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From Michelin Stars to Franklin Street: Chef Brandon Sharp's Próximo Raises $1M for Spanish Culinary Adventure

From Michelin Stars to Franklin Street: Chef Brandon Sharp's Próximo Raises $1M for Spanish Culinary Adventure

#026

March 24, 2024

From Michelin Stars to Franklin Street: Chef Brandon Sharp's Próximo Raises $1M for Spanish Culinary Adventure

Issue #026

In this Chapel Hill Insider Issue…

🌧️Chapel Hill Local Weather- High 53^o and Sunny

📰Orange County Unveils New 24-Hour Recycling Site Near University Lake

🏀Headed to the Sweet 16: Tarheels Dominate Michigan State

📰From Michelin Stars to Franklin Street: Chef Brandon Sharp's Próximo Raises $1M for Spanish Culinary Adventure

📰Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams to Sweeten Chapel Hill with New University Place Location

📢Business Spotlight: Serving Up More Than Just Bagels: Brandwein's Commitment to Community and Quality

📢 We Want to Spotlight Local Businesses! Want Your Business to Be in Focus? Apply Here!

🍵Win a $25 Starbucks e-Gift Card! Share, Like & Win!

🗓️Upcoming Events

🍃Just For Fun: Where Can I Get This Mug?

Orange County Unveils New 24-Hour Recycling Site Near University Lake

A recycling bin near Bournemouth beach, helping people to recycle their plastic.

In a positive move for environmental sustainability and convenience, Orange County has announced the opening of a new recycling drop-off site located near University Lake. This comes after the closure of the recycling facilities at University Place and Carrboro Plaza. The newly established site is accessible around the clock, catering to the community's needs for cardboard, glass, and single-stream recycling.

Residents are urged to ensure that plastic bags are not placed in the dumpsters at any of the recycling drop-off locations. For those who use plastic bags to gather their recyclables, it's important to remove the recyclables from the bags and dispose of the bags separately. Notably, clean and dry plastic bags can be recycled at local grocery stores, offering a responsible disposal option.

This initiative reflects Orange County's commitment to making recycling more accessible and encourages residents to participate in eco-friendly practices. The new site's 24-hour availability ensures that recycling can fit into everyone's schedule, promoting a greater environmental impact. For detailed information on what items are accepted and to find other recycling locations within the area, the county encourages visiting their official website.

Headed to the Sweet 16: Tarheels Dominate Michigan State

Photo credit UNC Basketball

In an intense clash during the NCAA Tournament, the Michigan State Spartans initially took a commanding 12-point lead against the top-seeded North Carolina Tar Heels in the first half. The momentum, seemingly under the guidance of coach Tom Izzo, suggested the Spartans were on the brink of securing their inaugural March Madness victory over the Tar Heels. However, the tide turned dramatically as North Carolina unleashed a formidable 23-3 run to close the second half, decisively shifting the game in their favor.

The matchup, held at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, ended with the Spartans succumbing to an 85-69 defeat, maintaining a winless record against the Tar Heels in tournament history, now standing at 0-6.

From Michelin Stars to Franklin Street: Chef Brandon Sharp's Próximo Raises $1M for Spanish Culinary Adventure

Chef Brandon Sharp, photo credit Triangle Business Journal

A venture associated with renowned Chapel Hill chef, Brandon Sharp, has successfully secured over $1 million in funding. This investment is earmarked for the launch of a new culinary destination named Próximo, slated to grace Franklin Street's dining scene. Located at 173 E. Franklin Street, previously occupied by Ye Olde Waffle Shoppe and adjacent to the Four Corners restaurant, Próximo promises to introduce a Spanish flair to the area.

Set to open its doors in the fall, Próximo aims to captivate diners with its intimate setting, featuring 40 seats dedicated to offering an authentic Spanish tapas and wine bar experience. Chef Brandon Sharp, alongside his team, plans to merge traditional and contemporary Spanish tapas, complemented by a selection of wines, ports, and sherries that encapsulate the essence of the Iberian Peninsula. Neal Benefield will take the helm of operations, with George Colom, a seasoned chef from Sharp's other Chapel Hill venture, Hawthorne & Wood, leading the culinary efforts.

The financial groundwork for Próximo was laid through a new entity called Hundred Block, named in a nod to the downtown's vibrant core. This entity attracted the support of 14 investors, as indicated by securities filings. Hundred Block was officially registered to conduct business in November, under the stewardship of Sharp, who brings a wealth of experience from his international and local culinary ventures, including earning a Michelin star at Solar in Calistoga, California.

Chapel Hill is actively seeking ways to revitalize Franklin Street's appeal, aiming to bolster foot traffic and support businesses recovering from the pandemic's impacts. Próximo joins this transformation effort, signaling a fresh culinary chapter for the area, underpinned by Sharp's rich background and his collaborative ventures with his wife, Elizabeth Sharp, through their Glendale Hospitality group.

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams to Sweeten Chapel Hill with New University Place Location

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams is set to make its debut in Chapel Hill, at the University Place development, which is currently undergoing a significant transformation. This expansion marks the first entry of the beloved Ohio-based ice cream brand into Chapel Hill, adding to its presence in the Triangle area with existing locations. The University Place development project aims to revitalize a nearly 40-acre shopping center by introducing pedestrian-friendly features, a selection of popular retail brands, office spaces, and new residential apartments, enhancing the overall community vibe.

The start of construction for Jeni's, alongside other notable establishments like Chase Bank and Chick-fil-A, is scheduled for the end of this month. Jeni's is planned to occupy a 1,000-square-foot space adjacent to a newly developed 15,000 square foot outdoor area, designed to host live music and various events, though its opening date is yet to be determined. This development is part of a broader effort to attract national brands to the region, demonstrated by recent arrivals like Shake Shack and Raising Cane's, signaling a trend towards upscale retail and dining options.

University Place's overhaul, initiated by Ram Realty Advisors who acquired the property in 2018, encompasses the construction of 350,000 square feet of high-end retail spaces, 50,000 square feet of office spaces, and a 253-unit apartment complex named The Willow. Additionally, a new 150-space public parking garage is on the cards to accommodate the anticipated increase in visitors. The next phase of the renovation will see the closure of the Estes Drive mall entrance this spring, paving the way for further enhancements.

Serving Up More Than Just Bagels: Brandwein's Commitment to Community and Quality

Nestled in downtown Chapel Hill, Brandwein's Bagels is more than just a bagel shop; it's a vibrant testament to community spirit and the timeless appeal of New York culinary tradition. Finding its permanent home on February 22, 2020, this local gem has quickly woven itself into the fabric of the community, overcoming the challenges of the pandemic and solidifying its place on Rosemary Street as a hub of warmth and deliciousness after winning our hearts with pop-up bagel shops all over town.

The story of Brandwein's Bagels begins with its owner, Alex, a New York native whose weekends were defined by the ritual of enjoying fresh, piping hot bagels with family. This tradition sparked a passion that would eventually lead him away from the skyscrapers of Manhattan and the world of investment banking to the charming streets of Chapel Hill. Here, while pursuing an MBA at Kenan-Flagler Business School, he discovered a community that would embrace his vision of sharing the bagel experience he cherished so deeply.

Owner, Alex Brandwein Photo credit Chapel Hill Magazine

Brandwein's Bagels prides itself on its authentic New York-style bagels, boiled and baked to perfection. The secret to their irresistible bagels lies in the locally-sourced Lindley Mills Flour, a commitment that underscores the shop's dedication to quality and community support. With a wide array of flavors ranging from the classic Plain and Everything to inventive offerings like Chocolate Swirl and Gluten-Free options, there is a bagel for every palate. But it doesn't stop there; the shop also boasts an impressive selection of homemade spreads and salads, ensuring every visit offers something new and delightful.

However, Brandwein's Bagels is more than just its delectable menu. It is a place where community spirit flourishes. The shop's involvement in local initiatives, particularly its support for UNC's Division I athletes through the Team Brandwein program, exemplifies its commitment to giving back and fostering unity. This initiative, along with Fundraiser Fridays, which donate a portion of revenue to local school programs and charities, demonstrates how Brandwein's Bagels extends its impact far beyond the culinary realm.

In every bagel, sandwich, and cup of Gray Squirrel Coffee served, visitors can sense the passion and care that have become the hallmark of Brandwein's Bagels. It's a place where the simple act of sharing a meal can brighten your day, embodying the belief that food has the power to touch lives and make a difference.

For those in Chapel Hill and beyond, Brandwein's Bagels offers a taste of New York tradition, a sense of community, and the joy of discovering your new favorite bagel. Whether you're a longtime local or just passing through, a visit to Brandwein's Bagels at 505 W. Rosemary Street is an experience that promises to leave you with a full stomach and a warm heart.

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The campaign wraps up on April 1st, at which point we'll count up all the points to determine the winner. Rest assured, we'll make the big announcement on April 2nd, ensuring it's all in good spirits and no April Fool's jest. For those who've been actively participating, your efforts haven't gone unnoticed—all your points are securely accounted for. Remember, it's still anyone's game! The victor, along with our most active sharers, might just find themselves highlighted in our newsletter and on our Facebook page. Let's work together to get the word out!

Food, Foodies & Fun

Remember, all month long, $5 from every order of Tandem's "Afternoon Calls" specialty cocktail will also go right back to MES. Thank you for the support, Tandem!