This beloved Chapel Hill cafe showcases local art and serves up legendary Southern dishes like shrimp and grits in a cozy, vibrant atmosphere.
"I think everyone in the industry was startled by this news, as it truly marks the end of an era for a Southern institution. RIP." - Eater Staff
"James Beard Award-winning Southern restaurant Crook’s Corner announced that it would close its doors, effective immediately, after almost 40 years. Opened in 1982 by Gene Hamer and chef Bill Neal, Crook’s was at the forefront of the Southern farm-to-table movement, and is credited with popularizing the modern iteration of shrimp and grits. Chef Bill Smith took over after the original chef Bill Neal died in 1991, and ran the kitchen until 2019. Chef Carrie Schleiffer was recently brought on, but it seems COVID has claimed another institution." - Matt Lardie
Joe Becker
Allison Ross
Matt Takas
Walker Knight
Millie Kwan
Nina
Benjamin Tupper
Frank Bookhardt