The latest in restaurants: 15 openings and closings in the Wilmington area
If you're looking for something new to try this summer, there are so many options in the Wilmington area -- from new sweet shops and pizza places to new locations for popular Mexican and Asian eateries. The area has also lost a few restaurnts in June, too. Here's a look at what's been happening.
Openings and re-openings
Amanecer Cocina & Café: The latest eatery from the family behind the El Cerro Grande restaurants is this breakfast and brunch Mexican restaurant. It’s located at 1616 Shipyard Blvd. in Wilmington in the former Krazy Pizza & Subs in Cornerstone Center. The menu features dishes like Chorizo Con Huevos, chilaquiles, Tres Leches pancakes, breakfast burritos, fresh squeezed orange juice and things like omelets and traditional Mexican lunch dishes.
Leland Brewing Company: The newest brewery in Brunswick County is now open at 2115 Ale Ave. (or 133 Old Fayetteville Road) in Leland. While they’re waiting for a restaurant to be built on site, you can find food trucks and beers like Riverside Rocker Red Ale.
Salita Pizza: The Cargo District is now home to a restaurant serving wood-fired pizza on naturally leavened dough. Also look for salads and artisanal soft serve (in flavors like olive oil ice cream and blueberry sorbet) Breads and bagels are coming soon, too. Look for window service at 615 S. 16th St. in Wilmington.
More: Taste test: 5 hidden-gem hot dogs to try in the Wilmington area
Far From France: The French bakery in café at The Pointe at Barclay has moved to a bigger space in the shopping center and has re-opened. In addition to French pastries and pantry items, the owners are offering lunch, dinner and brunch service. You can also make reservations in advance for high tea. The new Far From France Bakery and Bistro is at 1474 Barclay Pointe Blvd.
Nautical Bowls: This business has opened in a storefront at 116 Charlie Medlin Drive in Surf City, serving bowls that can be ordered free from gluten, dairy, soy. They also have zero refined sugar. The Blue Bay Wave, for example, açaí, coconut, spirulina chia, granola, banana, strawberries and coconut butter crumble.
Ida Thai: This longtime Asian restaurant in Carolina Beach has officially relocated to Wilmington’s Monkey Junction area. You can find them, and all of their popular Thai dishes, along with beer and wine, at Beau Rivage Marketplace at 5920 Carolina Beach Road in Wilmington.
Thai and Vine: The popular Oak Island eatery, Noodles and Ice Cream, has re-opened with expanded service at 106 S.E. 58th St. In addition to a wide variety of Asian dishes, there is a selection of beer and wines to pair with them.
Fu Wangz: After a brief closure at the end of May, this wing-and-seafood restaurant has opened with a new owner at 2105 Carolina Beach Road in Wilmington. Look for specials, and a new name soon.
Yumday: This snack, gift and drink shop is new to Chandler’s Wharf in downtown Wilmington. The owner stocks a selection of minority-led and mission-driven brands. They carry BjornQorn, a brand of sun-popped popcorn, for example. They’re at 225 S. Water St.
Sugar Buzzed: Speaking of candy, this is billed as a “grown-up” sweet shop that carries nostalgic snacks, hemp-derived edibles, frozen novelties, and alternative adult beverages at I540 S 2nd St. in Wilmington’s South Front District.
Hwy55 Burgers Shakes & Fries: This popular burger chain has officially opened in a new location at 4421 Main St. in Shallotte. Stay tuned for more information about a ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration.
Closings
Tinyz Tavern: This bar and home-away-from-home at 2420 S. 17th St. in Wilmington closed on June 17 after 17 years in the aftermath of a deal to rezone this Wilmington property. “The closing of this bar is not the end Tinyz by any means, just the end of a building that held so much love and good booze,” said a post from the owners on social media. In the meantime, their location at 6756 Gordon Road, Wilmington remains open.
P.T.’s Olde Fashioned Grille: The 2420 South 17th St. location of this burger spot – which is in the same center as Tinyz Tavern – also closed after 20 years. Owners have announced plans to re-open at 3852 Carolina Beach Road in Wilmington.
Preston Restaurant: After an opening in early June, this restaurant in the renovated Graystone Inn in downtown Wilmington closed again after a kitchen fire. Thankfully, everyone is safe, and work is underway to re-open.
Las Margaritas Bar y Grill: Owner Ben Avalos posted that he made the decision to close this Mexican restaurant at 4719 New Centre Drive in Wilmington in early June. However, he also said that he’ll be working with new partners to bring something else to the space.
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Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at aballard@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: New restaurant openings and closings in Wilmington in June
