Franklin Street has welcomed its first Pulp Juice & Smoothie Bar, an Ohio-based franchise known for its smoothies, juices, bowls, and healthy treats. Located at 100 West Franklin Street, right at the corner of Franklin and Columbia, this marks the first Pulp location in North Carolina. The franchise already operates more than 60 locations across states like Ohio, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina.
The Family Behind the Franchise
The Chapel Hill location is owned by Alexandra Smith, her husband Nathan and her father, Bill Brooks. This is the family’s first time opening a Pulp franchise. Smith and Nathan discovered Pulp during their time as students at Kent State University, where the brand became a cherished part of their college experience.
“When we visited Chapel Hill last summer, we really felt that family element and the energy of the campus,” Smith told local radio station WCHL. “It felt like the perfect place for Pulp.”
A Space for Everyone
The Franklin Street location is designed to be a vibrant, welcoming space. With a central counter equipped with multiple blenders and nearly 80 seats, it’s an inviting spot for customers to grab a smoothie on the go or relax indoors. The shop aims to serve as a hub for studying, socializing and unwinding. Additionally, Pulp has partnered with DoorDash to offer delivery services, catering to students and busy locals.
Pulp’s extensive menu features a variety of fresh and healthy options. Among the most popular items is the Protein Packer, a smoothie made with soy milk, peanut butter, chocolate, bananas, and yogurt, boasting 40 grams of protein in a regular size for $6.25.
For those craving something savory, the Chicken Caesar Wrap—filled with tender chicken breast, shredded provolone and mozzarella cheese, Caesar dressing, and romaine lettuce—is available for $7.75.
Community Buzz
Both Chapel Hill High School and UNC students have embraced the new addition.
“Oh yeah, I’ve been there,” senior Moo Kpaw said. “My favorite smoothie is the Strawberry Extreme. That place is new, so I even applied for a job there. They haven’t called me back yet, but it’s still a really chill spot.”
Pulp Juice also offers accommodating atmosphere where students can study or socialize.
“I come here to do homework and meet my friends,” UNC freshman Kayla Beaver said. “I grew up in the countryside, so having a big, tight-knit community like this is amazing to me.”
Revitalizing Franklin Street
The storefront at 100 West Franklin Street has a history of turnover. Previous businesses, including Seafood Destiny—which closed after just six months in 2022—and Lotsa Stone Fired Pizza—shuttered during the pandemic—struggled to maintain long-term success.
Downtown Chapel Hill has faced high vacancy rates in recent years, with 24% of commercial spaces unoccupied earlier this year according to the News & Observer. However, the arrival of Pulp, along with the success of businesses like Raising Cane’s across the street, marks a hopeful shift for the area.
Looking Ahead
Smith and Brooks are optimistic about Pulp’s potential to thrive on Franklin Street. “We’re going to create the same exciting energy that Pulp has at its other locations,” Smith told WCHL. “The concept has already proven successful, and we’re confident it will resonate with the community here.”
The family also plans to integrate the business into the local community by participating in events and supporting nearby organizations. “We’re very much looking forward to supporting the local community, the college, and anything we can do to help downtown Chapel Hill thrive,” Brooks added.
Opening just in time for the new school year, Pulp is capitalizing on the energy of returning UNC students. With its fresh options and welcoming atmosphere, the franchise aims to become a cornerstone of Franklin Street.
