When Ye Olde Waffle Shoppe closed at 173 East Franklin Street in 2020, many Chapel Hillians, tourists and former UNC students were despondent. After years of no business in the storefront, though, patrons can now walk in to a transformed space run by one of the more acclaimed chefs in the area.
Próximo, a Spanish tapas and wine bar, officially held its opening for customers on Friday after having a media preview earlier in the week. The restaurant is owned by Glendale Hospitality, which is comprised of Chef Brandon Sharp, Elizabeth Sharp and Neal Benefield — and is also behind the restaurants Hawthorne & Wood and Bluebird in Chapel Hill. Benefield will serve as Próximo’s beverage director, with Chad Bourgeois as the executive chef and ElZeel Faust as the general manager.
The business describes itself as a place to pop into for “an impromptu bite,” featuring a menu of modern Spanish dishes. Guests can order hot plates, cold plates, desserts and snacks — ranging from seafood options like chilled garlic shrimp, sea scallops, and Spanish anchovies to seared Spanish chorizo and an aged New York strip.
Chef Brandon Sharp stands behind the counter of Próximo, his latest culinary venture in Chapel Hill, during a media preview.
Like its predecessor, the space has its seating limits — but Próximo is laid out so several patrons can eat at its bar with additional table seating toward the back. Additionally, those passing by on East Franklin Street can look into the window to see the kitchen staff at work behind the counter making the various small plates. With its seating set-up, Próximo’s ownership says only a limited amount of reservations can be made each night with many of the seats held for walk-up customers. The maximum amount of guests in a reservation is six, according to the restaurant’s website.
Additionally, to remove any barrier to parking and allow customers to drive up to the storefront, Próximo says it will offer valet parking for $10 at all times of operation.
Próximo is be open seven days a week from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Featured photo via Anna Routh Barzin.
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