It’s a rite of passage for students at North Carolina’s flagship university in Chapel Hill to go to Mediterranean Deli.

Med Deli, as it’s called by locals, has a humongous selection of fresh Mediterranean fare, like gyros, falafel, pitas, and so much more. In fact, calling it a “deli” feels like selling it short.

The restaurant‘s expanded to include locations at NC State’s Atrium food court, as well as in Elon, but the original location was on West Franklin Street. That location was gutted by a fire in 2023. 

But, as Cardinal & Pine intern Dani Mehlhorn reported in this week’s edition of “Good News Friday,” the Chapel Hill location reopened this week.

Owner Jamil Kadoura credited lessons from legendary North Carolina basketball coaches for keeping him motivated, Mehlhorn wrote. This guy knows his audience, right? Check out the story by clicking the image below.

Med Deli owner Jamil Kadoura at this iconic Chapel Hill restaurant in 2023. (Mediterranean Deli Facebook)

Friday is here and it’s beautiful outside. Here’s what you’ll find in today’s Cardinal & Pine newsletter: 

Thanks to Melissa Tate who brought us this view from Nags Head.

As a native of eastern NC, I don’t mind a good swamp. 😀 Contrary to popular opinion, they’re pretty, peaceful, and filled with life.

Send us your pictures, NC. 

Old Bridge Diner in Oak Island has mastered serving the most humble of breakfast dishes—the egg. (Old Bridge Diner)

Let’s take a moment to honor the spots in North Carolina that don’t get a Micheline star. Those under-the-radar, roadside eateries that dish out eggs, toast, coffee, and maybe a slice of pie for under $10. Well, this is 2025. Under $15. 

We have a new guide to seven classic diners in North Carolina that are worth the detour.

From the Old Bridge Diner at Oak Island to Ward’s Grill in Saluda, this list makes me hungry. Check it out. 

1. FEMA approves disaster aid for areas damaged by Chantal. Chapelboro

“More than two months after flash floodwaters ripped through central North Carolina, funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency is headed to the affected areas and local governments.”

2. NC becomes latest state to make COVID vaccines available without prescription. WRAL

“Gov. Josh Stein and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services have worked to issue standing orders to make access to COVID-19 vaccines available to North Carolinians without a prescription.”

3. Former North Carolina politician Madison Cawthorn arrested in Florida. Here’s what we know. Asheville Citizen-Times

“Cawthorn, 30, who now calls Cape Coral, Florida, home, was taken into custody in Lee County on Sept. 10. The same day, Collier County Judge Deborah Cunningham issued a bench warrant for his arrest when Cawthorn did not appear for his arraignment.”

Where are we in NC? (Shutterstock)

Last week, we took you to a scenic rail line out west. 

A huge shout-out to Lynn Przybylinski, who correctly identified Bryson City and its lovely Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. 

This week, we’re making it tricky. Who can identify this historic lighthouse by just the top portion? 

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Billy Ball. I’m an NC native and journalist. I tend to lean left on opinion, but I lean no way on facts. This newsletter features stories by Dani Mehlhorn and Britteny Dee. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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