Carolina Inn changes its leadership

The Carolina Inn has been a reliable Chapel Hill landmark for almost 100 years — but its leaders are changing.

The hotel’s parent company, Destination Hotels & Resorts, brought on a new executive chef in June and is still searching for a new general manager.

Built in 1924, the Carolina Inn sits at the corner of Cameron Avenue and Pittsboro Street on the University’s campus.

On Monday, the inn said goodbye to General Manager Shawn Gracey.

Gracey, who has been the general manager at the Carolina Inn for the past two years, will return to Hotel Derek in Houston, Tex., where he worked previously.

Hotel Derek was recently acquired by Destination Hotels & Resorts, which offered Gracey the hotel’s general manager position.

Although it was a difficult decision to leave, Gracey said he feels the offer came at a good time.

He said he is excited to live closer to his family in Houston but disappointed to be leaving Chapel Hill.

“It’s been an honor for me to be here,” Gracey said.

Joe Henry will be the interim general manager until the inn finds a permanent replacement.

James Clark joined the Inn’s team on June 18 as the new executive chef for its restaurant, Carolina Crossroads Restaurant & Bar.

He said he has enjoyed getting to know the town — and the new kitchen.

“Really I wanted to come here because the Carolina Inn has a great tradition for great food and great service,” Clark said.

He said he likes the local and sustainable foods available in the area — especially at the Carrboro Farmers’ Market.

“It’s great food that is not only great but sustainable as well,” he said. “Here, using local, sustainable foods is a standard.”

Clark said he incorporates locally grown ingredients into his dishes, which change seasonally.

“Food is changing all the time. Today, I’m excited about getting myself geared up for the fall,” Clark said. “

“I’m looking at those winter squashes and pumpkins and oysters.”

Carolina Crossroads customers say the quality of food has remained high so far, despite the change in kitchen staff.

“It was just breakfast, but it was really good,” said Lauren Baker, a freshman at UNC who ate at the restaurant this month.

“I just really liked being at the Carolina Inn.”

UNC junior Carter Hottovy ate at The Carolina Inn last year when Jimmy Reale was executive chef. He ate mushroom ravioli, which he rated a 7 or 8 out of 10.

Gracey said the Carolina Inn is in good hands despite staffing changes.

“The hotel has such a successful history,” he said. “We’ve got a very good team of leaders here.”

Contact the desk editor at city@dailytarheel.com.