Emma Kenfield

Ira Wilder

News

Restaurants ask for permanent sidewalk space as COVID-19 regulations loosen

By Emma Kenfield | April 26

Although social distancing and capacity guidelines are being lifted, businesses on Franklin Street have advocated for some of these new policies to stick around, like allowances for outdoor seating space. For the past year, local restaurants have benefitted from curbside parking spots, extended sidewalks, outdoor seating and other temporary allowances approved by the Town of Chapel Hill. Robert Poitras, the owner of Carolina Brewery on West Franklin, has advocated to make patio extensions on West Franklin Street — like the one at Carolina Brewery — permanent to both the Town and the NCDOT.

Calli Westra

City & State

Hidden gems in Chapel Hill, Carrboro persevere through a year of slow business

By Emma Kenfield | March 9

“I don't know what I’d do with myself if I couldn't come over here and unlock the door in the morning,” said Barry Keith, owner of Surplus Sids. These local business owners reflect on the year of coronavirus, how they survived and why they’re still holding on.

20210118_Bittenbender_city-lgbtq-ordinance-6

Caroline Bittenbender

City & State

Three Orange County towns become first in N.C. to pass LGBTQ nondiscrimination ordinances

By Emma Kenfield | January 19

The nondiscrimination ordinance is a step in the right direction by protecting people from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

Abe Loven

City & State

Push for outdoor seating on Franklin Street raises questions about accessibility

By Emma Kenfield | November 5

An increase in outdoor seating options on Franklin Street could pose potential problems for the disabled community. Sarah Gilles, a chairperson of the Disability Advocates Committee of the Campus Y, said the push for outdoor seating is good for business but could shift accessibility standards to the back burner. Chelsea Laws, director of Building and Development Services for the Town of Chapel Hill, said the Town looks at accessibility requirements to make sure people can get in and out of all businesses. But UNC doctoral student Dalvin Tsay, who uses a wheelchair, said blocked sidewalks and small ramps make it extremely difficult to get around.

Shannon Hodges

City & State

'It’s all about survival': Long-time Chapel Hill restaurants reflect on past, future

By Emma Kenfield | September 27

Sutton's Drug Store, Linda's Bar and Grill and Carolina Coffee Shop are three Franklin Street staples looking to survive the pandemic and continue serving Chapel Hill residents. Christopher Carini, owner and operator of Linda's Bar and Grill, said he can't wait to reopen and will do whatever it takes to survive until that can happen. Sutton's Drug Store has been on Franklin Street for 97 years, and owner Don Pinney said he won't let it die. “It’s all about survival, trying to keep people employed, so they still have an income, making just enough money at the restaurant to take care of your staff,” said Kyle Shea, general manager of Carolina Coffee Shop.

City & State

Updates for 203 Project presented at Carrboro Town Council meeting

By Emma Kenfield and Li-Anne Wright | September 20

Local business owners and Town Council members expressed hesitation about Carrboro's 203 Project, a development project on South Greensboro Street, at a Sept. 15 Carrboro Town Council meeting.

Angelina Katsanis

City & State

Linda's and Moe's close their doors as COVID-19 cases spike

By Emma Kenfield | August 30

Following a spike in COVID-19 cases on campus at UNC, Moe's Southwest Grill and Linda's Bar and Grill have shut their doors.

Angelina Katsanis

City & State

Ms Mong, Lula's, LOTSA and other Chapel Hill restaurants close due to COVID-19

By Emma Kenfield | August 20

Lula’s, LOTSA Stone Fired Pizza and Ms Mong are some of the restaurants that have permanently closed their doors because of the coronavirus.

Angelina Katsanis

News

Here's what restaurants on Franklin Street are open for dine-in and takeout

By Emma Kenfield | August 9

Restaurants, coffee shops and bars on Franklin Street are slowly reopening, bringing some familiarity back to life as a UNC student. Here’s a list of places, old and new, that have opened their doors to the public.

News

How the women of Orange County stepped up to respond to WWI and the Spanish Flu

By Emma Kenfield | March 29

Women also formed various war circles, in which they made hospital gowns, garments for refugees, bed pads and various medical supplies. These circles were the accessible alternative to Red Cross Chapters for rural women of Orange County who lived in more isolated areas.