Editor’s Note: A previous version of this article incorrectly reported the Crook’s Corner sale would be happening on Saturday, June 4. It will begin on Friday, June 3 and will continue into Saturday if supplies last.

When Crook’s Corner announced nearly a year ago it would be closing its doors, many in the Chapel Hill community thought they might never be able to visit the award-winning restaurant again.

But ownership of the beloved eatery on the corner of West Franklin Street and Merritt Mill Road is planning an event to help some of Crook’s Corner’s biggest fans get their fix.

A release from the restaurant on Tuesday said it will sell servings of its renowned honeysuckle sorbet from Crook’s kitchen door on Friday, June 3. The dessert was made popular by former executive chef Bill Smith, who made the batch of sorbet set to be sold for $8 a container.

“If you grew up with honeysuckle, a taste of the sorbet is a mind-bending experience,” wrote Shannon Healy, one of Crook’s Corners owners. “You can watch people’s faces when they taste it and see their reactions of pure delight and nostalgia.”

The announcement comes after a sign hung on Crook’s Corner’s front door teased the community for weeks, reading “HONEYSUCKLE Is Almost In Bloom. You Know What That Means.”

Healy said in Tuesday’s release the sorbet sale is a minor step toward the restaurant reopening its doors to the public. On June 9 2021, the restaurant said the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated several issues ownership was facing and led them to share what were thought to be goodbyes with the community. Crook’s Corner in its most recent form opened in 1982, with the building and land previously being a fish market, taxi stand and pool hall at various points during the mid 1900’s.

Although there was some confusion earlier this month about a potential timeline for Crook’s Corner to restart operations again, Healy said the hiatus will continue for a while longer.

“In the meantime, we want to give folks a little taste of something to look forward to,” said the longtime general manager.

Crook’s Corner said the honeysuckle sorbet sale will begin at noon on Friday, with plans to run until 4 p.m. If supplies last, the sale will extend through Saturday with the same hours. Guests will be limited to buying two servings each and the restaurant is not accepting any phone orders. Tuesday’s release also said only credit cards will be accepted.

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