Car Accident Injury Attorneys in Concord, NC

The incident happened at the Nawabi Hyderabad House restaurant on Lyles Lane NW.

CONCORD, N.C. — Amid the twinkling Christmas decorations, the scene turned chaotic at Nawabi Hyderabad House after co-owner Nagarjuna Gummadi said flames erupted inside the kitchen. Two people were injured after an explosion at the Concord restaurant on Thursday.

The incident is a severe blow to the family business, which has been thriving since its opening. They are open 365 days a year and instead of serving holiday meals on Christmas Eve, they are cleaning up and trying to get the restaurant back in order.

Crews responded to the restaurant around 8:30 p.m., according to the Concord Fire Department. Firefighters found some sort of explosion had activated the building's sprinkler system, but no active fire was present.

Two people were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. One of them was Gummadi.

“We came inside and when I opened the door I saw there were fumes coming out and it was out of control,” he said, recalling how he jumped into action. “I went and pulled the gas lever off to make sure the whole gas line is not working, and it doesn’t light up everything.”

This act of bravery came at a cost. Gummadi suffered burns to his face and hand as he tried to contain the situation.

“I just wanted everyone to be safe, and there were customers in the dining hall,” said Gummadi. “I just want to make sure everyone was safe.”

“He helped save a lot of people, at least 10 people working in the kitchen, we had customers out there,” said Siva Yarlagadda, the other co-owner. “He did a commendable job.”

The restaurant’s family told WCNC Charlotte they’re leaning on faith as they try to rebuild – and looking forward to their doors opening.

“With God’s grace hopefully as soon as possible,” said Gummadi.

The Concord Fire Department was assisted by the Charlotte Fire Department and Cabarrus County EMS during the response.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation. The restaurant does not have a clear date on when it will open but will share updates through its social media.

Contact Jesse Pierre at [email protected] or follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.

What is the best internet provider in Concord?

When I was growing up in Concord and Kannapolis, we didn’t have internet -- home internet wasn’t really a thing yet, except for early AOL. By the time I moved to Charlotte and later across the southern state border, AT&T and Time Warner Cable (now Spectrum) had become the area’s two dominant providers. Others, like Kinetic, my top pick for the best internet provider in Concord, followed shortly after. Now, Concord residents have plenty of options to choose from.

Kinetic stands out in Concord for its wide-ranging availability of fiber-optic internet, fast speeds and favorable service terms, including unlimited data and no contract requirements. But not everyone in Concord is serviceable for Kinetic. If Kinetic isn't available at your address, Spectrum, T-Mobile Home Internet and, more recently, Google Fiber are solid alternatives.

Best internet service providers in Concord

The best internet provider for your Concord home will depend on what’s available in your area and what you’re looking for. I lean towards the high-speed, high-value fiber plans from Kinetic, but if you’re looking for a low-cost wireless alternative, T-Mobile may be your best option. Spectrum is also a solid choice, particularly if you want to bundle internet and TV service together. And virtually no provider can compare to Google Fiber when it comes to gig service. You’ll find more details about each provider, including Concord availability, pricing and service details, below.

Note: The prices, speeds and features detailed in the article text may differ from those listed in the product detail cards, which represent providers’ national offerings. Your particular internet service options -- including prices and speeds -- depend on your address and may differ from those detailed here.

All internet providers in Concord

The providers listed above aren’t the only ones you may come across in Concord, just the ones I’d recommend most and consider first if I were back in my hometown. Here’s a look at all your possible, practical options for internet service in Concord, North Carolina.

Source: CNET analysis of provider data

Best Concord ISP honorable mentions

These providers are also technically available in Concord, but lack the availability or value to be included with CNET’s picks of the best.

AT&T Fiber: Coverage from Charlotte and Mecklenburg County spills over into Concord, but not by much. Those just north of Concord Mills are most likely to be eligible for service, but if you’re any further north into Cabarrus County, look to Kinetic or possibly Google Fiber for fiber internet.

Kinetic (DSL): As mentioned above, most Concord residents can get Kinetic internet service, but not all will be eligible for fiber. Those who can’t get fiber will have to rely on Kinetic’s DSL network, which is actually better than most. Speeds of 50Mbps to 200Mbps are possible depending on where you live, and the no-contract, unlimited data service starts at just $40 a month.

Verizon 5G Home Internet: Verizon is another popular option for 5G home internet service, but its Concord coverage isn’t as good as T-Mobile. If you can get service, expect max download speeds ranging from 50 to 300Mbps starting at $50 a month or 85 to 1,000 starting at $70. Verizon wireless customers can get discounts on home internet with qualifying mobile plans.

Satellite internet: For rural areas -- and I know there are still some in Concord despite how much the area has changed in the last decade -- satellite internet may be the only option for broadband. HughesNet, Starlink and Viasat offer service throughout Concord and Cabarrus County, though pricing is high while speeds and data allowances are low (though Starlink may offer some relief to the speed and data drawbacks). I’d recommend making sure no other options are available before resorting to satellite internet.

Internet pricing in Concord

The average starting price for internet (excluding satellite) in Concord is $51 a month. That's not exactly cheap internet, but Google Fiber and AT&T Fiber bring the average up.

Between the three largest Concord ISPs -- Kinetic, T-Mobile and Spectrum -- the average starting price is around $43 a month assuming no mobile discounts from T-Mobile or Spectrum. That’s lower than the average starting cost for internet in Charlotte, and select plans from Spectrum may be priced lower in Concord than Charlotte thanks to the local competition from Kinetic.

Source: CNET analysis of provider data

Internet speeds in Concord

Concord had a median download speed of 328Mbps in the most recent speed test data from Ookla. (Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) That’s higher than the state average (231Mbps) and the national average (246Mbps). Google Fiber showed the fastest speed range, 250 to 371Mbps, but it’s important to note the provider’s lowest speed tier is 1,000Mbps.

Source: CNET analysis of provider data

Recap of Concord internet providers

For the most part, home internet options in Concord are as good as anywhere. I consider Kinetic by Windstream to be the best provider in the area thanks to its broad fiber coverage and competitive pricing, but the best Concord ISP for your home will depend on your specific needs and address. Google Fiber, Spectrum and T-Mobile are also decent choices in their own right, so it’s important to explore and compare all your internet options before deciding which is best for you.

How CNET chose the best internet providers in Concord

Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. So what’s our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.

But it doesn’t end there. We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we’re considering every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. To evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP's service, we look at sources including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of the time of publication.

Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:

While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend.

To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.

Concord internet providers FAQs

Median download speeds in Concord are higher than the state and national averages, according to recent Ookla speed test data. Additionally, starting prices for home internet are lower than in many surrounding areas, including Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.

Kinetic is arguably the best options for low-cost, high-speed internet in Concord as it offers max download speeds of 500Mbps starting at $40 a month.

Yes. Fiber internet is available to approximately 74% of Concord residences. Kinetic by Windstream is the largest fiber provider in Concord, though Google Fiber has a growing fiber presence in the area as well.

Yes, but only to less than 5% of homes, according to the FCC. AT&T Fiber coverage from neighboring Mecklenburg County extends slightly into Cabarrus County just north of Concord Mills, but is otherwise unavailable in Concord.

A new Avelo Airlines base at Concord-Padgett Regional Airport will create 50 new jobs.

CONCORD, N.C. — Budget airline Avelo Airline announced it would establish a base at Concord-Padgett Regional Airport that would allow them to create new routes and new jobs.

Avelo, which first arrived at the Cabarrus County airport in May, will now offer nine destinations. The airline will begin twice-weekly service to Daytona Beach, Florida and Nashville, Tennessee starting in April.

As part of its local expansion, Avelo Airlines says it will create 50 new jobs. These will include employment for pilots, flight crews, ground crews and customer service.

"It also means jobs by basing two aircraft here. We're basing two 737s here at this airport," Jim Olson, the head of marketing for Avelo Airlines, told WCNC Charlotte. "These are high-quality jobs. They're pilots, flight attendants, airport customer service and aircraft technician jobs."

Olson said the airline has flown 40,000 people since arriving in May.

Avelo Airlines offers a flight alternative to Charlotte-Douglas International Airport. The airline currently offers services from Concord to

This announcement comes on the heels of a similar announcement in October, where the airline said it would start offering nonstop service from Concord-Padgett Regional Airport to Lakeland, Florida.

RELATED: Avelo Airlines announces new routes as part of Concord airport expansion

Concord-Padgett Regional Airport is located northwest of Charlotte and offers an alternative to the busier Charlotte-Douglas International Airport. The airport markets itself as a way to avoid the busy lines and sprawling terminals of the busy American Airlines hub in west Charlotte.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.

The Church of God Children's Home is getting help from Cabarrus County businesses this holiday season.

CONCORD, N.C. — In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the Church of God Children's Home in Concord is receiving unexpected community support that promises to brighten the holidays for its residents.

The home's annual October fundraiser was canceled after donors were devastated by the hurricane, creating a critical financial challenge for the organization. Ella Pepper, director of communications for the children's home, said the nonprofit is working creatively to meet its needs.

"We are stretching funds out to make ends meet," she said.

Pepper noted the organization is not only focused on providing Christmas for its children but also expanding capacity in response to the hurricane's statewide impact.

Local businesses have stepped forward to fill the fundraising gap. Cabarrus Brewing Company and Towel City Tavern are leading community efforts with a few things:

Corey Sloop, the brewing company's CFO, emphasized the personal connection.

"These kids are our community," he said.

The businesses are doing more than providing financial support. They are also actively engaging in repair and support efforts, demonstrating a commitment that goes beyond monetary contributions.

"This is just an extension of who we are, whether we're helping a church or helping an orphanage or whatever it may be, this is our future community, so we're here to support them," Sloop said.

For the children, the support represents more than material assistance.

"That's what we get to show our children - you are worthy of investment from strangers," Pepper said. "These are expectations we want to give you. This is what you deserve, not what you've been handed in the past. That's why community involvement is so important."

In a region recovering from significant hurricane damage, the children's home's story illustrates the resilience and compassion of local communities in times of crisis.

The charity drive continues through Dec. 20. Those interested in supporting the Church of God Children's Home can find more information online.

Contact Myles Harris at [email protected] and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.

You can stream WCNC Charlotte on Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV, just download the free app to get the news that impacts you.

Crowds packed downtown Concord on Saturday as the city continued its celebration of the holidays with trolley rides, Santa and Mrs. Claus visits and Small Business Saturday specials.

Families frequenting restaurants and shops on main-drag Union Street and nearby roads were a welcome sight after two years of barricades and road-closed signs for a streetscape project. Businesses closed or moved as sales plummeted, CharlotteFive reported in August.

With most construction complete, shoppers are returning, buyers and business owners said Saturday.

“Downtown is alive again, and we’re loving it,” said Matt Peterson, manager of The Mullet thrift store.

“Downtown Concord people are starting to feel the energy again,” Lori Konawalik said. “They see the light at the end of the tunnel, that the streets were paved, and the sidewalks are so welcoming. There’s definitely a different energy now.”

Konawalik and her husband, Nick, opened the downtown Concord location of their Charlotte-based Mac Tabby Cat Cafe a year into COVID.

They endured construction of three condo towers beside and across from their 1863 building on Market Street, two years before the start of the nearby Union Street project.

Work on the condo towers came with street closures, water issues, outside debris and large cranes, Lori Konawalik said. “Literally anything that comes with being in the middle of construction,” she said.

“I’m a little bit stubborn,” Konawalik said as customers continued streaming into the cafe around 3 p.m. A band hired by the cafe played outside as customers relaxed at tables near a fire pit.

“I knew the potential of this town,” she said. “We knew it from the very beginning. We knew they’d do the remodel on Union Street. “

As a business owner, “you’ve got to keep walking past fear,” she said. “You have to step over it. You persevere.

“Do you love this enough that whatever happens — COVID, road closures — you just have to want it bad enough that you see it through to the other side,” Konawalik said.

Some businesses, however, saw sales plummet so much they couldn’t survive. Others moved or temporarily closed.

Anchor restaurant Gianni’s Trattoria left downtown at the end of March. The Cigar Loft closed in June, and Tokyo-Hanoi Fusion temporarily closed in early August, CharlotteFive previously reported.

Cabo Winery, Table 11 restaurant and Union Street Nutrition also closed in August.

“It was sad a few months ago,” Amelia Sexton, an 18-year-old Concord native and freshman at UNC Chapel Hill, said as she relaxed with her sister, brother and dad at Press & Porter Coffeehouse on Union Street South on Saturday.

“I saw shops open and close within three months,” she said.

The scene is different now, she and sister, Claire, a 21-year-old senior at UNC Chapel Hill, said.

“It’s been transformed,” Claire Sexton said. “I haven’t been on this street in years. I’ve never seen it this busy, and with so many young people.”

“It’s really like ‘Gilmore Girls,’” Amelia Sexton said, referring to the 2000s comedy-drama TV series. “It feels warm and cozy.”

Union Street Cafe opened in October and was packed with diners Saturday. Luxury salon Luxe at the Loft had its grand opening Nov. 2 at 11 Cabarrus Ave.

And more businesses are on the way to Union Street, including Charlotte homemade ice cream maker Two Scoops Creamery early next year and Charros Mexican Restaurant soon.

Garrett Paslo, a bartender at Lil’ Robert’s Place craft beer bar on Union Street, has witnessed the transformation.

“Everything being shut down here really put a hurtin’ on business in general,” he said. “The past week, things have been opening up, they’re getting everything squared away, and it’s been amazing to see people out enjoying the social district, enjoying downtown Concord. The past couple of days, business has been amazing.”

Roger and Paula Werth drove the 15 or 20 minutes from their home in Harrisburg to walk the downtown Concord social district and sit in the sun Saturday with porters from Lil’ Robert’s Place, a longtime favorite haunt.

“This is the first time we’ve been back since they opened the street,” Paula Werth said. The crowds impressed her, she said.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what it’s going to be like once the weather gets warmer” and restaurants put tables outside, Paula Werth said. She predicts even bigger crowds.

Cathy Jones likewise sees success for downtown Concord.

“I think it’s going to rebound,” the real estate broker and developer said as she enjoyed a Moroccan mint tea with lavender at Press & Porter. “I’m optimistic. I’m in real estate.”

Further down Union Street, 2 Gals Kitchen, which seats about 65, was nearly full with diners at 2 p.m. Saturday. Its street block is still under construction.

“We just want people to know downtown Concord’s alive, we’re thriving, there’s lots of businesses still down here,” owner Mary Niemeier said as she worked the kitchen. “And it’s beautiful down here. We got nice places to walk, places to eat, drink, shop. So we want people to keep coming.”

“We’re definitely seeing a light at the end of the tunnel,” Niemeier said. “We’re on an upswing over here, and it’s going to be great for everybody downtown.”

Visitors see it’s now easy to get around, and parking decks and garages offer plenty of spaces, she said. “People are ready to serve them,” she said. “We want people to know we’re open and ready to roll.”

In August, as the streetscape project dragged on, Robert Burrage told CharlotteFive that he closed Lil’ Robert’s Place during much of the construction and only recently reopened on Fridays.

Burrage, whose family has lived in the area for seven generations, also owns The Mullet, which adjoins Lil’ Robert’s Place and also has a bar.

Lil’ Robert’s Place looks forward to its 15th anniversary in February, Peterson, manager of the thrift store at The Mullet, said Saturday.

“So long as we make it to spring, I don’t see what’ll stop us from another 15 years,” he said.

This story was originally published December 2, 2024, 5:00 AM.

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Joe Marusak has been a reporter for The Charlotte Observer since 1989 covering the people, municipalities and major news events of the region, and was a news bureau editor for the paper. He currently reports on breaking news.