CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The EpiCentre is supposed to boost Charlotte's nightlife, but the entertainment complex may have to overcome the economy first.

Its businesses are opening at a time when people are trying to save money. Some businesses are being creative to survive bad timing.

Fleming's operating partner David Cass said, "I've had three charity events that we did last Friday. I have one the next two Fridays. We call them 'The nights of giving at Fleming's.'"

Anne Monsted is opening Smoothie King Friday.

She said, "Two years ago people were just spending. They weren't thinking about what they were buying. If they wanted it, they just bought it."

Now, she feels she needs to have more sales and give away more free samples if she wants to draw customers.