Loved ones & businesses celebrate Valentine’s Day in the Queen City

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — If you took a drive through the Queen City today, you probably saw pop-up vendors everywhere cashing in on last-minute Valentine’s Day shoppers like Rodriques Butler.

“It’s that time of the year, so you want to bring your lady home something nice,” says Butler. He has two special ladies waiting for him at home.

“My fiancée loves roses and our daughter’s named Rose. So one for her, one for her,” Butler explains, “They mean so much to me. I love to see them smile, you know?”

And it’s not just the men flying faster than Cupid on his big day.

“I’m a procrastinator,” says lifelong Charlotte resident Rebecca Reed.

“It’s a zoo in there,” Reed points to the grocery store behind her, “There are a lot of people like me in there.”

Rebecca Reed’s daughter is a cheerleader at Myers Park High School – she’s got candy, flowers, and trinkets for the coaches and members of the team.

“It’s fun to shower your friends, coaches, and everybody with a gift,” beams Reed.

And as the sun sets, so are tables at local favorites like Cajun Queen.

“This is a big day,” says Tim Freer.

“This is our Super Bowl.”

Freer has been a managing partner with the popular New Orleans-style restaurant and bar for over 30 years now – and each Valentine’s Day seems to get busier and busier. Tonight’s been booked solid for 10 days.

“I think if we had 1000 seats, we could have filled them today,” Freer exclaims.

And in two of those seats are Tammy and Jim – together for 20 years. But Jim doesn’t think Valentine’s Day is a big deal.

“It’s every day for us. Every day,” says Jim.

Tammy rolls her eyes – but before you think Jim’s in the doghouse, Tammy laughs and says she’s kidding.

It’s safe to say Jim found himself a keeper.

“It’s just that we celebrate it all the time,” Jim explains, “We share our love every day. That’s all.”

“We don’t feel like we should have to show our love one day a year,” Tammy agrees.

“It’s every day.”