Mike Benson has spent the last seven years as the driving force behind the Southern Rail restaurant. Now, he says he wants to make more time for family and other business opportunities.

“At 48 years old, I’m looking to make some changes in my life and most of those are centered around being a good dad and helping my daughters grow and watching them grow,” says Benson. “I just don’t want to miss it.”

Southern Rail is an unusual eatery consisting of three refurbished rail cars, a steel-and-glass enclosed platform and a beer garden.

“It’s an extremely unique restaurant and its location is prime in the center of Carrboro,” says Benson. “The good news is that we have probably more parking than any other restaurant in the area.”

Benson is looking to sell the restaurant in downtown Carrboro, but he says he plans to keep running The Station bar and music venue along with the Tiger Room coffee shop next door.

While he’s asking $450,000 for the restaurant and its assets, Benson says he’s also open to other ideas.

“We’re looking for anything. You know, somebody that wants to come in and do the kitchen operations as an investor, that’s a possible option, or purchasing the place is an option. We’re flexible.”

He says he’s looking for just the right buyer, someone who has a passion for Carrboro and vision for the venue.

“I think it’s time to pass the baton along to someone that really wants to do something cool with the space that I’ve built here out of these vintage train cars.”

You can learn more about the restaurant and its history here.

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