A Toast to Style & Function
How Franklin Motors Beer Garden Elevated Its Space with an ActivWall Gas Strut Window
When the visionary owners of Franklin Motors Beer Garden and Roquette set out to design a dynamic two-story beer garden in the lively college town of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, they knew they wanted a seamless indoor-outdoor connection for serving guests. Their solution? A custom-built ActivWall Gas Strut Window that blends functionality with eye-catching aesthetics.
To complement the venue’s eclectic mix of vintage automotive and industrial décor, the owners selected a striking red powder-coated finish for their ActivWall Gas Strut Window. This bold hue coordinates effortlessly with design elements like the vintage Gulf Oil barrel that has been creatively repurposed as a beer tap station—just inside the window. The result? A quirky yet highly functional serving area that enhances the customer experience.
Measuring 62.75 inches wide by 36 inches high, the window opens up and out on commercial-grade gas struts, transforming the bar into an inviting service counter. When it’s time to close up for the night, staff can easily secure it with a simple push—either from the exterior or using the optional ActivWall Pull Hook for convenience.
Carrie Brogren, founder of the Chapel Hill Carrboro Foodies, visited Franklin Motors and was immediately captivated by the thoughtful details.
“It’s such a great space! Indoors, outdoors, downstairs, upstairs, sitting, standing—this place has got it all! It’s obvious that a lot of time and effort went into the layout and design.”
Above the bar, the second-floor patio offers patrons a unique setting with colorful flowers, industrial elements, and glowing bistro lights—creating a warm and inviting ambiance for socializing.
No beer garden is complete without great food, and Roquette, a permanent on-site food truck, delivers a menu that’s both casual and delicious. Guests can enjoy lunch and dinner specials, including fan favorites like fresh ceviche and mix-and-match sliders featuring cheeseburger, veggie, and fish options.
Carrie raved about the menu, saying:
“We really enjoyed the food… The ceviche was my favorite, but the sliders were a close second. I love that you can mix and match flavors.”
Just like Franklin Motors, you can take your space to the next level with custom ActivWall products. Whether for a bustling restaurant, trendy bar, or modern home, our Gas Strut Windows and Folding Doors are designed to create seamless indoor-outdoor experiences.
Choose from any size, configuration, or color to match your unique vision. Contact us today to get a free quote and bring your design to life!
See the Gas Strut Window in Action...
Acknowledgments:
Story by ActivWall. Photos by Chapel Hill Carrboro Foodies, Nikki Compton, and Jennifer Doss. Video footage and editing by Jennifer Doss. Special thank you to Jon Noyes and Carrie Brogren.
