Perhaps the defining icon of a Chapel Hill tradition, Sutton's Drug Store was founded in 1923 by Lynwood “Doc” Sutton and wife, Lucy. The business was a full drugstore and pharmacy with lunch counter take-out in the front window - as seen in the photograph.  Hot dogs, grilled cheese, cokes and “smokes” kept the window area bustling with business. The now legendary counter and booths were installed in 1963. Subsequent owners, both pharmacists - first Elliott Brummit and then John Woodward - grew the business. Upon Woodward’s retirement, he closed the pharmacy, and sold the store to Don Pinney, who has now worked there for over 40 years.  His son, Clay, and longtime staff - Demus, Marta, Elsa and Holly - are on a first name basis with most of Chapel Hill! They delight in meeting newcomers, and the next generation of children, customers and friends! The restaurant, known for its breakfast, burgers, hot dog specials and the 1000’s of photos of Sutton’s fans on the walls, includes countless UNC legends through the decades that have called Sutton’s their favorite Franklin Street spot. 

Sutton’s owner, Don Pinney, greets patrons entering the drug store on its 100th anniversary on April 12, 2023. More about Sutton’s with photos here.

In 2015, the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce inducted owner and pharmacist, John Woodward, into the Business Hall of Fame with these words:

Pharmacist John Woodard didn’t intend to own and operate a local icon.  But when the opportunity arose, the Raleigh native and Carolina graduate purchased Sutton’s Drug Store, becoming only its third owner.  Under his management, Sutton’s cemented its status as an institution held dear by townsfolk, University people and visitors.  Sutton’s opened in 1923, making it one of the longest operating businesses in Chapel Hill.  Almost three-quarters of a century later, it remains a popular meeting place for doing business, grabbing a bite and catching up on the news of the day.  The longevity is a credit to John’s responsiveness to a changing business environment and his  unwavering focus on making customers feel like family.  In addition to a friendly customer experience, patrons and tourists enjoy the photos lining Sutton’s walls.  In the early 1980s, John posted a photo of a group of breakfast regulars. The small gesture caught on, and more and more people asked for and got their pictures taken.  Today, the shop’s walls are covered with snapshots of happy customers, loyal regulars and even the occasional UNC athlete or coach.

John presided over the business from the pharmacist counter at the rear of the store, filling prescriptions and dispensing advice until the pharmacy closed in 2014.  He negotiated with CVS to take over the prescription business so his customers could still get their medication downtown.  The pivot enabled the establishment to continue operating, with food service, a small newsstand and the sale of sundries forming the core business.  The lunch counter has been manned by Don Pinney for 34 years, who delivers the same smalltown service Woodard delivered and patrons can’t get enough of.  Though retired, Woodard — a self-proclaimed people person — drops into Sutton’s periodically to visit, heeding valuable business advice he got early on.  Several successful Franklin Street merchants told him the secret to building a sustainable business was being there in person to show people that you appreciate them stopping by.

Sutton’s is definitely known around town and campus as a “must-go” for all ages.