marking a
milestone A few local nonprofits and businesses hitting a big anniversary this year reflect on local roots, biggest lesson learned and what’s next Co mp i le d by Kat ie M acKin n o n an d Jessic a Str in ger
Sutton’s Drug Store Restaurant Founded by Lynwood Sutton and Lucy Sutton, celebrating 100 years Changes over the years When it was
initially founded, Sutton’s had a pharmacy in the back, drugstore in the front and a lunch counter with high-top chairs to the side. Initially it operated as mainly a pharmacy with a place to stop and catch a meal, but then business started transitioning more toward [the restaurant]. In 2014, CVS bought the pharmacy and drugstore side of the business, so instead of closing the doors, it shifted only to the restaurant. Don Pinney, our current owner, has worked at Sutton’s for over 45 years. Don took 50% ownership in 1993 (he owned the kitchen/grill) but took full ownership in 2014. Number of staff 13 employees at the Chapel Hill location Success story It’s always been a success; the success has just looked different throughout the decades! It started as a successful pharmacy and then when the countertop lunches took off, the restaurant became a success. But no matter what business model we were operating under, our customers have always made us feel like a success – hence the pictures on the wall! We love to highlight those who have helped to keep us in Chapel Hill after all these years. Hometown pride We would not have been able to survive during or post-pandemic without the amazing support of our “family.” In 2020, our family raised over $10,000 to keep our doors open. Without it, Sutton’s would not have survived. Fun fact Because of our success at the Franklin Street Sutton’s, we were able to open another location just down the road (at 100 Europa Drive). What’s next We’re still focusing on recovering from the pandemic. Thankfully, our landlord was gracious throughout the process, but financially we are not in the same place as we were before. Other than that, [at press time] we [were] getting excited for our 100th anniversary celebration on April 12 where the community can come together to celebrate. 48
chapelhillmagazine.com
May/June 2023
The Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro Business-leadership, businessserving, community-impact and advocacy organization Founded by local business leaders, celebrating 80 years Changes over the years The chamber has grown and adapted to local business and local community needs over time. From an unstaffed association with a small budget serving Chapel Hill’s downtown businesses in the 1940s to a strong chamber of commerce with eight professional staff, 600plus business members and a million-dollar budget serving the greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro region across three counties, the chamber now delivers a customer promise to connect, advocate, drive progress and build community. Number of staff 8 professional staff Success story We have always been a successful organization, but strong membership growth and retention, plus measurable positive impacts on our economy and our community, are hallmarks of our recent success. Hometown pride The greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro region has all the attributes needed for success – a well-educated community, talented local workforce, strong downtowns, thriving university, unparalleled health care, highquality schools and incredible local businesses. Lessons learned Prioritize your customers, engage in your community, invest in employees, be entrepreneurial, be flexible and smile. Milestone moment Becoming the first chamber in North Carolina to offer a health care benefit to its members when we launched the Small Business Health Program in partnership with Piedmont Health 15 years ago. By the numbers 80 years of service, 600-plus current members, 90,000 local member employees, 2,000plus ribbons cut, over 10,000 businesses served and supported What’s next 80 more years of meeting and exceeding member expectations and leading successful economic and community development outcomes.