About Próximo
Próximo was planted as the seed of what's next for East Franklin Street in downtown Chapel Hill, North Carolina. As the dynamic transition point between the University of North Carolina and the rest of Chapel Hill, Franklin Street is a natural home for the lively Spanish tradition of tapas.
Chad Bourgeois Executive Chef Born and raised in New Orleans, Chad has cooked in restaurants all across the United States, from San Francisco to Texas to Maine. Upon relocating to the Triangle Chad worked as the Chef de Cuisine for the popular Snap Pea Creative Dining.
Our Team
Executive Chef Chad Bourgeois, General Manager ElZeel Faust and Beverage Director Neal Benefield bring their combined decades of restaurant expertise together serve modern Spanish fare with warmth and grace.
Próximo is managed by
Neal Benefield Beverage Director Neal Benefield has been an integral part of Glendale Hospitality since it began with Hawthorne & Wood. As Beverage Director at Próximo Neal applies decade of experience with wine to curate a list of dynamic Spanish wine, sherries, and local beers.
ElZeel Faust General Manager Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Tampa, FL, El worked at restaurants in Miami and New Orleans before relocating to North Carolina. El was a key member of the Glendale Hospitality restaurant Bluebird and managed another restaurant in Carrboro, NC before becoming the GM of Próximo.