Wrightsville Beach, NC Food & Drink and More

Hospitality veterans launch new steakhouse in Wilmington

Soon after the Junction 421 restaurant closed at the end of October, a group of restaurateurs were in the space for a renovation and quick turn-around to reopen as MJ's Steakhouse at 5104 College Road in Wilmington. The new owners are four partners who met through the Brunches brand and worked their way up to leadership roles there. Jill Enloe-Harrill, Ryan Slot, Mika Walker and Chris Harrison said they've opened multiple locations together and have worked together long enough to know each other's strengths. They also all live in the Monkey Junction area and have thought about what kind of restaurant would thrive there. “We all just really love this area," Slot said, adding that they were inspired by the concept of a fun, vibrant, not-too-expensive steakhouse similar to Texas Roadhouse or LongHorn Steakhouse. “But we want it to be a neighborhood steakhouse, not a chain," Enloe-Harrill said. "We want to foster a family feel.” More: Popular Wilmington restaurant closes after sudden sale The look Right now, that includes updating the atmosphere, they said. Some furniture was being moved out and bright red booths were being moved in. “It's a little bit of ambience, a little bit of a facelift,"

Wilmington, NC · 7d

familyvacationsus.com

partner publisher · 44.0K followers

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 · 7d

Myrtle Beach Sun-News

Following Guy Fieri to Brisket in North Myrtle Beach

North Myrtle Beach, SC · 6d

Star News

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 · 8d

franchisewire.com

Meal Prep Franchises Cash In on Healthy Eating Trends

As Demand for Convenient, Nutritious Food Grows, These Five Brands Offer Fresh Opportunities. Between busy schedules and the stress of daily obligations, eating healthy isn’t always made a priority. It’s easy to push nutrition aside without a plan in place. But meal prep franchises are helping people eat...

Wilmington, NC · 7d

Star News

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 · 15d

Star News

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 · 9d

Star News

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 · 9d

unearththevoyage.com

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 · 10d

takemetotn.com

The Homemade Pierogi At This North Carolina Polish Deli Disappear By The Thousand Every Week

Some folks in Wilmington have a confession to make: they buy cooked pierogi and never get them home, because the box is empty before they leave the parking lot. That kind of snacking habit tells you a lot about a small shop tucked into a busy stretch of the Port City, where homemade Polish dumplings have built a loyal following of transplants, families, and curious locals alike.

Wilmington, NC · 14d

allamericanatlas.com

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 · 11d

whatnow.com

partner publisher · 2.1M followers

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 · 10d

USA TODAY

Walmart opening 3 new stores in these 3 states in November

Walmart's expansion continues this November, as the massive big-box retailer opens three locations in three U.S. states. Walmart told USA TODAY on Oct. 30 that the new stores will be in Oklahoma, North Carolina and Tennessee. A Calabash, North Carolina location will open Nov. 4, according to the Wilmington Star-News, part of the USA TODAY Network. The opening will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, product sampling, giveaways and guest appearances from “Wheel of Fortune” co-host Vanna White and country music star Niko Moon. Walmart has more than 10,900 stores and multiple e-commerce websites in 19 countries, the company said. Walmart announced plans in 2024 to open or convert 150 new locations. In April, the retailer said it planned to have 20 new store grand openings in 2026 and early 2027. The company also said it would remodel more than 650 Walmart Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets. USA TODAY contacted Walmart on Nov. 3 for details on how many locations have opened so far this year, and how many openings are planned for 2027. The company declined to answer. Other openings this year included Walmart Supercenter locations in Apollo Beach, Jacksonville and The Villages, Florida, and Eastvale, California. The company also opened a

Calabash, NC · 12d

travelmag.com

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 · 13d

WWAY NewsChannel 3

Wrightsville Beach, NC · 11d

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...

WECT

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 · 10d

wilmingtonncmagazine.com

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.

everafterinthewoods.com

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...

WECT

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.

WWAY NewsChannel 3

Chick-fil-A offering free waffle fries at Wilmington, Leland and Shallotte locations

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Chick-fil-A customers across the Cape Fear region can enjoy a free side of waffle fries this week as participating restaurants offer a limited-time promotion. Participating Chick-fil-A restaurants in Wilmington, Leland and Shallotte are offering a complimentary small or medium order of waffle potato fries from...