By Gene Galin
Pittsboro, NC – After a summer hiatus, the 3 Guys from Pittsboro having lunch convened at Aye! Toro, a local Mexican restaurant nestled behind a O’Reilly Auto Parts store. Greg Stafford, Eric Andrews and I indulged in a lively conversation filled with insights into local life, high school football, and the ever-changing landscape of Pittsboro businesses. [Part 1 of a 3 part series]
Lunch Time Choices
When we meet for our “3 Guys from Pittsboro” lunches we try picking new places to meet and eat. This past Friday we chose Aye! Toro to satisfy our cravings for Mexican cuisine. As we perused the lunch menu, our choices reflected a mix of traditional favorites and unique offerings. We always try and pick different dishes. Greg opted for the chicken chimichanga, while Eric chose a California burrito, and I went for enchiladas.
The 3 Guys at Lunch
Our “banter” touched on personal anecdotes, including early mornings spent tending to animals, family gatherings, and the challenges of balancing work and leisure. I remarked about needing to rename our group to “Three Old Men” due to the early bedtimes and health-conscious lifestyles of Eric and Greg.
Local Sports Scene
Our discussion soon shifted to the local high school football scene. We have multiple high schools in the county. There’s Northwood and Seaforth high schools in Pittsboro. In the western part of the county, we have Jordan-Matthews in Siler City and Chatham Central in Bear Creek. I shared insights about the upcoming season and the excitement surrounding the teams. I mentioned attending the Jack Shaner football jamboree later that day, where eight high school teams scrimmage against each other. I was looking forward to having the chance to capture some memorable moments through photography.
Business Developments in Pittsboro
As the conversation continued, we shifted out focus to the local business landscape. we discussed new businesses opening in town, as well as some that had recently closed. Greg shared his story about how he though his dad may have been the elderly gentleman who accidentally drove his car through the front of Deep River Mercantile store in Pittsboro. Luckily, the man involved in the accident wasn’t Greg’s 90 year old dad.
The Evolution of Local Businesses
Pittsboro is experiencing a transformation, with new establishments popping up to cater to the evolving needs of the community. We shared their thoughts on how local businesses play a vital role in maintaining the town’s character and charm. We expressed our support for new ventures. It’s important for residents to rally around local businesses to ensure their success.
Reflections on Football and Community
Our conversation took a light-hearted turn as we discussed our favorite NFL teams and the quirks of being a football fan. Eric, a devoted Jets fan, humorously lamented the challenges of following a team with a rocky history. “I used to be a fan, but I’ve kind of checked out,” Eric noted.
We also discussed the Minnesota Viking adding two male cheerleaders. A quick search showed that as of 2025, the NFL teams without cheerleaders are the Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Chargers, New York Giants, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers
The Importance of Community Engagement
Overall, our conversation underscored the significance of community engagement in supporting local businesses and school sports. There are social benefits to attend local school games, supporting local eateries, and interacting at community events. By doing so, they believe that Pittsboro can continue to thrive and maintain its unique identity. It was nice to get back together again and enjoy the simple joy of sharing a meal together while rehashing local news. Is seems that in a rapidly changing world, local connections remain vital.
When are you planning your next outing with your friends?
Watch on YouTube – 3 Guys from Pittsboro having lunch at Aye! Toro (part 1) – 8.15.25
00:14 Three friends enjoy various meals at Aye! Toro.
- The friends order a mix of dishes including chicken chimichanga, California burrito, and enchiladas.
- They share a light-hearted conversation while discussing their meal choices.
01:57 Three friends discuss their lunch plans and daily routines.
- The group reflects on their meal choices and the necessity of eating together.
- They share personal anecdotes about their daily lives, including routines and family visits.
03:34 Discussion about new football practice rules and filming opportunities.
- The teams will scrimmage on a divided field with alternating plays.
- The speaker enjoys filming practices while staying safe from the action.
04:58 Discussion of local sports teams and their challenges.
- Captain Central has a small team with many kids participating, raising concerns about team size.
- The conversation shifts to college squads vs. professional teams, highlighting a personal disinterest in football.
06:44 Three friends discuss football and their personal connections to teams.
- The conversation revolves around their experiences at football games and personal fan affiliations.
- One friend humorously questions the importance of cheerleaders in football fandom.
08:00 Discussing college football schedules and media access at practice.
- The ACC schedules are busy this year, impacting weekend availability for games.
- There are strict security measures at Carolina practices
09:26 Discussing local businesses and events in Pittsboro.
- Member reminisces about past snow games at Buffalo and the perks of clearing snow.
- Conversation shifts to local businesses, including recent openings and closures in the area.
10:56 Three friends share lunch and discuss local happenings in Pittsboro.
- One friend shares a story about an elderly veteran seen near a store front accident
- The conversation shifts to shopping experiences, emphasizing personal preferences and humor.