Dustin Smith said he was surprised when he got the news that the Smoke on the Water restaurantin Riverlights would have to close after the property was sold to the Girls with Dough owners. Even as that was in the works, though, another opportunity was falling into place.
"One day, we told 40 people they were probably going to be unemployed ... and an hour and a half later, I told them that I had a job for every single one of them," Smith said.
He, along with his mother Diane Smith, said they would be acquiring Rumcow restaurant at 121 Grace St. in downtown Wilmington.
Smith said he quickly worked out an agreement with Jennifer Becker, one of Rumcow's owners, who said she wanted to focus on other business interests. Although they aren't leaving
Riverlights voluntarily, Smith said, it seems this new venture was meant to be.
"It's interesting," he said. "It has the same capability for hosting events and wedding receptions and things like that and has almost the same seats."
Smoke on the Water will close Oct. 28. He anticipates only a brief closure before he and his staff open in Rumcow.
"Right off the bat, Rumcow will not change anything, and continue to operate as normal," he said.
But he does plan to blend the two concepts. Smokers and barbecue elements will likely be added, as well as some of the fusion dishes from Chef Forrest Mitchell.
"We will integrate certain things from Smoke on the Water into it and make adjustments," he said. "But we're not here to erase what Rumcow has already been successful at."
Jennifer and Robert Becker purchased Rumcow in 2022 from founder Joseph Sena who opened the restaurant in 2018.
"Our goal is to bring the best of both kitchens together while preserving the character, flavors and hospitality that our guests have come to expect," Smith said.
The Smiths also operate Fork n Cork in downtown Wilmington, and are planning to open a new concept, Burger Street, with a menu of smash burgers and hot dogs, before the end of October.
Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at aballard@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: What's next after this waterfront restaurant closes in Wilmington?
