All up in your business for Feb. 10, 2015

Tyler's Taproom to expand Speakeasy

An expanded speakeasy is coming to Tyler’s Restaurant and Taproom in Carrboro.

Renovations began in late December. The revamp will include a longer bar that will offer more draft lines — bringing the total from 38 taps to 42. The restaurant is also expanding the opening between the speakeasy and the restaurant to allow more space for events.

In addition to the speakeasy, Emily Akins, the manager of Tyler’s Taproom, said the restaurant is working to expand its Carrboro Beverage Co. bottle shop.

“We figured it’s time for a facelift,” Akins said. “We’re catering to the idea of being more of a gathering space for locals.”

The restaurant is operating under regular business hours despite the renovations. Akins said the speakeasy will reopen by the end of February and she hopes to celebrate the changes with an opening party. She said all other renovations should be completed by the summer.

“We hope this change brews a breath of fresh air for the business,” Akins said. “I want our regular customers to see the changes we’ve made, and hopefully it will bring in new customers as well.”

The Printery closes after 122 years

After 122 years, a company with its roots in The Daily Tar Heel is closing its doors.

The Printery, a provider of graphic printing services, is going out of business as its current owners Nick and Sarah Hammond are retiring. The company, originally named University Press, opened in February 1893 to print The Daily Tar Heel.

The company’s services included offset printing of newspapers, business cards, letterheads and brochures, as well as screen-printing on clothing options. Sarah Hammond said the company has gone through several transitions, including name and location changes and buy-outs from employees.

“Just in the long time we’ve been with the business, there have been several changes, but it’s stuck around,” Hammond said. “But we’re real excited to move on to something different.”

The Printery will close by the end of February, but the company is hosting an in-house yard sale through the month in which it will be selling blank clothing including T-shirts and hats.

Roots Bistro replaces Top This!

East Franklin Street is getting a little more flavor.

Roots Bistro will take the place of Top This! Roast Beef, Burgers & More at 161 E. Franklin St. The restaurant will offer catering services through this week and plans to open for Valentine’s Day weekend.

The bistro, run by partners Turtle Harrison, Rolando Ordonez Ramos and Juan Jose Ordonez, will offer a fusion of Central American and classic American cuisine. Harrison said the restaurant wants to utilize local foods and will partner with other local businesses such as Olio and Aceto Cafe and Blue Sky Oil and Vinegar.

“You’ll see some stuff on the menu that’s a little different, but you’ll also see some of the things you saw when you went home to grandma’s,” said Harrison. “We’ll have a lot of slow-cooked meats and corn-based tamales. It’s a lot of flavors all in one menu.”

Harrison said Roots will be affordable to students and will feature a full bar to cater to a night crowd as well as individuals seeking beer and wine dinners.

The bistro will be one of the few full-service restaurants on East Franklin.