to flavorful salsas, they serve genuine south-of-the-border tastes and experiences.
https://www.facebook.com/californiataconc

R BURGER
R Burger stands out as one of Fayetteville's most beloved and highly regarded food trucks, earning a reputation for serving up the best burgers in town. Known for their juicy, perfectly cooked patties and creative flavor combinations, R Burger takes the classic burger experience to a whole new level.
https://www.facebook.com/Rburgertruck/

Food Truck Depots
Haymount Truck Stop
100 Broadfoot Ave
472-210-3250
https://www.haymounttruckstop.com
The Haymount Truck Stop features a dynamic lineup of food, beverage, and dessert trucks, serving lunch and dinner daily. Stay up-to-date on the latest truck schedule by following them on social media. Find them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/haymounttruckstop.
In addition to the food trucks, the Truck Stop offers multiple dining and gathering spaces where you can enjoy a selection of draft beer, wine, and cocktails, as well as a variety of non-alcoholic beverages. This family-friendly establishment welcomes guests of all ages to experience the vibrant food truck court and bar.
For those who wish to bring their furry friends, a pet-friendly outdoor seating area is available. Beyond dining, the venue also hosts a range of community and private events, including live music, themed food festivals, yoga sessions, and exclusive celebrations.

The Hive of Hope Mills
3414 Bullard St, Hope Mills
833-573-3705
https://thehiveofhopemills.com

The Hive of Hope Mills is a vibrant new community hub and food truck park located next to the Hope Mills Municipal Park. Officially opened in April 2026, it was designed to be a year-round destination that fosters local opportunities while providing a safe, family-friendly gathering space.
The park boasts seven dedicated food truck spaces, featuring a rotating lineup of over 80 participating vendors. It is also home to Big T's, a beloved local eatery that now serves its grilled specialties, snoballs, and ice cream year-round.
Spanning 3,500 square feet, the facility includes a spacious event center, a commissary kitchen to support local food entrepreneurs, and a bar offering a selection of beer and wine. On Sundays, visitors can explore the Mercantile Market, which showcases local artisans and farmers.
Guests can relax by two outdoor fire pits equipped with Adirondack chairs, enjoy live performances on a covered stage, and watch media presentations in the dining areas. The Hive of Hope Mills is committed to inclusivity, partnering with local nonprofits to host events for the special needs community.