In this episode of Inside Matthews, host Jim Taylor welcomes three downtown entrepreneurs who’ve helped transform Matthews’ food and nightlife scene: Adam Reed of Sante, Bob Klein of Stumptown Station, and Brandon Mills of The Portrait Gallery.

Adam shares his journey from New York to Matthews, taking over a restaurant and building it into a cornerstone of the community for nearly three decades. Bob and Brandon tell their story of friendship, long hours, and taking a leap of faith to create Stumptown Station, while Brandon reflects on his path from corporate restaurant leadership to small-town business ownership.

Together, the trio paint a vivid picture of how downtown Matthews has changed, shifting from quiet streets to a vibrant destination filled with dining, music, and culture. They highlight the power of collaboration, noting that restaurants and bars thrive when they work together rather than compete, drawing more people to Main Street and creating the walkable, community-focused energy Matthews is known for today.

The conversation also touches on challenges: parking and traffic, the decline of once-popular community initiatives like Red Brick Partnership, and the need for visionary leadership to sustain growth without losing small-town character. Still, the optimism is clear: more residents downtown, a supportive network of business owners, and a shared belief that “a rising tide lifts all boats.”

This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the grit, creativity, and community spirit fueling Matthews’ local businesses, perfect for anyone curious about how small-town charm evolves while keeping its heart.

In this episode of Inside Matthews, host Jim Taylor sits down with current mayor John Higdon, the town’s 19th mayor, to reflect on Matthews’ progress, challenges, and future. The conversation explores how the town has transformed from a quiet, small community to a vibrant destination full of energy, events, and pride. Mayor Higdon highlights Matthews’ growing downtown, the award-winning farmers market, and the role of festivals and cultural events in keeping the community lively.

At the same time, the discussion addresses pressing challenges: managing traffic from heavy pass-through commuters, balancing growth with the preservation of Matthews’ character, and ensuring the town stays innovative as nearby municipalities adopt similar revitalization strategies. Higdon explains current efforts with NCDOT projects, downtown planning, and the need to safeguard Matthews’ tree canopy and green spaces, while also fostering new economic opportunities.

Key projects shaping the future include the Hendrick Advanced Manufacturing Campus, expected to bring thousands of high-paying jobs; the redevelopment of Purser-Hulsey Park into a major community space; and the creation of a new Discovery Place Kids museum downtown. Higdon also speaks candidly about the uncertainty around regional transit plans, including the stalled Silver Line light rail project, and the importance of planning ahead for future growth.

Listeners also get a glimpse of Matthews’ political culture, from collaborative traditions among elected officials to lessons learned in balancing progress with preservation. Higdon shares his hopes for being remembered as a “tree-save” mayor who expanded parks and trails while steering Matthews through a time of growth and change.

This episode offers both hometown stories and forward-looking insights, perfect for anyone invested in the past, present, and future of Matthews.

After a few years away, Inside Matthews is back! In this relaunch episode, host Jim Taylor, former four-term Mayor of Matthews, reunites with producer and co-host Chris Melton to reflect on the show’s history, community impact, and their renewed vision for the podcast.

Jim and Chris revisit the origins of Inside Matthews, which began during the COVID years as a way to connect the community and preserve local stories. They recall standout guests, former mayors, civic leaders, nonprofit directors, and community volunteers, who helped document Matthews’ history and highlight the people, places, and organizations that give the town its unique character.

The conversation quickly moves into what listeners can expect in this new season: honest, engaging discussions about Matthews without politics. Both Jim and Chris emphasize their commitment to keeping the show “politically sterile,” focused instead on storytelling, community pride, and issues that matter to everyday residents.

The episode also dives into current challenges and opportunities facing Matthews, including:

• Community fatigue: the same small group of volunteers carrying much of the town’s civic load.

• Downtown vitality: questions around parking, walkability, and whether Matthews has lost momentum compared to neighboring towns like Waxhaw and Monroe.

• Transit and infrastructure: debates over the Silver Line, road extensions, and the future of regional transportation.

• Town leadership transitions: new managers, police chiefs, and the loss of long-serving figures with deep institutional knowledge.

Jim and Chris share candid reflections on their own time in office, lessons learned, and the importance of long-term vision for Matthews’ future. They also stress the need for new voice, especially residents who’ve moved to town in the last few years, to join the conversation, ask questions, and engage with their community.

Above all, this episode is about rekindling the spirit of connection that made Inside Matthews an award-winning podcast in its first run. Jim and Chris invite listeners to be part of the journey: to learn, laugh, and explore together what makes Matthews special, from its history and traditions to its growth and future.

📩 Got ideas, questions, or stories to share? Reach out at info@insidematthews.com and join the conversation.