Businesses Openings & Closures

BUSINESS

By Tyria Bourda
Correspondent

The Casual Pint Closes

A local craft beer market has officially shut its doors in Chapel Hill. The Casual Pint of Chapel Hill, situated at 201 South Elliott Road, Suite 51, announced the news on social media. Owners Bill and Donna Darragh explained that the closure was due to financial burdens that are just too steep for them to maintain their business at the same level of quality.

The owners further expressed that when they launched the business, their aim was to create a friendly gathering place for the community to unite over craft beer.

“Our hearts are full as we feel we have accomplished this goal. Thank you, Chapel Hill and surrounding areas, for showing us your support in achieving this goal, whether you came by to watch a game, catch up with friends and neighbors, meet colleagues, or enjoy a date night,” they said on their Facebook post.

In the last six years, this establishment has received multiple accolades from Chapel Hill Magazine, such as “Best Beer Selection,” “Best Place to Watch a Game,” and “Best Wings.”

“The magic was realized when so many of you felt that this was your home away from home and supported us week after week,” Darragh’s said. “We were so honored that you voted for us to win Chapel Hill Magazine’s “The Best Of” awards every year for Best Beer Selection, Best Place to Watch a Game, and, for the first time this year, Best Wings.”

Numerous customers expressed their disappointment on social media about the venue’s closure. Debbie McCormick, Chapel Hill local, mentioned that the owners transformed The Casual Pint into a unique destination and frequently backed their fundraising initiatives, which was always greatly valued.

“Not just the nice beer selection, or the ice cream sandwiches to take home, but Bill Darragh, Donna Hammer Darragh and their entire team made it a special place from the very beginning and we’ll miss you,” said McCormick.

The Loop Reopens

Photo Source: The Loop restuarant

The Loop restaurant, situated in the Eastgate Shopping Center, has officially reopened its doors to the public. The Florida-based franchise is famous for its burgers, sandwiches, and milkshakes, and operates two additional locations in North Carolina, located in Winston-Salem and Kernersville.

Last year, the restaurant had to suspend operations due to flood damage caused by Tropical Storm Chantal. The restaurant announced this update on social media.

“The Loop welcomes Chapel Hill back home. After months of rebuilding, our beloved neighborhood restaurant returns, thanks to community support and shared resilience. Can’t wait to see your familiar faces, we miss you,” said the Facebook announcement.

Manager Hendrix Prescott informed news outlets that he and his team initially estimated repairs would take 3 to 4 months at most, but the reality was quite different: most of the equipment, tables, and chairs were severely damaged.

“It was just like a mess,” Prescott said. “Everything was all over the place. The hallways and stuff back there were full of appliances, dishes, and everything. You could barely walk through here.”

Prescott mentioned that some employees chose not to take on second jobs while the restaurant was closed, and he did the same.

“It’s been a little bit of an adjustment. But once people started coming in, I think everyone got into the flow of working again really quickly,” said Prescott. “I know I did quicker than I thought. I thought I was going to be really terrible after six months of not doing it.”

The Loop also has a second location in the Triangle area of Durham, which was unaffected by the flooding, which is where the Chapel Hill staff worked during the reconstruction of the Eastgate Crossing location.

Following the reopening announcement, numerous customers took to social media to spread the word. David Boer, a resident of Chapel Hill, expressed his excitement about the business’s return.

“The Loop reopened today after the flood, and it’s fantastic. The space has a whole new look, fresh and welcoming, but still feels like The Loop,” said Boer. “Everything we had was on point. So good to see them back open. Go support them.”

Tyria McCray-Bourda is a story-driven journalist whose work has previously appeared in The Carolinian newspaper in Raleigh. Attaining a bachelor’s degree in communication from Southern New Hampshire University, she has the distinction of having interviewed President Joe Biden when he was a candidate on the campaign trail, as well as Vice President Kamala Harris. This reporter can be reached at: Information@TheLocalReporter.press