Jordan opens restaurant in Chapel Hill

CHAPEL HILL - Michael Jordan makes a triumphant return to Chapel Hill, NC, with 23, an American restaurant located just across the street from his alma mater, UNC at Chapel Hill. 23 is the newest restaurant developed by Jordan's Jump Higher, L.L.C., a restaurant management company.

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A North Carolina native, Michael was intimately involved in the development of 23, selecting the city for its charm, sophistication and for its role in his career.

"I wanted to create a special place for the community and especially the students, where they would feel comfortable to visit often. And I believe we've accomplished that with 23," said Jordan. "I am very excited about it opening and look forward to dining here when I come home to visit."

The focal point of the dining room is in the center where you're inside a virtual giant basketball hoop. An array of cables strung from the ceiling to the floor in X's surround you forming the net. And overhead is a large basketball in the act of falling through the ceiling and into the basket.

Five large television screens stretch across the walls of "center court" that project varying images, words, high-tech art, or even broadcast sports events. But 23 is not a sports restaurant.

The restaurant reflects what Michael is now, wordly and sophisticated, it's meant to be subtle. But there are still many images of him in the room: a silver cast of one of MJ's first Nike sneakers and his original diploma from UNC-Chapel Hill (a bachelors's degree in geography) are among some of the items loaned by Michael himself.

Although Michael was not able to attend the opening, we're assured that he definitely will be around. And as for the opening week, MJ donated 23 percent of the gross revenues to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund that aided flood victims in eastern North Carolina.