From Waffles to Tapas, a Popular Franklin Street Address Gets a New Look

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill community was saddened by the announcement of Ye Olde Waffle Shoppe’s closing in 2020, but the 173 East Franklin Street space has now been reimagined as tapas lounge Próximo. Billed as Chapel Hill’s first Spanish tapas restaurant, Próximo comes from the team behind French bistro Bluebird and casual fine dining spot Hawthorne & Wood.

“We’re thrilled to bring our brand of genuine hospitality and delicious food, expressed through the Spanish tapas tradition, to downtown Chapel Hill,” says managing partner Brandon Sharp. His wife, Elizabeth Sharp, took the the 1,400-square-foot space from retro diner to an intimate dining room with exposed brick and sleek booths with seats for only 40 guests.

The menu is full of Spanish classics, like boquerones, patatas bravas, costillas, gambas in salsa verde, tuna escabeche, and more.

Director of Operations Neal Benefield put together the beverage list which includes Spanish wines, wine-based cocktails, sherries, vermouths, ports, beers, and ciders.

Próximo’s hours of operation daily, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Anna Routh Barzin