Carolina Alumni Review - March/April 2009

AROUND TOWN

McDonald’s Gets
a ‘McCafe’ Makeover

Doing his part for McDonald’s global re-imaging program, franchise owner Paul Willoughby dismantled the West Franklin Street McDonald’s down to two walls in a $1.2 million rebuilding that will bring a larger restaurant to the site. For three years he worked with town officials to get approval for the McDonad’s new “McCafe” look. The original building was constructed in 1972 and had major renovations in 1987 and 1999.

When the franchise reopens — Willoughby hoped it would be ready by early March — the restaurant will have replaced hard vinyl seats with upholstered chairs and booths, installed at least two large-screen TVs and added a beverage bar in the contemporary tiled lobby. The outdoor tables will be moved to the side. Landscaping concessions ate up six parking spaces. And the town held firm to its “no drive-through” rule. Willoughby is laying a new sidewalk out front and will set up bike racks front and back.

McDonald’s, 409 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, (919) 967-5788

Limelight Fashionably Green

Hillary Fisher ’ 93, owner of Modern Times, has gone green, sort of, by painting the brick walls of her West Franklin Street shop lime green, mixing “recycled” clothing in with her boutique designer fashions and changing the name to Limelight.

The women’s wear boutique, which reinvented itself in mid-January, sells upscale clothing on consignment, as well as new clothing by contemporary designers and accessories for fashion and home. In a concession to the recession, and the many women who love designer clothes but can’t fit them into a budget, Fisher sorted through the closets of some of her best customers. Within two weeks, she had enough designer fashions to fill her store.

“I call it saintly shopping,” Fisher said. “You’re not contributing to more things being manufactured and shipped, and it keeps downtown vibrant.”

Make an appointment to have relatively

The Modern Times store on West Franklin Street has changed its name to Limelight and its color scheme to lime green.

new items evaluated for consignment. Clothing and home accessories will be picked to complement the store’s new fashions.

Fisher’s Modern Times branch at University Mall continues to offer designer fashions and bridal gowns.

Limelight, 402 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, (919) 929-8119

Minata Owner Retiring,
Closing Shop

University Mall will have a little less sparkle with the closing of Minata Jewelers. In its 36 years of business, the trend-setting shop has featured the work of renowned jewelry designers — David Yurman, Michael Good and Elsa Peretti — before they became famous. Owner Linda Kornberg is retiring and planned to close the store after its remaining inventory, which was being discounted up to 50 percent, was sold.

Minata Jewelers, University Mall, 201 S. Estes Drive, Chapel Hill, (919) 967-8964 or toll-free (866) 264-6282

Dispute Closes Hell

The gates of Hell Bar and Lounge closed mid-December, owing to a dispute between manager Nick Stiletto and landlord Paliouras Enterprises. In November, town inspectors found numerous safety violations, including flooding and faulty electrical circuitry, in the club in the basement of 157

E. Rosemary St. Stiletto and Paliouras each claimed that making the repairs was the other’s responsibility. As the problems remained unfixed, Stiletto closed the business, figuring he would not be able to get Hell’s insurance policy renewed Jan. 1. Then he filed a lawsuit against his landlord.

Stiletto plans to open a new club in Carrboro this spring. He does not expect it to be Hell.

Shop Targets
Commuting Cyclists

As gas prices edge up again, a new bike shop in Carrboro is ready with commuter conveyances of the two-wheeled variety. In early December, Cycle 9 bike shop opened in the former locale of S.H. Basnight & Sons building supplies on West Main Street.

The cycle shop sells electric bikes and electric-motor conversion kits to help pedalers zip up hills sweat-free. The store caters to commuters by offering folding bikes; heavy-duty commuter bikes with racks, fenders and lights; sport utility bikes; and cargo cycles. Those wanting to ease the transition from a car might try the comfort bikes with executive-chair upholstered seats with backs and high handlebars.

Cycle 9, 601 W. Main St., Carrboro, (919) 636-5909

Frozen Treats for All Seasons

Now that the weather is beginning to thaw, folks may warm to some frozen treats, and a new gelato shop in Carr Mill Mall touts “Ice, Custard, Happiness,” according to its logo. Rita’s, part of a Philadelphia-based chain, opened in December by giving away Italian ices. Although the shop sells frozen custard, its specialty is “water ice,” a smoother version of the sno-cone. Other original creations include Gelati, parfaited layers of frozen custard and water ice; Misto, a milkshake-type drink; Blendini, frozen custard with crushed cookies mixed in; and Slenderita, a fat-free custard. Store owner Todd Doros boasts that families can treat four kids for under $10.