Tailgate, Shrunken Head Boutique's expansion store, holds grand opening

On a UNC game day, the moment you step into Shrunken Head Boutique, a family-owned merchandise store on Franklin Street, fans are packed wall to wall with arms full of Tar Heel memorabilia. 

Melissa Pate, store manager of Shrunken Head Boutique and granddaughter of the original founders, knows this scene all too well. 

“We started actually housing stuff at my house to keep up with inventory, because on game day we would sell out of everything,” she said. 

On Feb. 28, Tailgate by Shrunken Head Boutique, located three doors down, hosted its grand opening. Tailgate is the extension of Shrunken Head Boutique, which offers UNC-licensed gear and merchandise.  

The grand opening featured a ribbon cutting ceremony, as well as a variety of vendors and pop-ups from local businesses including VooDoo Wing Company. 

Pate said her grandparents founded Shrunken Head Boutique in the 1960s, and over the years, its loyal fan base has continued to grow. However, she said the store’s narrow space made game days especially hectic, leading to the decision to open an additional store.

The expansion process began a year and a half ago and came with challenges, from construction delays to permit issues, Pate said. 

Store manager Melissa Nobling said it is important to plan for the future because Chapel Hill is a growing and thriving town. She said their online presence is expanding and the new store will help strengthen their presence in the community. 

“We pride ourselves on making everybody who walks through that door feel like they're a part of our family,” Nobling said. 

Reagan Gulledge, an employee at both store locations, said she started working at Shrunken Head Boutique nearly two years ago and loves the welcoming work environment, strong connection to the UNC community and opportunities to engage with the university and the local area.  

“We've all been communicating very well, and we're so excited to see how this goes,” she said.

Jessica Tillman, an attendee at the opening, said she was inspired to visit the store after seeing an advertisement on Instagram and learning that former UNC men’s basketball player Phil Ford would be a special guest. 

“I also just want to check it out — I like Shrunken Head, so I figured yeah, they can do no wrong,” she said.

Ford said in the 1970s, he developed a close friendship with Shrunken Head’s original owner, Shelton Henderson. Ford said he felt honored to be at the grand opening.  

He said that UNC has the best fans in the world, because they are down-to-earth, caring and deeply passionate about basketball. Even 50 years after playing, Ford said he was surprised people still remember him and take the time to connect with him at the event. 

“It's just a great store, and the family is great at supporting Carolina and supporting the community,” Ford said.

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