‘It’s A Really Good Handoff’: Al’s Burger Shack Changes Ownership, But Stays Local

Posted Jan 13, 2023
Al’s Burger Shack in Chapel Hill is the result of Al Bowers leaving the group that ran Merritt’s Grill in 2010 and forging his own path to ownership. As the Chocolate Door closed at 516 West Franklin Street, Bowers came in to buy the space and set up the first burger shack. Since then, the restaurant has experienced high highs and some difficult lows. (Chapelboro.com)

Related: Campus Connections

For Tift Merritt, Time and Patience Have Made the Difference
Tift Merritt never thought she’d end up back in her hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina. For about 15 years she toured through America and Europe...
Sun Feb 15, 2026

Rich Eisen can’t bring himself to watch Stuart Scott ’30 for 30' yet
ESPN’s latest 30 for 30 documentary stays close to home, covering the life of Stuart Scott, an icon of the Worldwide Leader’s SportsCenter era. Rich...
Sun Feb 15, 2026

UNC business, nursing online programs rank among nation’s best
The 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Program Rankings place online master’s programs from UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School and the UNC School of...
Sat Feb 14, 2026

Gift from UNC alums will fund 20 Carolina Covenant scholars
A transformational estate gift from Dwight Jacobs ’87 and Moira Jacobs ’87 will support future generations of Carolina Covenant scholars. “If we could help 20...
Mon Feb 9, 2026