In this Chapel Hill Insider Issue…

⛅Chapel Hill Local Weather- High 84^o and Partly Cloudy

📊Poll Results: Most Trusted Mechanics and Notable Mentions

📰Chapel Hill Rallies Behind Evicted Store Known for Dog Rescues and Postal Services

📰Community Farewell: Chapel Hill's Beloved Bakery Announces Permanent Closure

📰Carrboro's Flight Tea Bar Pauses for Owner's Tea Cultivation Journey in Japan

📰Discover Local Art and Classic Elegance at Moxy Fox Salon on E. Main St.

📢 We Want to Spotlight Local Businesses! Want Your Business to Be in Focus? Apply Here! Want to nominate a business? Email us at [email protected]

🗓️Upcoming Events (Updated)

Poll Results: Most Trusted Mechanics and Notable Mentions

We asked, “Which local mechanic do you turn to service your vehicles?“

You responded! You voted, you wrote in and you made your voice heard! We were honestly impressed not only by your response to the poll but by your comments! See below:

Here are a few of the comments you wrote in

Selected Automotion of Chapel Hill and wrote “Honest, good service”

Selected A Better Wrench and wrote “Great service, friendly staff and fair prices”

Selected Midas, Meineke or Jiffy Lube and wrote “Fair pricing, dependable and honest”

“We love Sturdivants on Hwy 54”

Our poll expanded to include Brown’s Automotive and Sturdivants, since so many of you wrote in to vote for them. For legal reasons, we do not endorse personally any shops, but we hope this helps you find a mechanic or repair shop where you can find great service, based on the votes from your fellow readers. Enjoy!

Chapel Hill Rallies Behind Evicted Store Known for Dog Rescues and Postal Services

Bob Gunn's Stray’s Ship-and-Shop in Southern Village, known for its unique blend of postal services and dog adoption, is being evicted after 12 years. The community store, which helped adopt out over 30 dogs and supported local artists, will close on April 27. The eviction disrupts services for local businesses and residents, sparking community efforts to support Gunn as he seeks to secure his future and that of his foster dogs.

Gunn, who originally took over the store from its previous owner, has been a vital part of the community, providing space for local artists and running an eco-friendly operation by recycling shipping materials. Despite his efforts to continue the lease with an annual 3% increase in rent, property management declined to renew, leaving him with a six-week notice period.

In response to the store's closure, the community has rallied behind Gunn, with some neighbors reaching out to the landlord advocating on his behalf and others suggesting more drastic measures like boycotts or petitions. Despite the outpouring of support, Gunn remains resigned to the situation, focusing on aiding his patrons through the transition and finding new homes for his remaining foster dogs. A GoFundMe has been initiated to assist him financially as he navigates this challenging phase.

Community Farewell: Chapel Hill's Beloved Bakery Announces Permanent Closure

The Great Harvest Bread Co. in Chapel Hill, located at 229 South Elliott Road, is closing permanently this Friday after more than two decades. The decision to close was made following unsuccessful attempts to update equipment and explore new business models. Owners Amy Kelley and Brandy Corbett expressed regret over the closure and hope the space will be revitalized by new owners with fresh ideas. The bakery, a long-standing community fixture, was originally opened in the early 2000s and has seen multiple ownership changes. The current owners took over in 2022. A final sale of the bakery’s inventory will occur this weekend.

Carrboro's Flight Tea Bar Pauses for Owner's Tea Cultivation Journey in Japan

Jarrah Passani, the pioneering mind behind the esteemed Flight Tea Bar & Lounge nestled in Carrboro's cozy Carr Mill Mall, has opted to press pause on the bustling pop-up venue. This temporary hiatus spans a few pivotal months as he immerses himself in the verdant expanses of a tea plantation in Shizuoka, Japan. Opened just last year, the locale at 200 N. Greensboro St. quickly became a sanctuary for tea aficionados. Those who have grown fond of Passani’s curated blends and the serene ambiance of the pop-up can stay connected with his tea cultivation adventures via Instagram, where he shares glimpses into his journey. Upon his return, a new chapter for Flight Tea Bar & Lounge will unfold with the announcement of a fresh location, as revealed in Passani’s recent update dated April 3.

Discover Local Art and Classic Elegance at Moxy Fox Salon on E. Main St.

Local hairstylist Mike Wood is expanding his business with an innovative venture, Moxy Fox Salon, now welcoming visitors at 102-A E. Main St. The salon, which began its soft launch this week, is preparing for an official grand opening next month. Moxy Fox combines a casual, enjoyable atmosphere with a touch of classic style and art deco flair. The open-air layout promotes vibrant discussions, while private areas offer a peaceful retreat for those in need of solitude.

More than just a hair salon, Moxy Fox serves as a community center, collaborating with local artists and the art league to display and sell artwork, rotating new artists' works each month. As part of its commitment to creating a satisfying customer experience, the salon invites feedback and guarantees satisfaction. Offering complimentary beer, wine, or cocktails, Moxy Fox is pitched as a child-free, adult sanctuary for relaxation and spirited, grown-up conversations. Open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Moxy Fox Salon promises a step towards beauty with every visit.

Orange County residents will have multiple opportunities to safely dispose of unused or expired medications at several drive-thru events scheduled for this April. On April 18th, from 1 to 4 pm, the Passmore Center in Hillsborough will host one such event, providing a convenient way for locals to rid their homes of unnecessary medications. Following this, on April 27th, there will be two additional opportunities: Wegman’s Grocery Store in Chapel Hill will offer this service from 10 am to 2 pm, and the Walmart in Hillsborough will host a morning session from 9 am to 12 pm.

For those unable to attend these events, Orange County provides a year-round solution through several permanent drop boxes located throughout the area. Residents can find the nearest drop box location by visiting the Orange County website at www.orangecountync.gov/dropboxes. These initiatives are part of the county's commitment to public health and safety by ensuring medications are disposed of in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.

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