With new places to get sushi rolls, smash burgers, Cuban pastries and seaside steaks, an eclectic group of food-and-drink businesses have opened in the Wilmington area in recent weeks. These new restaurants, cafes, bars and dessert shops are growing the restaurant scene in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties.
At the same time, several popular spots, including neighborhood cafes, wine bars and restaurants, have closed their doors -- some after years of serving local customers. Here's a look at the latest restaurant and food business openings and closings in Southeastern North Carolina.
Restaurant openings
Seoul Sushi and Korean BBQ Hampstead
The father and son team of Sang and Adam Woo officially opened their newest location in Pender
County on Sept. 8. It's at 44 Shuckin St. in Hampstead's Oyster Creek Landing, and joins their food truck and location in the Cargo West food court in Wilmington. The menu includes their popular sushi rolls, bibimbap bowls, and Korean-style wings.
All Good Kitchen
Leland Brewing Co., located at 2115 Ale Ave., has added food service with this shipping container kitchen, and a menu from Chef Patrick Quinn that includes smash burgers, fish tacos and more.
816 Dessert & Drinks
This new shop is now open at 5214 Market St. in the former Coastal Coolers dirty soda shop. Look for Mille Crepe Cakes, in flavors like matcha, mango and crème brûlée, as well as waffles, smoothies, ice cream, milk teas, fruit teas and coffees.
Munchiesco
A family-owned business that offersNew York City-style halal street food -- from gyro platters to chopped cheese sandwiches -- started offering soft opening hours in September, and is planning a grand opening soon at 4418 Shipyard Blvd. in the former Flaming Amy's Bowl location.
The Tank at Marina Joes
Thisnew waterside restaurant in Surf City has opened a sports bar at 209 N. New River Drive, serving food and drink specials and games on the big screens.
Cuban Coffee Co.
This mobile espresso and matcha bar is up and running. They’ve been serving the Hampstead area, including pick up and regular hours at Raise the Bar Therapy Services. The menu offers drinks like the Dulce de Leche Latte, as well as cinnamon rolls and Cuban pastries.
Hollywood East Brewseum
This new taproom and wine bar also has costumes, memorabilia and more from dozens of movies filmed in Wilmington and North Carolina. They opened Sept. 18 at 1202 Market St. You can check it out while drinking a Yeast Bound & Down or an RJ Decktober.
Chang Thai
The owners of the Big Thai restaurant at 1319 Military Cutoff Road have renovated and renamed the space. It reopened in September in the Landfall Shopping Center near Wrightsville Beach.
Kalani
Brunswick County also has a new restaurant that's been serving a dinner menu of seafood, steaks, and easy-going favorites at 3792 Sunset Harbor Road S.E. in Sunset Harbor.
Restaurant closings
Unwined Wine Bar, Beer & Charcuterie
After six years, this spot closed Sept. 27 at 114 N. Topsail Drive in Surf City. "We are forever grateful to our amazing customers that have kept us going," said a note posted to social media." The owners, who are also a part of the new Coconut Cove restaurant, said they will continue to host live music there.
Coco Pipa
Isaac Bol and Lizzy Fowler brought their passion for fresh, nutritious food to this concept at 506 Castle St. in downtown Wilmington. After serving smoothies and bowls, they had expanded to a slow coffee barbefore announcing they would be closing Sept. 20. They said they plan to continue operating their food truck on the weekends.
Burgaw Alimente
After losing a member of their family, the owners of this bakery and restaurant in Pender Countysaid they would close at 118 West Fremont St. in Burgaw. "We would also like to thank all of our customers and friends over the years who helped create such a special and magical place," said a note posted to social media. "The time we spent here together and with the community will always be in our hearts."
VK PHO
According to a sign posted to the door, this popular Vietnamese noodle house is closed at 2761 N.C. 210 in Hampstead as the space transitions to new ownership.
Jester's Cafe
This breakfast and lunch restaurant in downtown Wilmington is closed at 607 Castle St. “After many happy years having the honor of serving you at Jester’s Cafe, we are closed,” said a note posted to social media. “Thank you so much for your support.”
Birdbox
Owners closed this hot chicken restaurantat the end of August. Now, Burger Street is opening in that space in the coming weeks.
Skyline Café
This coffee shop at 929 N. Front St. in Wilmington has also closed in recent weeks. Owners from Brooklyn Café located in the Brooklyn Arts District took over the shop in 2025.
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: 16 recent restaurant openings and closings in the Wilmington area
