Brunswick County restaurateurs keep the legacy alive at this Southport seafood market
James and Cindy Capps opened Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill five years ago at 4907 Fish Factory Road S.E. in Southport in the former Dead End Saloon location. It was something they'd wanted to do for years, and when they saw this space on the Intracoastal Waterway, they knew this was it.
In addition to great views and fun atmosphere, Rusty Hooks has a local focus serving craft beer from Brunswick County and Wrightsville Beach, produce from regional farms, and the catch from nearby fishermen.
“We use a lot of different resources and serve as much local fish and seafood as possible,” James Capps said.
They’re known especially for the Maryland-style crab cakes and the Castaways appetizers with pre-cracked blue crab claws, sauteed in garlic butter and pepper flakes. The eatery also has a pier and does a steady dock-and-dine business.
Everything was going so well, in fact, the couple were considering opening a second restaurant this year. Until they, and the rest of the Southport community, learned that Kathy and Jeff Clemmons wanted to retire, and decided not to re-open Clem’s Seafood market for the 2024 season.
The Cappses determined that would be their next endeavor. It took a little while to convince the new retirees, but they eventually reached an agreement and reopened the market in May.
“It’s a legacy,” James Capps said. “This is the 43rd year in business for Clem’s, and with the new lease it will at least make it to 53."
Clem's is one of the few places that carry live blue crabs, which is an important part of the local coastal community, he said. "And it's one of the only places fishermen can buy bait."
They also have tanks for soft-shell crabs in April and May, and sell a variety of local produce, freshly made desserts like Key Lime Pie, and traditional foods like country ham.
“It’s got that country store vibe,” James Capps said. “We want to bring Clem’s back to how it was in its heyday. … And we hear from people daily about how glad they are that Clem’s is back open."
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Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Owners of Rusty Hooks restaurant take over Clem's Seafood in Southport, NC