NIL era brings cautious optimism to college-town businesses

Posted Jul 19, 2021
Bret Oliverio says he wants college athletes to endorse his Sup Dogs restaurant on the main Franklin Street drag steps from the University of North Carolina. He is just being patient before jumping into a brave new world. Like other small business owners in college towns, Oliverio is sorting out what it means to strike an endorsement deal with athletes. (Associated Press)

Related: Campus Connections

UNC students take first-day sips at the Old Well
It’s the first day of classes at Carolina, and as Tar Heels know, that means it’s also time to drink from the Old Well for...
Mon Aug 17, 2026

Nonprofit at UNC pairs those with chronic illnesses with a service dog
UNC’s chapter of Lux’s Purpose was founded this year. Service dogs cost as much as $50,000-$70,000, and there is not a single insurance plan that...
Sun Aug 16, 2026

UNC Gears Up for First Day of Classes
The Chapel Hill summer is wrapping up this weekend, as UNC students return to campus ahead of the first day of class on Monday. “It’s...
Sat Aug 15, 2026

Twenty Tar Heels Recognized As ACC Graduate Scholar-Athletes
The ACC recognized more than 260 student-athletes, including 20 Tar Heels, as the inaugural class of ACC Graduate Scholar-Athletes for the 2025-26 academic year. To...
Wed Aug 12, 2026