Blue Dogwood Public Market

09/14/2025

Hi lovely friends,

For weeks, I’ve been trying to figure out how to thank ya’ll for the past 8 years but the words still ain’t coming. They will in time, but not yet.

There’s a handful of reasons why I’m closing this lovely place that’s so fun and so quirky and so welcoming and *so me* but for now let’s leave it at this: I’m tired. Life hasn’t been super kind to my family over the past few years, and I’m just really, really tired.

Silver lining: Setting up this auction has been almost therapeutic for me. Getting rid of so much and helping other small businesses and (hopefully) paying off some outstanding loans - it’s a win all around. (Bonus win: My nerd self is learning all about the auction business and I’m kind of obsessed.)

You can pre-bid now, or join the online auction tomorrow at 6p. We have so many items available - for cooking, playing, lounging, organizing, fixing, re-decorating, and more. Even placing a $5 bet on an item gets the ball rolling and I so appreciate it. There are so many treasures listed that are going for super cheap, and it’s *just fun* to bid. Every dollar helps.

Thank you for your love and support, always.

Love,
Sarah

BLUE DOGWOOD MARKET Location: 306 W Franklin St G, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 Auction Type: Online Bidding Only Coordinator: Elizabeth Stuart, 919-946-9889 Preview:  Friday, September 12 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Conclusion: Sunday, September 14 (first lot sells at 10:00 AM) Removal:  Tuesday, ...

11/29/2023

Lord, ya’ll. This community has had quite the year. Luckily everyone is okay, and the Neal’s team is on top of it.

Give our Carrboro neighbors a shout after they re-open. My favorite is the egg salad sandwich because it’s practically perfect in every way.

Yep. We had a fire. Everyone is OK. Looks like minimal damage. Our staff did a bang up job handling things and calling the fire department. And kudos to Carrboro fire department for doing a thorough job. Stay tuned we'll keep you posted. We are closed the rest of the day - boo!

10/11/2023

💜💜

08/12/2023

Hey, ya'll. It's a hot one, so I hope everyone is enjoying the beach or mountains or somewhere else cool in this lovely state. August updates coming at you:

Goodness Cooks is back from summer break! Sign up on goodnesscooks.com to stay informed about their healthy and delicious weekly meal program. On this week's menu: Beef, Pepper, + Basil Stir Fry. Local Pan Fried Okra with Shish*to Peppers. Quinoa Salad with Cherry Tomato, Olive, + Cucumber. Coconut Black Lentil Soup with Kabocha Squash + Spinach. Deadline is Sunday 10a for a Tuesday evening pickup.

Camellia Culinary is Blue Dogwood's newest renter - they offer dietetic counseling, meal planning & prep, and food exposure classes for young kids. This afternoon, they hosted a class at Blue Dogwood to introduce a handful of young kiddos to healthy eating. It's casual, creative, and oh-so-cute. Info about upcoming classes: www.camelliaculinaryconsultation.com/classes

It's been a tough summer for restaurants in downtown Chapel Hill (continued rising food prices, endless construction blocking the streets, and a series of Captain Planet issues - fire, water, wind), but the 50Kitchen family rocks so they're carrying on with the Saturday popups. Give 'em a like on the socials to stay updated on this hidden gem of a restaurant. Their Southern-Asian fusion is *so* good, and they're top of list for the nicest restaurant owners in town.

Thanks for your friendship and support, always. - Sarah

Food exposure classes for little ones- a fun sensory experience to get in front of picky eating.

07/29/2023

Hello, lovely friends. Some updates for ya'll:

Chef Anthony is under the weather today, so no 50Kitchen Saturday popup.

Folks have been inquiring about Blue Dogwood re-opening for more official hours. Several of our restaurants (as well as a food truck or two) have expressed interest in Saturday hours and/or Sunday brunch. We're hoping to have this ironed out by early September (when the weather has "cooled" and the students are back) so we can all enjoy patio seating and local art and live music and eating all the delicious foods from Blue Dogwood's talented chefs.

We're working on getting the outdoor grilling area up and operating again. Current renters are interested in using it, but we're also looking for a more permanent food business that would focus around the grilling area. If you know anyone who's interested, please email me at [email protected].

Thanks for your friendship and support, always. - Sarah

07/15/2023

50 cent wings today at 50Kitchen’s popup… Regulars gifted me one and they’re super tasty, ya’ll. Come on down.

05/20/2023

Update: I ate more 50Kitchen food. Maybe too much food because I *really* want a nap instead of staring at spreadsheets.

I stepped out for a coffee and when I got back, Chef Anthony gifted me a Chinese Five Spice smoked pork sandwich (topped with Asian pear slaw and cilantro) with creamy smashed cauliflower and kimchi collards. The sandwich was fresh and tasty, and I *loved* the sides.

05/20/2023

Ya’ll. 50Kitchen is soft opening at Blue Dogwood today. So far, I’ve tried the pulled brisket sliders, crispy fries, and honey fried cornbread (which is basically dessert and so yummy). Come on out and show our newest folks some love!

05/17/2023

Hi friends,

Well. We've had a whirlwind of a few months. From inquiries about how we've fared during the pandemic (okay, by shifting the business model), to questions about a new landlord and downtown development, to ongoing issues with oblivious construction blocking our business, it's been... a lot? Thanks to all ya'll for your patience as we navigate our crazy little world. And, now... for the updates:

(1) 50Kitchen has shipped down from Boston to soft open on Saturday 5/20. From noon-8p (or until Chef Anthony sells out), I'll be serving up local beer, chilled wines, kids' cocktails, and whatever else my silly brain thinks up. Connect 4 and (mini) co****le and chalking on the patio, prize wheel for the kiddos, new local art on Blue Dogwood's walls. Patio and inside seating.

(2) A dozen+ businesses have reached out in 2023 about starting up - and I'm working to bring on as many as possible. So, we have new chefs coming to feed ya'll amazing food. We're the quirkiest place in town to host a happy hour, birthday party, fundraiser, casual dinner for 20+ (affordable venue, kids welcomed, outdoor patio, flexible menus, hyper awareness of allergies and dietary restrictions).

(3) I have re-worked Blue Dogwood's website! Check it out - it covers who we're working with now, what's coming soon, and updates about past renters.

Thank ya'll for your friendship and support, always.
Sarah

POPUP RESTAURANT SOFT OPENING ON SATURDAY 5/20! Introducing 50 Kitchen , a fast casual restaurant inspired by Southern American and Asian-American cuisine​

05/16/2023

Popping up this Saturday at Blue Dogwood! A new face to hit the Triangle Restaurant Scene!

At 50Kitchen, chef-owner Anthony Caldwell serves hope, inspiration, and a flavor-packed fusion of Asia and the South.

04/25/2023

Hi friends,

Mystery Popup Restaurant coming soon! Likely starting this Saturday 4/29! (But stay tuned!) Chef made waves early pandemic in a big time city! An interesting person with an interesting story! Will keep ya’ll updated as the week progresses.

Thanks for your friendship and support, always.

- Sarah