By Gene Galin
Pittsboro, NC – In a casual lunch at the West End Kitchen under new management, the 3 guys from Pittsboro—Greg Stafford, Eric Andrews, me and our guest, Theresa Thompson—discuss the intricacies of community planning, food choices, and the issues affecting of Pittsboro. Our informal gathering not only showcases the culinary delights of Pittsboro but also sheds light on the pressing issues and future developments in the area, from infrastructure to community events.
New Management at West End Kitchen
The West End Kitchen has recently changed hands. Known for its inviting atmosphere and diverse menu, the restaurant aims to maintain its reputation while introducing fresh ideas. We wasted a little too much time in discussing our lunch options, with each of us expressing our preferences and culinary cravings.
Eric and I, were joined shortly by Greg, who humorously admitted to being late due to a minor speeding incident. Our conversation quickly shifted to the restaurant’s offerings. Greg expressed interest in the “smash burger,” while Eric contemplated a “falafel burger” with fries. Those watching this exchange may experience a drop in their IQs.
Introducing Theresa Thompson
The “3 Guys from Pittsboro Having Lunch” welcomed Theresa Thompson, who is affectionately referred to as “Main Street Teresa” by the group. Her role as assistant planning director involves overseeing various community initiatives. During the lunch, she shared her experiences and insights about Pittsboro, highlighting the importance of community engagement and creative collaboration.
Her insights into the town’s development plans and community initiatives provided a deeper understanding of what makes Pittsboro unique. “It’s the people. It’s the community,” she said, emphasizing the community’s inclusivity and creativity. Thompson’s extensive experience in regional planning and her passion for community engagement shone through as she shared anecdotes from her five years in Pittsboro.
Theresa’s passion for the town was evident as she discussed her journey from Fort Bragg to Pittsboro, where she has been working for the past five years. Her background in community and regional planning has equipped her with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of local governance and development.
Culinary Choices and Friendly Debate
As the conversation flowed, we got into a discussion about our lunch choices. Greg was excited about the smash burger, while Eric leaned towards the falafel burger and it looked like I was stuck getting the loaded pepperoni dish. Theresa, on the other hand, was torn between the fried chicken BLT and a loaded pepperoni dish.
The waitress, Dawn, joined the conversation, offering her insights on the menu. She highlighted the popularity of the fried chicken BLT, prompting further debate among us about the merits of various dishes.
Community Engagement and Local Development
As the conversation shifted from food to community matters, Theresa shared insights about her work in Pittsboro. She emphasized the importance of collaboration among local officials and residents to foster a thriving community. Topics ranged from infrastructure improvements to upcoming projects, including a new skate park that has garnered interest from local youth.
We discussed upcoming community events, including an ice cream eating contest that drew families together and proved to be very popular during a “Finally Friday” celebration last year. “We’re working on ideas for another event soon,” Thompson noted, highlighting the town’s commitment to fostering community spirit. The conversation turned to the recent buzz surrounding Disney’s residential development in the area, which has sparked curiosity and excitement among residents. “I received calls from friends across the country asking about it,” Eric recalled, showcasing the far-reaching impact of some local developments.
Infrastructure and Development Challenges
As the lunch progressed, the discussion shifted to more pressing topics, such as the town’s aging infrastructure and the recent decision to outsource wastewater management. Theresa discussed the challenges and opportunities presented by recent developments in Pittsboro, including a significant partnership with TriRiver to enhance the town’s sewer system. Thompson acknowledged the challenges, stating, “Yes, we do give up some autonomy, but it’s necessary for progress.” This collaboration aims to address aging infrastructure while ensuring that the community’s needs are met.
She elaborated on the town’s plans for a new sewer line and streetscape project, funded by a significant grant from the Department of Commerce. Theresa and Eric discussed the importance of maintaining accessibility for local businesses during construction, especially around the holiday season.
The Future of Pittsboro
One of the most intriguing topics of discussion was the recent announcement regarding Disney’s interest in developing a residential community in the area. While the initial excitement surrounding the idea of an amusement park was palpable, Theresa clarified that it would be a residential development instead. This sparked conversations about the potential impact on the community and the demographic trends driving growth in Pittsboro.
As the lunch progressed, our group reflected on what makes Pittsboro unique. Theresa highlighted the community’s creativity, inclusivity, and strong sense of belonging, which contribute to the town’s appeal. The men shared personal anecdotes about their experiences in Pittsboro, reinforcing the sentiment that the people are what truly make the town special.
Addressing Local Concerns
The discussion also touched on pressing local issues, such as traffic safety and infrastructure improvements. Theresa explained the distinction between town-maintained roads and those managed by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT). This distinction is vital for understanding the limitations and responsibilities of local governance in addressing community needs.
The upcoming streetscape project was a focal point of the conversation, as it aims to enhance downtown Pittsboro while minimizing disruptions for local businesses. Theresa emphasized the importance of keeping the community informed and engaged throughout the process, ensuring that residents feel included in decisions that affect their daily lives.
As the lunch came to a close, the trio reflected on the importance of community engagement and the value of local businesses like West End Kitchen. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a newcomer, there’s always something happening in Pittsboro, and everyone is invited to be a part of the journey.
Our lunches serve as a reminder that community is built on relationships, shared experiences, and open dialogue. For those interested in learning more about Pittsboro’s development and upcoming projects, residents are encouraged to attend town meetings and engage with local officials.
Watch on YouTube – 3 Guys from Pittsboro Having Lunch at West End Kitchen with Theresa Thompson – 5.21.25
00:02 Three guys discuss lunch options at the new West End Kitchen.
- The group reunites at West End Kitchen, now under new management, to catch up over lunch.
- They humorously debate menu choices, highlighting the fried chicken BLT and smash burger as favorites.
02:12 Three friends discuss their food choices while joking about health and personal lives.
- The conversation touched on health risks associated with diet.
- The group members share their meal preferences, highlighting local specialties like the falafel burger and smash burger.
04:16 Three guys from Pittsboro enjoy a lunch discussion at West End Kitchen with Theresa Thompson.
- The group debates their meal choices, discussing options like loaded pepperoni suicide and fried chicken BLT.
- Interactions with the server, Dawn, introduce humor and camaraderie, enhancing the overall dining experience.
06:31 Three friends discuss food, local events, and backgrounds during lunch.
- The group shares menu choices, highlighting the loaded pepperoni dish and the enjoyment of a variety of foods.
- They mention a past ice cream eating contest, reminiscing about its popularity among children and parents alike.
08:34 Discussion on memorable football experiences and community in Pittsboro.
- The group reminisced about unique snow football games and officiating in snowy conditions.
- Theresa highlighted the inclusive and creative nature of the Pittsboro community.
10:36 Discussion on Disney’s residential development in Pittsboro.
- Local reactions revealed surprise at Disney’s involvement, initially mistaking it for an amusement park.
- Town officials confirmed the project, highlighting demographic trends influencing residential development in the area.
12:36 Theresa Thompson receives an award for watching all video episodes.
- The 3 guys from Pittsboro jokingly claim Theresa is unique for having watched every video from the series.
- Theresa is officially presented with a signed certificate celebrating her dedication to the show.
14:49 New water line construction and infrastructure updates in Pittsboro discussed.
- A 5 million gallon per day water line is approved, with allocations starting before construction begins in 24 months.
- Pittsboro plans to replace aging sewer lines downtown, supported by an $850,000 grant, coordinated with upcoming streetscape projects.
17:04 December events in Pittsboro include street fair and infrastructure improvements.
- The redesign of the intersection of Salisbury and Hillsboro Street includes traffic calming features and sewer line upgrades.
- Efforts will be made to keep businesses accessible and minimize disruption during the construction work.
19:03 Discussion on the new skate park’s opening status and features.
- The skate park is closed but appears finished, prompting questions about its opening.
- Visitors expressed excitement about the park’s setup for skaters, scooters, and bike riders.
20:32 Discussion on scooter park developments and road authority clarification.
- Professional scooter riders are awaiting the installation of benches in the skate park, pending fencing completion.
- A distinction is made between NC DOT and town road responsibilities for infrastructure improvements like crosswalks.
22:45 The group enjoys filming their lunch at West End Kitchen.
- Eric and Lisa are introduced as part of the group dining together.
- The moment captures the excitement of filming their meals and conversation.