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Watha, NC · Food & Drink

Star News

partner publisher · 16.2K followers

14 recent restaurant openings and closings in the Wilmington area

If you're looking for coastal Greek cuisine or Thai specialties, or maybe fresh New York-style bagels or tropical cocktails, there's good news. All of these and more have been added to the Wilmington-area dining scene in recent weeks. They include fresh new concepts and locations of up-and-coming brands. But the month also brought several notable departures, with longtime businesses and popular neighborhood gathering spots closing their doors. They include a business that got its start selling boozy pastries, a popular spot for sunset watching, and a hidden gem Indian eatery. Here's a look at the latest restaurant and food business openings and closings in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties. Restaurant openings Opa by Giorgios Restaurateur Giorgios Bakatsias officially opened his newest restaurant at 14 Harnett St. in downtown Wilmington at the end of October / early November. The two-story space has a coastal Greek menu from Chef Renato Mekolli, and a plan for music and entertainment at night. Bagel Boss Wilmington Also in the Marina District, the Wilmington location of this bagel brand held a ribbon cutting on Oct. 19 at 28 Harnett St. in the Pier 33 Apartments. The menu includes New York-style bagels, schmears and coffee. Mr.

Wilmington, NC · 1d

Star News

partner publisher · 16.2K followers

Fast-food burger, custard chain planning 2 spots in the Wilmington area

A new fast-food restaurant will soon be serving burgers, fries and custard in Hampstead . It will be one of two new locations in the Wilmington area as the national chain pushes into the Cape Fear region. If you’ve traveled along U.S. 17 through Hampstead, you’ve likely seen a sign advertising a future Del Taco on the southbound side of the highway. But Del Taco isn’t the only new fast-food joint coming to the location. Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers also has plans to build a new restaurant there. It will eventually join a Del Taco and a Sheetz gas station on the site at 13755 U.S. 17. Here’s what to expect. More: New details revealed for proposed Hampstead Walmart What is Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers? Freddy’s, which serves a varied menu of sandwiches, bowls, desserts and sides, has over 400 locations across the U.S. That includes 17 in North Carolina, the nearest of which is in Jacksonville. Freddy's menu includes steakburgers, frozen custard, sandwiches and bowls, with sides such as cheese curds, onion rings and loaded tater tots. When will Freddy’s open? A spokesperson for the chain confirmed that Freddy’s was working through the permitting process and hopes

Wilmington, NC · 8d

familydestinationsguide.com

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This Humble North Carolina Buffet Serves Soul Food So Good, It Landed On National TV

Some restaurants don’t need a fancy sign or a velvet rope to tell you something special is happening inside. Casey’s Buffet in Wilmington, North Carolina is exactly that kind of place. There’s a Pepsi vending machine parked right outside the front door. A red and white striped...

Wilmington, NC · 7d

Star News

partner publisher · 16.2K followers

New Walmart brings big crowd and Vanna White to Brunswick County

The newest Walmart in Brunswick County announced its presence with authority. "Bull Durham" quotes aside, the grand opening of the retail giant off U.S. 17 in southern Brunswick County on Nov. 4 came with fanfare, including giveaways and special appearances from "Wheel of Fortune" co-host Vanna White and country music star Niko Moon. Days before the opening, Walmart gave the StarNews a sneak peek inside its next Brunswick County location. Here's how things went with the new Walmart. Walmart first look On Nov. 2, Walmart employees were putting the final touches on the store located near Carolina Shores with a Calabash address. A week earlier, the shopping complex's other main store, Publix supermarket, opened. Inside Walmart, there were several displays to show off for the Nov. 4 opening. Christmas trees were already on the floor for sale. Employees were also stocking grocery items and beach wear. The store also has a pharmacy and car repair shop. Grand opening Hours before the doors opened at 7:30 a.m., a long line formed outside of the store. One group sitting in chairs said they had been there since 3:19 a.m. Refreshments were on hand to keep people in good spirits during a foggy

Brunswick County, NC · 2d

New York Post

partner publisher · 1.8M followers

Cult favorite fried chicken chain opening 12 new stores this month

Raising Cane’s is winging its way to 10 states this month. The seasoned fried chicken chain has said cluck yeah to 12 new locations across the states — with two opening up on Nov. 2. The Louisiana-based brand — known for its chicken fingers, Cane’s Sauce and Texas toast — will set up shop in new areas like Brick, New Jersey, Fayetteville, North Carolina, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Currently, the chicken joint is slinging its dishes across 1,000 locations in the US with most nestled in Texas with 201 stores, followed by California with 147, Louisiana holding 63 and 65 in Ohio. Raising Cane’s will open up 12 new locations across the nation next month Rafael Fontoura for CA Post “Opening 12 new restaurants in November is another exciting milestone in Raising Cane’s continued growth as we expand our footprint to even more communities across the country,” a company spokesperson said in a statement to Nation’s Restaurant News . “From highly anticipated openings in new markets like Sioux Falls, Brick and Fayetteville to growing our presence in communities nationwide, we’re continuing to establish Cane’s as a go-to destination for Craveable Chicken Fingers from coast to coast.” The full list

Fayetteville, NC · 4d

Star News

partner publisher · 16.2K followers

Major doughnut-and-coffee chain delays expanding in Brunswick

(This story has been updated to add new information.) A Massachusetts-based donut and coffee company has some delays in opening new locations in Brunswick County . With one location in Leland and another in Shallotte, three more Dunkins are slowly making their way to the area. There are only two existing Dunkin' locations operating in the county, one standalone Dunkin' in Leland and an in-store counter inside the Walmart Supercenter in Shallotte. County planning staff previously approved a standalone Dunkin' location at 4875 Long Beach Road SE, commonly known as N.C. 133, and another at 28 Blanton Road, Supply. The town of Carolina Shores approved plans for a third new location as well, to be constructed near the new Publix site. Construction is currently underway on the Long Beach Road location between a Food Lion-anchored retail area and Hampton Inn & Suites. The walls are up, but it is running behind schedule. Previous coverage: Major doughnut-and-coffee chain to open two more Brunswick stores Both the Supply and Southport area locations are owned by Dunkin' franchisee George Ross and will be completely new builds, former Senior Public Relations Specialist Julia Voutour previously told the StarNews. Approved plans for the Southport area

Brunswick County, NC · 2d

WRAL

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Restaurant Ratings for Oct. 30, 2026

Live cockroaches, spiders and flies found at one restaurant. WRAL’s Alex Littlehales tells us where in this week’s restaurant ratings report.

Fayetteville, NC · 8d

fastfoodclub.com

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King’s Barbecue In Kinston Has Fed Eastern North Carolina Crowds Since 1936

Some road trips in eastern North Carolina have an unofficial rule: nobody passes through Kinston without stopping to eat. Families heading to the beach plan their drives around it. Folks who moved across the country have had its barbecue shipped to their doorsteps, and former locals make it their first...

Kinston, NC · 13d

unearththevoyage.com

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This Wilmington Patio Lineup Proves North Carolina Eats Outdoors Even When It Cools Down

I almost walked past it, a quiet patio tucked behind a plain building, until I caught the glow of a fire and the smell of something smoky drifting my way. That one detour turned a chilly evening into a meal I still think about. Here in North Carolina, cooler weather...

Wilmington, NC · 3d

familyvacationsus.com

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These 10 North Carolina Bakeries Might Have The Apple Pie You’ll Crave All Autumn

A Wilmington pie shop stays open until 11 PM on Fridays, and yes, apple pie is part of the deal. I love the idea of a late-night slice when most bakeries have long since turned off the ovens. That was only the start of my apple pie rabbit hole. One...

North Carolina · 13h

allamericanatlas.com

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5 Best Restaurants in Wilmington, North Carolina You Need to Try Before Everyone Else Finds Them

Wilmington, North Carolina — a city where the Cape Fear River glimmers beneath Spanish moss, where pastel houses lean into the Atlantic breeze, and where the laughter of surfers, students, and old-timers mingles on sun-warmed sidewalks. Here, the architecture is a patchwork: antebellum mansions, weathered bungalows, neon-lit diners, and the ever-present hush of the ocean. Wilmington is a crossroads — of Southern tradition and saltwater dreams, of families who’ve called it home for generations and newcomers drawn by the promise of possibility.

Wilmington, NC · 4d

whatnow.com

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Uji to Introduce Premium Matcha and Japanese-Inspired Dining to Downtown Wilmington

A new Japanese-inspired café is taking shape in downtown Wilmington, where Uji will offer specialty matcha, Japanese-inspired food and reservation-only omakase dinners. Owned by Wilmington native Sada Hudson, the upcoming business will occupy the former Dunkin’ storefront at 101 N. Third St. Hudson told WhatNow Charlotte renovations are underway, with a soft opening targeted for after Thanksgiving and a full opening expected in December 2026.

Wilmington, NC · 3d

WWAY NewsChannel 3

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Wilmington restaurant to be featured on America’s Best Restaurants

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A Wilmington restaurant will be featured in an upcoming episode of America’s Best Restaurants, a national media and marketing company that highlights independently owned restaurants. Tequila Comida & Cantina, located at 5607 Carolina Beach Road, is scheduled to host the America’s Best Restaurants Roadshow...

Wilmington, NC · 9d

travelmag.com

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Chicken Bog And Fried Pork Chops Make This Tiny Whiteville, North Carolina Diner Worth The Detour

Steamed buns are the first clue that something good is happening behind a plain little counter in southeastern North Carolina. You walk in expecting a quick bite and walk out planning your next trip, with chili on your fingers and a paper sack that smells like a hometown memory. Families...

Whiteville, NC · 5d

WWAY NewsChannel 3

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Taste of Wrightsville Beach returns Nov. 14 to benefit Weekend Meals on Wheels

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — The annual Taste of Wrightsville Beach food festival is returning Saturday, Nov. 14, bringing together local restaurants and vendors to raise money for Weekend Meals on Wheels of New Hanover County. The event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. under a tent...

Wrightsville Beach, NC · 4d

WECT

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Tickets on sale for Feast Down East’s 3rd Annual Oyster Roast

Feast Down East’s annual Oyster Roast Fundraiser is returning next month, bringing together local food, live entertainment and community support.

Wilmington, NC · 3d

wilmingtonncmagazine.com

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Your Next Stop: New Saigon

Explore Wilmington's longtime international market, discover authentic Asian ingredients and take home a recipe for traditional pho. For some shoppers, a trip to the grocery store is simply about picking up dinner ingredients. For others, it’s an opportunity to reconnect with familiar flavors, carry on family traditions or discover an entirely new cuisine. At New Saigon International Market, all those experiences come together under one roof.

Wilmington, NC · 6d

everafterinthewoods.com

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A Massive Food Spread Is Putting This North Carolina Buffet On Every Hungry Diner’s Radar

Some buffets make me wonder why I even bothered eating breakfast. This North Carolina spot takes that feeling to another level. The food keeps coming, the choices seem endless, and suddenly my usual rule of saving room for dessert goes completely out the window. There’s something about a proper Southern...

Wilmington, NC · 6d

WECT

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Big Nosh returns to Wilmington for fifth year

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - The Big Nosh returns to Wilmington for its fifth year, offering deli favorites and homemade dishes to benefit Temple of Israel. Orders are being accepted through Nov. 25, the day before Thanksgiving. Food will be available for pickup from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Reibman Center on Market Street.

Wilmington, NC · 6d