September 7, 2021
Three Black Women Open Charlotte’s Only Skating Rink—And It’s Outdoors
A new outdoor skating rink opened in Charlotte, N.C., to serve a fun experience—and it’s owned by three Black women.
The city’s only roller rink, Rollin’ CLT, doubles as a lounge and will offer rotating food trucks, a hookah bar, skate rentals, and a live DJ.
Co-founder Kendria Holmes told Travel Noire that she’s had the idea to open a skating rink since 2016.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to open up a skating rink because we don’t currently have any in Charlotte. Everything else is on the outskirts,” Holmes said.
Eventually, Holmes met her business partners and brought her vision to fruition.
She met Brandi Fox, who shared that passion, in 2018. Two years later, Holmes met Sh’niqua Ussery. Together, they made their dreams of opening a Black-owned skating rink in Queen City a reality.
On Labor Day weekend, Rollin’ CLT began its outdoor experience—a space that’s about more than just skating.
View this post on Instagram
“We’ll have some game trucks, board games, card games, different types of vendors,” Holmes said. “We’re really bringing an experience to the city that’s not like anything else.”
The outdoor rink will be open on the weekends, for now. Rollin’ CLT ticket prices range from $11 to $22. Customers can rent a pair of skates for $3 or bring their own.
“Friday and Saturday nights will be our adult night sessions, and Sundays will be our family sessions where you can bring children,” Holmes added.
The rink is also available for private parties, Holmes said.
While the women are using this year to introduce Charlotte residents to the space, they plan to launch an indoor brick-and-mortar in 2022, according to the outlet.
Experienced skaters and new rollers alike can learn more about Rollin’ CLT on their website or Instagram.