More details have been announced about what’s happening at the renovation project at 9 S. Front St.in downtown Wilmington, beside Seabird restaurant.
For months, award-winning Chef Dean Neff has been planning a sister restaurant. Little Bird is expected to open in early 2027
“It is really kind of an expansion of Seabird in a way,” Neff said.
Little Bird will add about 2,200 square feet to Seabird's existing 2,600, nearly doubling the footprint, according to a press release. That’s also an additional 55-60 seats in a new dining room and a separate bar room.
Neff said he’s also excited about adding more kitchen and storage space. Neff said Seabird quickly reached capacity for the
back-of-the-house operations, especially since they use so many fresh, local ingredients.
He also said the new space will offer more options for events and new experiences.
“We can’t wait to bring this historic space to life for the Wilmington community in the new year,” Neff said.
After opening Seabird in 2021, Neff and his wife Lydia Clopton turned their attention to Zora’s Market and Kitchen, which launched a new menu earlier this year. Neff is also a James Beard Foundation Outstanding Chef finalist and Best Chef Southeast nominee.
The renovation at Little Bird has been a project with James Goodnight, Old School Rebuilders and Smith Hanes Studio.
STAY CONNECTED: Keep up with the area’s latest food news by signing up for the Port City Foodies newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram.
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: Acclaimed Wilmington chef expands Seabird with new restaurant
