The Lumina Faces Cliffhanger

Posted on Aug. 30, 2019

After nearly two decades as the entertainment anchor of Chapel Hill’s Southern Village, The Lumina Theater’s run might be at an end — or maybe not.

D.R. Bryan — president of Bryan Properties, who opened the independent movie theater in 2000 with partner John Fugo — in July announced it would close on Labor Day. He cited a decline in attendance over the past decade as the national trend saw viewers siphoned off by Netflix and other streaming entertainment.

But after meeting with Southern Village residents who might want to take over the Lumina, all business people he declined to identify, Byran is giving them until Nov. 15 to decide whether to move forward. Bryan, who also lives in the neighborhood, said the theater now would stay open until at least mid-January either way. “I hope they can work it out,” he said. “I like walking to the movies, too.”

The Lumina debuted with four screens, a game arcade and cafe, later adding a fifth screen and lobby. It recently upgraded projectors to show digital films. The Chapel Hill Town Council last year greenlighted plans for a taphouse, but that project with a partner did not come to fruition. “A lot of times, having fresh ideas and fresh eyes look at things can make a difference,” Bryan said about possible new ownership.

Hemp Store Takes Root on Franklin

The booming market for hemp products has reached Chapel Hill.

Owner Tanya Durand had locations of The Hemp Store in Raleigh and Wake Forest when she opened in the former Smoothie King spot. Chapel Hill had long been in her expansion plans: “Chapel Hill is amazing for holistic and alternative wellness, so I think we’ll do really well with the people there.”

Hemp, a plant relative of marijuana, doesn’t get users high. THC, the substance in marijuana that has psychological effects, is limited to 0.3 percent in North Carolina in industrial hemp, the variety from which Durand’s products are made. The N.C. General Assembly legalized industrial production of hemp in 2015.

Durand’s stores sell hemp derivatives in tinctures, topicals, edibles, beverages, vaporizers, concentrates and even dog biscuits. Delivery methods vary among the products, whether one rubs them on the skin or eats or drinks them.

The Hemp Store sells some brands derived from North Carolina farms, “but we source from all over the United States,” Durand said. “As North Carolina progresses with growing and harvesting, we’re looking forward to having many more.”

The Food and Drug Administration is investigating potential health benefits of cannabinoids, or CBD, the key substance in medicinal hemp products, and has yet to offer any formal approvals beyond a prescription drug for rare forms of epilepsy. The benefits Durand and other purveyors tout, such as pain and anxiety relief, along with the changes in law, have led to shops opening across the country.

115 E. Franklin St. | thehempstorenc.com

Art All Around Town

The annual Orange County Open Studio Tour organized by the nonprofit Orange County Artists Guild is marking its 25th anniversary the first two weeks in November. An estimated 100 artists will draw art patrons to more than 80 locations to see their studios, watch how they create art from scratch and possibly purchase pieces.

ocagnc.org

A Sip of Taipei

Two sisters from Taipei, Taiwan, have opened a modern take on a traditional teahouse reminiscent of their homeland.

At Cha House USA, sisters Ya “Julia” Huei and Ya “Lulu” Wen — who grew up working in their parents’ restaurant in their hometown — offer more than 40 drinks made in house, such as Tropical Fruit Oolong and Dragon Fruit Smoothie. The flavors draw on spices and teas sourced from farmers and suppliers in Asia. Green onion pancakes and popcorn chicken plates are among the snacks.

318 W. Franklin St. | chahouseusa.com

A Name Change and a Closing

Al’s Pub Shack in Governor’s Village, part of the Al’s Burger Shack empire, has changed its name to — Al’s Burger Shack. The switch comes after patrons to the latest shop kept requesting favorites served at the original Al’s on West Franklin Street and the second Burger Shack in Southern Village. “At first, a few folks came in to the Pub Shack asking for Burger Shack items; a Bobo Chili Cheeseburger here, a Sally Mack Hot Dog there,” owners Al ’88 and Melody ’85 Bowers posted on social media about the change. “We thought it would pass, but the questions just kept coming — ‘Where are the rosemary fries?’ and ‘Can I order a Buddy Bite Kenny J with sweet potato fries?’ ” It’s hard to argue with success, so while the newest place kept the table service and full bar that highlighted its differences from the earlier locations, it started serving the full Burger Shack menu. alsburgershack.com  ■ Babalu Tapas & Tacos in Chapel Hill’s Eastgate Crossing shopping center closed in June.

— Laura Toler ’76 and Keith King ’82

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