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What should happen to the original Char-Grill?

The Hillsborough Street Char-Grill has been serving up cheap eats since 1959 and is the first of the iconic NC chain serving up flame-grilled eats.

The exterior and sign of the first Char-Grill restaurant.

The first Char-Grill opened on Hillsborough Street in 1959.

Photo by RALtoday

The original Char-Grill is up for sale again after the previous buyer withdrew from the purchase. The lot is zoned for 20 stories and is being sold as “one of the last remaining development opportunities in Glenwood South.” We want to know: What do you want to see happen to the iconic restaurant?

While more apartments near Glenwood South would add housing, many in our Instagram comments want Char-Grill to stay — NC college bar Sup Dogs and the team behind The Yard Milkshake Bar indicated their interest in the property. Others want the best of both worlds — take down the building for apartments and have a shiny new Char-Grill location on the ground floor.

Fun fact: This isn’t the first time this location has faced potential demolition. In 1974, owner Dorothy Vickers wanted to mow down the building for a parking lot.

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