In recent weeks, the Wilmington area has seen more businesses open that offer sweet treats and cool beverages. But it's been an especially good month for new eateries with Latin flavors and Caribbean vibes. Unfortunately, a few food businesses have also closed. Here are the details.
Restaurant openings and re-openings
Buen Dia Mexican Breakfast & Lunch: This Castle Hayne gem now has a sister restaurant in Wilmington. After months of planning and renovation, the eatery has quietly opened at 4719 New Centre Drive near Target in the former Las Margaritas Bar y Grill location.
Miranda Mexican Restaurant: This new restaurant at 3224 N. College Road in Wilmington brings diners authentic food from the Guerrero region on Mexico’s Pacific coast. You can find house-made aguas frescas and tortillas, which are used in their tacos and other favorite dishes. Specials include tamales and Torta Cubano. There’s also a bar and a regular schedule of live music.
Coco Pipa: This smoothie shop held a ribbon cutting on June 20 at 506 Castle St. in Wilmington, followed by a celebratory opening party on June 22 with live jazz from Benny Hill. Look for coconut water-based smoothies, salads and other healthful treats from owners Lizzy Fowler and Isaac Bol.
Bori Cafe Bar: Look for dishes like quesitos, guava and cheese pies, cronuts, meat pies, avocado toast at this coffee shop from the people behind the Wilmiricans food truck. They’ve been hosting soft opening hours at 14280 N.C. 17 in Hampstead. The menu includes some favorites, as well as traditional Puerto Rican coffee and pastries.
Melecio's Fiesta Bar: The newest location of this Mexican restaurant is now open in Carolina Beach at 219 Myrtle Ave. They serve Mexican favorites and specialty dishes like the multi-protein Crazy Pineapple and the Guaca Chicken. This new spot is joins existing locations in Shannon, Pembroke, Fairmont, Lumberton and Stedman in North Carolina.
The Bend: This indoor/outdoor gathering space opened June 24 at 7227 Market St. in the Ogden area. In addition to pathways, tables, a stage and games, there are a few food-and-drink components to enjoy. The Parlor House bar serves beer, wine, cocktails, mocktails and other beverages. And there's a full lineup of food trucks and music for July. More is also on the way to this spot, including Grumpy’s soft-serve ice cream.
Pasta Mia: Husband and wife team Yanni Papas and Maria Alexandri have opened their fast casual, fresh pasta concept at 418 Shipyard Blvd. in the Long Leaf Shopping Center in the former Flaming Amy’s Bowl location. The selection includes pastas made daily, house-made meatballs, and sauce recipes that Alexandri has been perfecting since she was a teenager.
Stellar Snowcones: In terms of new food trucks and such serving the Wilmington area, this new mobile shaved ice business launched in the Wilmington area on June 14.
Sizzle: Speaking of food trucks, the Leland-based Sweet Cup business has added a some 'Sizzle' with this business that serves hot dogs, burgers and quesadillas.
Deli Works: This breakfast and lunch restaurant moved from their spot in Holly Ridge and re-opened in Surf City at 13500 N.C. 50 near Cowfin and Surf City BBQ. Look for an extensive breakfast menu that’s served until 3 p.m. as well as deli sandwiches and lunch specials.
Pie Slayer: In downtown Wilmington, this spot offers late night drinks and desserts, from pies to marshmallow treats You can find it at 129 Princess St.
Three Friends Coffee: This popular coffee shop opened their second location in the new Skyline Center, located at 929 N. Front St. in the former PPD building. The menu includes fresh house made doughnuts in flavors like Maple Bacon and the signature Three Friends with chocolate and pink frosting. They’ve also partnered with The Veggie Wagon for other food items.
The BARge: The Carolina Beach area has a new floating bar located on the Intracoastal Waterway. Look for beer, spirts, and live music at 401 Marina St. near the Carolina Beach Yacht Club.
Brunches at Federal Point Grill: Also new on Pleasure Island is the newest Brunches location, which is adding a nighttime dinner concept in addition to their mimosa-fueled breakfast and lunch offerings.
Restaurant and food truck closings
Pink Baking Company: This bakery had its start in 2009 has closed at 4545 Fountain Drive in Wilmington. The owner specialized in custom cakes and creative cupcakes.
Mamma Lucia: The Italian restaurant at 431 Eastwood Road in Wilmington posted on social media that the business has closed. According to the owner, the space is being renovated and a new eatery will open soon.
Pomona Shrub Co: This local business has closed their retail space on Princess Street in Wilmington's Soda Pop District. The owner has since moved into a private kitchen and said she's focusing on wholesale and pop-up experiences.
Beyond the Bayou: This popular food truck serving Louisiana inspired fare announced that June would be the last month on the road. On social media, the owners said they are moving on to other opportunities.
Paradise Pineapple Grille: This new food truck with an Hawaiian menu also announced that they were closing operations for the mobile business.
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Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her ataballard@gannett.com.
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