Charlotte’s Culinary Connoisseur: Cory Wilkins
Charlotte, known for its vibrant food scene, is home to an exciting star in the culinary world: Cory Wilkins. Wilkins, a software developer by profession, has carved a niche for himself beyond his 9 to 5, becoming a key player in promoting the city’s hidden gems and delightful dining choices.
A Newcomer to the Food Scene
Originally hailing from Elberton, Georgia, Cory made the move to Charlotte in 2017 seeking a bigger city experience. “Charlotte had a lot more just food options in general than what I was used to,” Cory recalled. He swapped the small-town eateries for the rich variety Charlotte had to offer. From food trucks to hole-in-the-wall restaurants, he embarked on a delicious adventure trying different cuisines that captured his taste buds.
Spotlighting the Underrated
Realizing that many of these fantastic food spots weren’t receiving the attention they deserved, Cory took it upon himself to shine a light on them. “A lot of places I was going weren’t getting that much media coverage,” he explained. His social media profiles, bursting with vibrant videos of restaurants and food creations, began attracting attention. “I mainly wanted to highlight these places that were often overlooked,” Wilkins stated.
A Resource for Food Lovers
With his passion for culinary exploration growing, Cory eventually noticed something missing in Charlotte — a centralized resource listing food and drink specials. “I was like ‘There has to be somewhere that lists all of the food and drink specials,’” he said. After searching and coming up empty-handed, he decided to create The Daily Special CLT, a dedicated website for locals and visitors alike to uncover the best deals in town. Initially intended for him and his friends, the website quickly gained traction.
Building a Community
Wilkins’ platform also flourished on social media, with more than 100,000 followers on Instagram and a growing presence across Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. He enjoyed sharing experiences and connecting with foodies across the region, and as the Google searches for food specials grew, so did his website’s popularity. “My site would come up,” he noted, leading many to use it as their go-to resource for dining discounts.
From Local to Broader Horizons
As Cory’s following grew in Charlotte, so did his desire to expand beyond the city limits. He decided to update his brand, officially dropping “CLT” from the name while keeping Charlotte close to his heart. “Charlotte will always be home, and I plan to focus primarily on what I post from here,” he explained. But he’s also eager to explore and share culinary delights from neighboring towns and beyond.
A Lifeline for Small Businesses
Through his efforts, Cory has not only put Charlotte’s food scene on the map but has also provided a much-needed boost to small restaurants and food businesses. “It definitely gives restaurants a huge, huge boost and has even saved some restaurants from closing,” he shared with pride. By championing these underappreciated spots, he plays a pivotal role in building a community and supporting local economies.
A Culinary Journey Continues
With his sights set on further expanding The Daily Special and exploring even more locations, Cory Wilkins is committed to celebrating Charlotte’s diversity and creativity in its food offerings. Whether you’re searching for the best taco truck in town or wondering where to find half-priced wings, you can rest assured that Cory is out there, discovering it all, and sharing it with a community that’s hungry for more.
So next time you’re in the Queen City, don’t forget to check in with Cory’s adventures — you might just uncover your new favorite spot!
