Two local organizations have severed their relationship with Al’s Burger Shack.

The Orange County Rape Crisis Center posted on Friday it has cut ties with Al’s Burger Shack amid public accusations of sexual harassment by founder Al Bowers.

“All survivors of unwanted sexual attention- including rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment- deserve safety and support,” the Facebook post read. “The Orange County Rape Crisis Center is committed to providing a safe space for hope, help and healing for all survivors in our community.”

On Friday, at least one flyer was posted in Carrboro’s Carr Mill Mall regarding sexual harassment allegations against Bowers. It accused Bowers of using his status in the community to intimidate and harass women in the service industry.

In addition, the brewery Beer Study in Durham — which had a planned expansion to include an Al’s location in its store — announced on Facebook it has decided to take a different direction from the collaboration.

“In light of recent events,” Beer Study posted on Saturday, “we have decided to go in a different direction for the food program.”

These events come after Al’s Burger Shack filed for bankruptcy at its Franklin Street, Governor’s Village and Southern Village locations. Three separate Chapter 11 bankruptcy forms were filed on behalf of Al’s, one for each location, on January 3.

The Orange County Rape Crisis Center is a non-profit agency offering support to survivors of sexual violence. Its confidential services include 24-hour helplines, therapy, support groups, workshops and case management.

Bowers has not responded to any requests for comment.

 

Related Stories
‹
401 Main Aims To Split With Al's Burger Shack Founder
Ownership of the Carrboro bar 401 Main revealed it is aiming to end its relationship with Al Bowers, the founder of Al’s Burger Shack. In a conversation on Monday with Chapelboro, principal owner Chris Baldwin said the bar has had plans to move on from Bowers’ minority ownership since before the events of recent days, […]
'It's A Really Good Handoff': Al's Burger Shack Changes Ownership, But Stays Local
When asked what Al’s Burger Shack means to its namesake, Al Bowers sits back and takes a deep breath. It’s easier to talk about what the Chapel Hill restaurant represents to others. “I always wanted someone to have a memory every time they took a bite of a cheeseburger,” he says. “Or every time they […]
One Week: Exploring Our 'Hometowns'
Exploring our ‘hometowns’ is an activity that has been continually present in my life thus far. As a 16-year-old, I have accumulated a sense of the culture of our hometown communities as well as what they have to offer; to enumerate: where to grab a bite to eat, fun activities, places to shop and must-see […]
Owners of Al's Burger Shack to Open New Restaurant in Chapel Hill
Al and Melody Bowers, owners of Al’s Burger Shack and Mel’s Commissary & Catering, announced that they will be opening a neighborhood pub in Governor’s Village this summer. The new restaurant, Al’s Pub Shack, will serve traditional pub food with Al’s own spin on the cuisine. “We wanted to bring great food and drink in […]
Tech Company Announces New Corporate Headquarters on West Franklin Street
IotaComm, Inc., a wireless communications and data services company, will be relocating its corporate headquarters to the top floor of the office space at 200 West Franklin Street in downtown Chapel Hill. “We’re thrilled IotaComm is calling Chapel Hill home,” said David Putnam, the town’s economic development director. “Once again, Chapel Hill stands out among […]
Siena Hotel Leadership Recaps Busy Week Hosting Mexico Men's National Team
While they were in Chapel Hill, the Mexico men's soccer national team stayed at the Siena Hotel – catching the attention of El Tri fans.
Chapel Hill Hosts Annual Pride Promenade, Celebrates LGBTQ+ Community
Franklin Street was filled with color and celebration of LGBTQ+ visibility on Saturday, as Chapel Hill held its annual Pride Promenade.
Two Businesses Open in Chapel Hill's Governors Village, Sensory Children's Gym and Wine Boutique
Two businesses recently opened their doors in Chapel Hill’s Governors Village, offering experiences for a variety of ages.
Zaxbys Sets Opening Date for New East Franklin Street Location
The fast-food restaurant Zaxbys will hold a grand opening for its new location in Chapel Hill the morning of Wednesday, April 2, according a release from the business. Zaxbys vice president of operations Horace Williams will join local leaders for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. in front of the restaurant, which is located at […]
Ay Por Dios! Permanently Closes in Chapel Hill; Owner Open to New Concept
Owner Edy Barahona confirmed the closure to Chapelboro on Tuesday, after Ay Por Dios! had been closed during its normal hours the prior week.
›