WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – As Wilmington grows, each area of commerce within the city limits is trying to build its own identity. You know these areas by name, even if you’re not exactly sure of their locations. There’s the Brooklyn Arts District, The Antique District, The Historic District and the South Front District- just to name a few.
Most of these sections of town are in walking distance to nearby neighborhoods. They feature their own restaurants, brew pubs, some offices, as well as boutique stores and other retailers. The theory is if you can give a section of town its own name, then it becomes a destination, a place where people want to spend their time and their money.
Two of the newer areas that have come to life in the last few years are the Cargo District (located near 17th Street and Castle) and the Soda Pop district (located around the old Coca-Cola bottling plant on Princess Street.) This month, in separate press conferences, announcements were made about future projects in both these areas.
The Soda Pop District is already home to Hi-Wire Brewing and Cugino Forno Pizzeria. In early December, developers cut the ribbon on what will likely become the hub of the area. It’s called the Bottle Works Project. The massive renovation turned the old Coke Factory into a leasable office park. Initially the facility will house a variety of business like Beach & Barn, and the Pomona Shrub Company. Ultimately, there are plans to include a grocery store, some sandwich shops and a speakeasy bar.
Less than three miles away, in Wilmington’s Cargo district, it has been a very busy year. One project after another has either opened its doors in the area, or announced plans to move to the district in the near future. So far 50 small businesses make up this two block section of town.
In August the Cargo District welcomed the wine and cheese store Fermental, which moved from its long standing location in Ogden to be more centrally located. In September Wilmington’s first dog bar, called Ruff Draft, opened. In November the clothing designer and non-profit Half United moved its headquarters to this section of town. There is also a coffee shop, a barber shop and soon tacos!
Earlier this month Wilmington chef Bobby Zimmerman announced plans to launch a new restaurant called Beat Street. The eatery will be located in the old Mess Hall (which moved to a new spot on Wrightsville Avenue nearby) on 16th street and will feature a menu of 30-plus items with foods from all over the globe.
“Every Friday will be empanada day,” said Zimmerman. “That’s essentially pocket pies prepared the Venezuelan way: deep fried, crispy and stuffed with beef, chicken, or potato and cheese.”
The menu also has a section dedicated to tacos, queso and salsas, as well as ssam — leafy wraps traditional to Korean cuisine — and kai yang (Laos kabobs marinated in coriander, cilantro and chilies). Snacks include a Middle Eastern tabbouleh bowl, as well as cold ramen.
The project is Zimmerman’s fourth restaurant in the Cape Fear Region. He says he’s confident the Cargo District is the perfect location for such a project. “This is the mecca of small businesses in Wilmington. The culture over here is so cool — so much fun. People will want to visit and come back!”
To learn more about the other business districts throughout Wilmington please click here.