More than 20 restaurants and bars in the Wilmington area closed this year. See the list.
Given the cyclical and competitive nature of the restaurant industry, it’s inevitable that eateries come and go. In addition to the 50-plus eateries that have joined the Wilmington area food scene since the start of the year, we’ve also lost more than 20 food-and-drink businesses. Here are some of those that closed their doors, through the end of June.
Restaurant closings
Atlanta Bread Company: This bakery cafe, which is part of a small, Georgia-based chain, had been in the Mayfaire shopping center since it opened 20 years ago. In April, the local owners announced they would be closing.
Eric’s Grill: This breakfast and lunch restaurant at 5120 S. College Road in the Monkey Junction area opened in 2021 but is now closed. By the way, a similarly named restaurant, Eric’s Grille, is still open in Southport.
The Greeks: This local favorite Mediterranean restaurant closed its location at 4401 Oleander Drive, but the one at 7150 Market St. in Wilmington is still open. The owners are planning another location in Leland.
Healthy James: A healthy food cafe at 5424 Oleander Drive in Wilmington is also closed. The owners of the local Brunches restaurants are planning a coffee shop concept there.
LouLous Waterfront Restaurant: This spot that was once known as Betty’s Waterfront Restaurant before reopening in 2020 wasn't closed long before a new eatery was announced for the space. Owners of SmacNally's Waterfront Bar & Grill are planning on Ocracoke are opening a second location for 1045 B-Var Road S.W. in Supply.
Mamma Lucia: Chef Francesca Di Gioia is taking a step back from the restaurant business, but not her love of the food from her native Rome. Instead, she'll switch to catering and selling jars of her sauce. The owner of the building at 431 Eastwood Road in Wilmington is planning a similar restaurant in the space.
The Second Glass: This restaurant and wine bar closed in Wilmington’s South Front District in April. They had been offering dinner, brunch and wine events since 2018. A new restaurant, South Front Tavern, is in the works there.
Subway: The downtown Wilmington location of this sandwich chain at 306 N. Front St. also closed this year.
Surf’s Up Pizza Beer & Games: This pizzeria, and its sister business Burnt Mill Creek Bar at 2101 Market St. in Wilmington, are closed. In the same shopping center, The Bridge Church is hoping to expand.
Sweet n Savory's Epicurean Bistro: This French restaurant that opened almost two years ago at 1978 Eastwood Road near Wrightsville Beach closed in May. Its sister restaurant, Sweet n Savory Cafe, remains open nearby.
TopSea Wingz: This wing spot that opened in 2021 is also closed, according to online listings. It was located in the former Charlie Graingers location at 201 Alston Blvd. behind the Lowe’s Home Improvement in Hampstead.
Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux: The Louisiana-inspired sports bar opened in 2021 at 3710 Oleander Dr. in Independence Mall. News reports show that nearby locations in Myrtle Beach and Fayetteville have also closed this year.
Now closed bakeries, breweries, food trucks and more
Beyond the Bayou: This popular food truck serving Louisiana inspired fare announced that June would be the last month on the road. On social media, the owners said they are moving on to other opportunities.
Holden Beach Trolley Stop: This popular Brunswick County bar and beach shop will (hopefully) be closed only a short time, following a fire on March 14. The owners plan to rebuild at 108 Jordan Blvd. in Holden Beach.
New Anthem Beer Project: This popular Wilmington brewery closed both local locations in downtown Wilmington and the South Front District, as well as a Raleigh taproom, earlier in March. A new brewery is in the works for their space on Dock Street.
Paradise Pineapple Grille: This new food truck with a Hawaiian menu announced that they were closing operations for the mobile business.
Pink Baking Company: This bakery had its start in 2009 and closed recently at 4545 Fountain Drive in Wilmington. The owner specialized in custom cakes and creative cupcakes.
Pomona Shrub Co: This local business has closed their retail space on Princess Street in Wilmington's Soda Pop District. The owner has since moved into a private kitchen and said she's focusing on wholesale and pop-up experiences.
Port City Java Arboretum West: This popular Wilmington-based coffee chain closed their location at 417 Arboretum Drive. It’s now home to a second location for the Brunswick County business, Host & Graze.
Sunset Slush of Wilmington: This business closed their storefront on Castle Street in downtown Wilmington in preparation to open another spot in the upcoming Cargo West food hub, which will have about a dozen food vendors. Until the new spot is ready, they'll be making appearances with their food cart at local events.
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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: These restaurants, bars, coffee shops closed in Wilmington, NC
