Notable restaurants that closed in the Wilmington area in 2023
Restaurants of all shapes and sizes closed in the Wilmington area this year – from big chains to local favorites. Here are some of those that we will miss and those that surprised the local food community.
Elizabeth’s Pizza
Almost a year ago, this popular local pizza restaurant that had been in business since 1987 closed (temporarily, at least) as they work on a complex insurance claim resulting from hurricane damage. Meanwhile, fans of the eatery in the shopping center at Market Street and Kerr Avenue in Wilmington hope for the return of stromboli, pizza and excellent ranch dressing.
Ella’s of Calabash
Another closure that came as a result of catastrophic forces was this one in Brunswick County. This spring, a fire destroyed the seafood restaurant that is one of the originators of the classic Calabash-style fried seafood. The family that owns this eatery that opened in 1950 (and its nearby sister restaurant Beck’s) have plans to rebuild and reopen.
Hops Supply Co.
Fans were caught off guard in March when LM Restaurants announced that this popular gastropub would close at 5400 Oleander Drive in Wilmington. The site was purchased to make room for a future gas station.
Applebee’s
Speaking of surprises, locals got one when this chain closed its Wilmington location. Although it has a well-known national presence, Applebee’s has closed about 300 of its restaurants since 2017. One of the recent casualties was the Wilmington location at 5120 New Centre Drive. The Leland location at 1113 New Point Blvd. is still open. Other chains to close locations in the Wilmington area include Wild Wing Cafe, Mac’s Speed Shop and Fox and Hound Bar and Grill.
The Felix Cafe
When The Felix Café in Monkey Junction closed, it wasn't the first food business to do so in the shopping center at 5226 College Road, Meanwhile, more businesses are said to be moving in there and rumor has it that Felix is moving to Brunswick County.
The Joyce
This pub and restaurant was a popular gathering spot for many years in the booming Brunswick Forest community in Leland. While the owners are preparing to open something new in Southport, a sign for the Mexican Aye Toro restaurant is up at 1174 Turlington Ave.
MeMa’s Chick’n’ & Ribs
The closer of this Southern and soul food restaurant in Burgaw was planned as the McDuffie family is working on moving into a new location. In the meantime, they've been feeding people at events across the state as a food truck.
Fork N Cork CB
Following the death of founder James Smith a few weeks before, his family announced that they'd close the Carolina Beach location of Fork-N-Cork at 102 Cape Fear Blvd. to focus on the downtown Wilmington location and the Smoke on the Water restaurant. Another restaurant is planning to move into the space.
Epic Food Co.
Chef James Bain opened this fast-casual, health-focused eatery in 2012 but decided this year that it was time for something new. One of those endeavors is Chef James Bain’s Provisions, a home meal delivery service that offers a menu that's a blend of both Epic and another previous restaurant, Harvest Moon.
Fu Wangz
The closure happened when owners announced in May that they were moving on to new opportunities. Fortunately for wing and seafood lovers, former manager James Lewis took over the spot at 2105 Carolina Beach Road in Wilmington and reopened it as Smokin Jimmies Chicken & Seafood.
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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: Wilmington, NC, restaurants that closed in 2023
