
Taking mom out to eat for Mother’s Day is a perfect way to make her feel appreciated, and North Carolina has all kinds of great destinations to choose from.
For those who want something with a unique and historic flair to it, Carolina Coffee Shop in Chapel Hill has what you want.
A familiar and popular location among UNC students, Carolina Coffee Shop is a landmark that has been operating under the same name since its establishment 100 years ago in 1922. The restaurant, which sits at 138 E. Franklin St., offers a broad menu at all times of the day, from pancakes, omelets and biscuits and gravy for breakfast or brunch to salads and sandwiches for lunch and hearty pasta dishes or seafood for dinner.
Olivia Robertson, with Carolina Coffee Ship, said that Mother’s Day holds a special place for the establishment.
“Mother’s Day is something that is so special to us at Carolina Coffee Shop,” she said. “Every year, UNC’s Spring graduation ceremony is on Mother’s Day, and due to our location on Franklin Street, the main area for commerce and student life at UNC, we serve hundreds of students and their families on the holiday.”

Carolina Coffee Shop is known for its family friendly, laid-back environment, which allows students and Chapel Hill natives the opportunity to experience Chapel Hill history while dining, working or studying. The restaurant is a popular place for UNC alumni to gather as well, Robertson said.
“The restaurant is important to those who have finished their time as UNC students, with alumni often coming back to celebrate life’s greatest moments,” she said. “We host numerous private events for alumni and Chapel Hill natives such as engagement parties, wedding receptions, birthday celebrations, and are available to provide a space for alumni to meet with their friends from college in a familiar environment.”
Having opened in 1922, Carolina Coffee Shop is the oldest operating restaurant in the state, and dining there means experiencing a century of North Carolina history alongside great food and drinks. and continues to be a wonderful option for events of all kinds. Mom is sure to love it, and you might just end up with a new favorite spot.