FJ’s Emporium originated in 1991 in Durham, North Carolina at 106 Morris Street, approximately two blocks from East Campus of Duke University. The original store was sold in 2002, but is still operating today under a different banner.

After selling the store in Durham, FJ moved to Gainesville, Florida in 2003. He then sold his interests in “Mid West Hay” in Ocala, Florida and started on the journey of creating the second FJ’s Emporium in Uptown Village at Towensend.

The concept of FJ’s Emporium is the continuation and modernization of the family business called “Friar’s Cellar” that  began in 1971 in Greensboro, North Carolina. The Friar’s Cellar catered to both the Student Population and the Professors of Greensboro College as well as University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

The true secret of FJ’s Emporium, and the longevity of the business, is serving the younger generation and in return for the service FJ’s Emporium has discovered the fountain of youth and longevity.

The essence of the business is not about the goods, products, or services, but it is about the people and that’s what makes FJ’s Emporium “The Urban Pioneer” a unique operation.