Members of the UNC community voiced concerned and then pledged financial support to a Chapel Hill staple this week.

The News & Observer published a profile about Sutton’s Drug Store, the longtime grill and pharmacy on Franklin Street, on Monday. In it, owner Don Pinney shared the challenges the 97 year-old business faces amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and without many UNC students in town.

“I want to make it 100 years, at least,” Pinney told the N&O. “I’ve just got my fingers crossed that things will work out.”

While many other local businesses are facing these same challenges, the UNC community had a strong and immediate reaction to the profile and its news of Sutton’s future being threatened. Known to be a Carolina Athletics community favorite, with players’ photos and jerseys lining the walls, many former players spoke in support of helping out. Former UNC men’s basketball standouts Brice Johnson and Theo Pinson were just a few to share dismay about any potential closure.

Not long after, one former UNC student took action and began a GoFundMe page for community members to contribute money to Pinney and Sutton’s. James Shelly, a former senior class president and a Sutton’s employee while attending UNC, set a $10,000 goal for the fundraising campaign. As of Tuesday, more than $3,000 has already been less than a day after its creation.

In addition to its Franklin Street location, Sutton’s Drug Store opened a restaurant-only location in the Europa Center in Chapel Hill. It also partners with the East Rosemary Street bar Pantana Bob’s to operate a food truck.

Photo via Explore Chapel Hill.

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