John Vernon Woodward Jr.
Pharmacist John Woodard didn’t intend to own and operate a local icon. But when the opportunity arose, the Raleigh native and Carolina graduate purchased Sutton’s Drug Store, becoming only its third owner. Under his management, Sutton’s cemented its status as an
institution held dear by townsfolk, University people and visitors. Sutton’s opened in 1923, making it one of the longest operating businesses in Chapel Hill. Almost three-quarters of a century later, it remains a popular meeting place for doing business, grabbing a bite and catching up on the news of the day. The longevity is a credit to John’s responsiveness to a changing business environment and his
unwavering focus on making customers feel like family. In addition to a friendly customer experience, patrons and tourists enjoy the photos lining Sutton’s walls. In the early 1980s, John posted a photo of a group of breakfast regulars. The small gesture caught on, and more and more people asked for and got their pictures taken. Today, the shop’s walls are covered with snapshots of happy customers, loyal
regulars and even the occasional UNC athlete or coach.
John presided over the business from the pharmacist counter at the rear of the store, filling prescriptions and dispensing advice until the pharmacy closed in 2014. He negotiated with CVS to take over the prescription business so his customers could still get their medication downtown. The pivot enabled the establishment to continue operating, with food service, a small newsstand and the sale of sundries
forming the core business. The lunch counter has been manned by Don Pinney for 34 years, who delivers the same smalltown service Woodard delivered and patrons can’t get enough of. Though retired, Woodard — a self-proclaimed people person — drops into Sutton’s periodically to visit, heeding valuable business advice he got early on. Several successful Franklin Street merchants told him the secret to building a sustainable business was being there in person to show people that you appreciate them stopping by.
For his devotion to caring for our community and his careful guardianship of a Chapel Hill landmark, we proudly induct John Vernon Woodard Jr. to the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Business Hall of Fame.
institution held dear by townsfolk, University people and visitors. Sutton’s opened in 1923, making it one of the longest operating businesses in Chapel Hill. Almost three-quarters of a century later, it remains a popular meeting place for doing business, grabbing a bite and catching up on the news of the day. The longevity is a credit to John’s responsiveness to a changing business environment and his
unwavering focus on making customers feel like family. In addition to a friendly customer experience, patrons and tourists enjoy the photos lining Sutton’s walls. In the early 1980s, John posted a photo of a group of breakfast regulars. The small gesture caught on, and more and more people asked for and got their pictures taken. Today, the shop’s walls are covered with snapshots of happy customers, loyal
regulars and even the occasional UNC athlete or coach.
John presided over the business from the pharmacist counter at the rear of the store, filling prescriptions and dispensing advice until the pharmacy closed in 2014. He negotiated with CVS to take over the prescription business so his customers could still get their medication downtown. The pivot enabled the establishment to continue operating, with food service, a small newsstand and the sale of sundries
forming the core business. The lunch counter has been manned by Don Pinney for 34 years, who delivers the same smalltown service Woodard delivered and patrons can’t get enough of. Though retired, Woodard — a self-proclaimed people person — drops into Sutton’s periodically to visit, heeding valuable business advice he got early on. Several successful Franklin Street merchants told him the secret to building a sustainable business was being there in person to show people that you appreciate them stopping by.
For his devotion to caring for our community and his careful guardianship of a Chapel Hill landmark, we proudly induct John Vernon Woodard Jr. to the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Business Hall of Fame.