Just down Hillsboro Street from the former N.C. Equipment Co. and its famous bulldozer sign is a nondescript little concrete block building where a succession of dive bars have occupied the space for decades. But in the late 1960s and early 1970s it was home to Mr. Ribs restaurant. They served ribs and steaks, baked potatoes and lettuce salads, and that was about it. In those days if you wanted a meat and potato meal you went to Mr. Ribs. At least that’s where my dad always took our family.

Back then several gas stations, garages, automotive supply stores, barbershops, laundries and like businesses occupied those two or three blocks of Hillsboro St. between the N.C. Equipment Co. and Fergussen’s Hardware.

Mr. Ribs was an unassuming place and was decked out in typical 1960s steakhouse décor: open kitchen with a blazing grill in the front window, red checkered vinyl table cloths and those ubiquitous netted red candle lamps. There was even a large fake stone gas log fireplace along one wall. As such, Mr. Ribs was an unpretentious, homey joint.

I guess my familiarity with the place was probably why I took a job in the kitchen there the last semester of my sophomore year at N.C. State. I was the dishwasher, and although that is a thankless job if there ever was one, for the most part I enjoyed my stint there. Most of the employees were fellow State students.

At that time I was a vegetarian, and the irony of working around all that meat was not lost on me. We employees were allowed one meal during our shift so I ended up eating a lot of baked potatoes, which I slathered with butter and sour cream. I even took home the unserved baked potatoes and made potato salad.

Every few weeks or so, a local state politico made an appearance with his entourage in tow. The only reason I remember this is because upon his departure he would always tip the kitchen staff. The tip was only a few bucks, but I did think that was a pretty classy gesture.
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Stitch is the newest addition to the downtown retail scene. It is the storefront and design studio for Holly Aiken, master craftsperson of stylish bags, wallets, and accessories made from durable vinyl. This Friday (and continuing all weekend) she is running an incredible special: 25% off everything in the store.

Although Stich retains the “Ladies Shop” designation on the windows that reflect the building’s past as a Ladies Dress Shop for almost 75 years, there are items for men as well. Wallets, messenger bags, wine bags, coasters, and unique greeting cards can all bring a smile to a man’s face this holiday season. In addition to these items, New Raleigh brings us word about her newest product: Laptop Sleeves to protect your high tech gadget in style.
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Tough Love is a quirky and hip boutique located on Hillsborough Street, across from the bulldozer building. It’s been open for about a year, and features clothing and fashion accessories, many of which are from local designers.

Tough Love is running a Black Friday special, as seen in the graphic above. They are selling everything at 10% off, and will be adding an extra 5% off if you bring a donation of clothing or non-perishable foods for the Interact Womens Shelter. What makes the Tough Love Black Friday special so interesting is that in addition to offering a discount on goods sold, they will be serving Mimosas from opening time (7:00AM) until noon.
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