Max’s Tin Can, a newly opened bar on West Franklin Street, is aiming to be a welcoming spot for both students and Chapel Hill residents, according to owner Rosenbacher. He envisions a space where anyone “— if you’re 21 or 51 —” can feel comfortable grabbing a drink. The bar, whose name is playfully reflected in its predominantly canned beverage offerings, is located downstairs, adding a unique dimension to the West Franklin Street experience.
Rosenbacher positions Max’s Tin Can not as competition, but as a complementary piece to the existing nightlife scene on Franklin Street. He believes it will enhance Chapel Hill’s diverse social ecosystem, offering a different flavor compared to other establishments in the area.
Raquel Winker, a senior at UNC, echoes the sentiment for more laid-back options on Franklin Street. She expresses a preference for bars like He’s Not Here and Goodfellows, where the atmosphere is conducive to relaxed gatherings with friends. Winker points out the popularity, and sometimes long wait times, of places like Goodfellows, mentioning lines that can stretch over 30 minutes. She believes that an increase in casual venues on West Franklin Street could help distribute crowds and alleviate congestion at the consistently packed hotspots.
The arrival of Max’s Tin Can is part of a broader trend of new businesses opening on Franklin Street, as noted by Jeri Lynn Schulke, Executive Director for the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership. Schulke suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic might have initially made people, particularly students, more inclined to stay within their familiar circles, perhaps impacting downtown exploration.
Sign outside Time-Out Restaurant advertising Max’s Tin Can opening on West Franklin Street
However, Schulke observes a potential shift. “I think it feels like it’s starting to change a little bit, and maybe students are venturing out more,” she said, indicating a possible revitalization of downtown engagement. The “100 block” of Franklin Street, which includes addresses from 100-199 and begins just across from Max’s Tin Can, has indeed seen increased investment recently. These investments are geared towards evolving Chapel Hill from a primarily university-calendar-dependent economy to a more sustainable year-round economic model. Schulke suggests this drive for a year-round economy could be a factor drawing business owners back to the 100 block of West Franklin Street.
For Rosenbacher, the choice to establish Max’s Tin Can on West Franklin Street, directly across from McCorkle Place, was the result of an extensive year-long search. “People are starting, I think, to get out more now, and I think just the timing worked out pretty well. It just kind of fell into place for me,” he remarked, highlighting the opportune moment for this new venture.
Max’s Tin Can is set to officially open this week, with Rosenbacher anticipating that by Thursday, the bar’s televisions will be tuned to UNC’s football season opener against the University of Minnesota, promising a lively atmosphere on West Franklin Street.
