Fowler's Grocery (Durham, NC)

[Zeb A]

Does anyone know whether it remains closed, and, if so, whether there are plans to reopen?

[Varmint]

Does anyone know whether it remains closed, and, if so, whether there are plans to reopen?

I don't recall where I saw it, but I read that someone bought them out of bankruptcy and they plan to reopen under the Fowlers name. Not sure of when that'll happen, either, but if they're smart, it'll be soon to take advantage of the holidays.

[soupkitchen]

I think Fowlers has open back up again under new onwership

[Varmint]

The real question is whether it's the Fowler's of several years ago, with great food and service, or the one of the more recent vintage. Hopefully, the former.

[bandregg]

Fowler's Grocery is indeed open. They re-openned just prior to Thanksgiving. I haven't had a chance to stop by and check it out, but a peek in while driving by looks like they're well stocked in the wine and housewares department.

[Varmint]

I just want their meat department to return to its former glory. And welcome to eGullet, bandregg. Keep posting on the Durham scene.

[hwilson41]

In the early 1970s I was a grad student at UNC, and there was a Fowler's grocery on Franklin St, just west of the "main" part of downtown. At the time, it was the closest thing to a "gourmet" store Chapel Hill had to offer (we could only afford to shop there on payday ). They are long gone now (no idea how long), but is the Fowler's in Durham related to the old one in Chapel Hill?

THW

[Varmint]

I think at one time there was a relationship, but the Chapel Hill Fowler's was known for two things: their "Big Bertha" walk in room full of beer and their eccentric, Peter Boyle look-alike wine guy. The Durham Fowlers was much more of a "gourmet" shop.