Ken’s Quickie Mart

Ken’s Quickie Mart is located in the University Square office buildings. In addition to serving the college students, it’s a great stop for all the grad students holed up in the CPC, wasting away their remaining youth hunched over statistical software programs. I regularly hit up Ken’s for my sugar and caffeine fix, and while they may not have the healthiest selection of snacks on the planet, the staff is incredibly friendly. Maybe this says something about the state of my social life, but chatting with Ken and his wife is often a highlight of my day.

Ken’s is located right next to Granville Towers, my old residence. I used to come here whenever I needed anything small and didn’t feel like going to the store (milk, eggs, etc). It’s also a popular spot for beer runs and for ordering kegs. They have a decent grocery section, and an even better beer section, because they know what college students want and need. It’s location is so convenient that you can help but go here if you live anywhere nearby. The staff isn’t the friendliest around, but with reasonable prices and long hours, Ken’s is a much needed stop.

Ken’s isn’t anything to write home to mom about, especially since you probably don’t want mom to know how you spend your Friday and Saturday nights. However, it is worth noting that when it comes to late night beer runs Ken’s is safe.
Not only is it located practically on the UNC Campus in University Square adjacent to Granville Towers (which has its own security), but it’s only a few doors down from a satellite office of the Chapel Hill Police Department.
The staff is nice as well, even late into the night.
If the party’s gone dry, you need a late night sugar fix, or are just in search of this week’s Vogue, Ken’s will likely have it. And, more importantly, as safety has recently become an issue in Chapel Hill Ken’s might be a wise choice.