Wilmington, N.C.- Already known for its fine dining options downtown Wilmington will be getting another high-end steakhouse this month.
Preston Restaurant will have its grand opening June 9 from 4pm to 10pm. It will be located on the first floor of the Graystone Inn at 100 South Third Street. The restaurant will open almost exactly one year to the date of the sale of the famous property.
The 15,000 square foot estate was once a private residence that was converted to a bed and breakfast in the late 1960’s. In that capacity it has housed famous guests like Alan Alda, Dennis Hopper, Jay Leno and Tom Cruise. The property itself has appeared in several film and television productions, most notably Sleepy Hollow in 2013.
The second floor of the Graystone will continue to be used as a bed and breakfast, but now the first floor will be open for those looking for good food.
In June of 2022, the Graystone was sold to Alfalla Hospitality for $1,925,000. Putting in a restaurant was always part of the new owner’s vision. The name is an homage to Preston Bridgers, who was supposed to be the original owner of the home, but who died before work on the property was completed in 1905.
The owners have hired a chef from Austin, Texas to run the new facility. Chef Thomas Calhoun told local media outlets that he prefers the farm-to-table approach, so look for locally sourced ingredients.