Public hearings Wednesday for Sea Bags location, relocating kayak rental biz in Duck
The Duck Town Council has scheduled a pair of public hearings at their March 1 meeting to consider proposals by a pair of businesses.
Sea Bags, LLC., is seeking a special use permit for a formula business to open in the Scarborough Lane Shoppes. No changes to the existing site or building exterior are proposed.
Founded in 1999, Sea Bags designs and manufactures tote bags, accessories, and home décor from recycled sails on the working waterfront in Portland, Maine.
The shop would be located in a 945-square foot space on the east end of the shopping center in a currently unoccupied unit.
As part of their application to the the town, Sea Bags included a rendering of a bag designed exclusively for the Duck store.
The Town of Duck defines a formula business as a type of activity that includes retail, office and restaurants and food service chains.
Allis Holdings, LLC is seeking a special use permit to relocate Coastal Kayak, an existing kayak and stand-up paddleboard rental/tour business, at the Waterfront Shops shopping center to an existing 100 square foot gazebo over the Currituck Sound.
According to town staff, the applicant also proposes to maintain the existing storage areas underneath the boardwalk/decking to accommodate the storage of the kayaks and paddleboards to be rented.
Both proposals have the backing of the town’s Planning Board, and recommends the Town Council grant approval.
Feb. 22, 2023
Wine, beer, cheese and more spot in Kitty Hawk expanding kitchen
TRiO, the market/restaurant combo on the Bypass near mile post 5 in Kitty Hawk is upping its game in response to its ever-growing popularity.
“To better serve our customers and to improve workspace for our employees, TRiO will be expanding its kitchen over the next 4-6 weeks,” according to a post on their Facebook page on Wednesday. “During that time, our restaurant and retail area will continue to be open, though the restaurant menu will be paired down.”
The restaurant will be closed Tuesday, Feb. 28 through Thursday, March 2. The retail side will remain open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Plans are to continue Oyster Night Mondays as well as another theme night or two will take place during the kitchen remodel.
Feb. 7, 2023
Downtown Elizabeth City sweet shop moving; Hiring events this month for N.C.’s first Royal Farms
Just a few months after acquiring Elizabeth City Pizza Company, SweetEasy bakery and ice cream shop has announced they are moving closer to their sister eatery next month.
Two more hiring events have been scheduled for this month for North Carolina’s first Royal Farms convenience store, which will open later this year in Grandy.
The hiring events will take place at the NCWorks office in Elizabeth City on Friday Feb. 17 and Friday Feb. 24 from 9 a.m. to noon. An application on file at RoyalFarms.com is required prior to the event.
January 22, 2023
Ribbon cuttings at High Seas Pools and Spas, Gregory Poole; renovations underway at Hurricane Mo’s
A pair of ribbon cuttings were held at a local pool and spa business and an equipment rental and repair firm in January, while a popular Kitty Hawk eatery is getting a new look.

Gregory Poole, North Carolina’s exclusive dealer of CAT construction equipment, now has a location convenient to both the Outer Banks and all of northeastern North Carolina along U.S. 158 near the railroad crossing in Belcross.
The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce along with Ribbon Cutting Sponsors, ACE Hardware, and TowneBank/Towne Insurance held a ribbon cutting on January 12 for High Seas Pools and Spas in Kill Devil Hills.

Jim Gilreath, chairman of the OBX Chamber Board of Directors and attorney at Rose, Harrison, Gilreath & Powers, P.C., congratulated Bradley Musika, for his new membership with the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce.
High Seas Pools and Spas is a CPO-Certified and insured pool and spa maintenance and repair company serving all of the Outer Banks. Call them at 252-305-3810 or find them at www.highseasobx.com.
The folks at Hurricane Mo’s in Kitty Hawk have spent the first month of 2023 refreshing, revamping and renovating the popular happy hour spot near milepost 4. After hoping to be able to open this weekend, things got a little behind.
But stay tuned, they plan to be serving everyone with some new surprises as we move into February.
January 1, 2023
Pizzeria in downtown Elizabeth City has new owners
Elizabeth City Pizza Company inside the Virginia Dare Arcade on East Main Street has new owners to start 2023 in Casey Heard and Gerald Trotman, II.
Elizabeth City Pizza Company was founded by Laurie Edwards and Will Raucci in 2019, filling a gap in the growing list of downtown eateries.
In a Facebook post on New Year’s Eve, Casey and Gerald said their “mission is to take this beautiful establishment to the next level.”
“With quick slices for lunch, whole pies at dinner, extended hours, specialty pizzas-of-the-month, online ordering and more, we look forward to welcoming you all in with the warmth of a smile and the smell of some really good pizza,” according to the Facebook post.
They also run The SweetEasy bakery and ice cream shop just around the corner on North Poindexter Street, and are the latest downtown Elizabeth City restauranteurs to expand their portfolio.
Elizabeth City Pizza Company plans to reopen after the holidays on Wednesday, January 3.
December 20, 2022
Sad news from Manteo restaurant; Buxton eatery undergoing renovations; new home for Elizabeth City hearing aid provider

On Monday, 1587 Restaurant and Lounge in Manteo announced the passing of executive chef Marc Taylor.
“Marc’s passion for crafting the perfect dish inspired us all to do our best. In addition to his culinary talents, Marc was also a wonderful mentor and coach to his beloved back of the house kitchen team. He pushed them to be there very best each night, allowing the legacy he created to endure,” the restaurant announced on their Facebook page.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and with his dear son, for whom he was so proud of & deeply loved. It was a pleasure to work by your side sir. You will be missed ‘Steak’.”
As previously planned, the restaurant at The Tranquil House Inn on the Manteo waterfront is closed for the holidays until December 28.
“We will continue to honor Marc’s legacy and live up to the high standards he put in place.”

New year, new look for Diamond Shoals Restaurant and Seafood Market
Diamond Shoals Restaurant and Seafood Market will be undergoing renovations over next several weeks, according to a post over the weekend on Facebook.
“We’re excited to share that we’re getting a brand-new look and feel! We’ll be closed until early February to complete the renovations. We wish you a wonderful holiday season, and we look forward to seeing you all next year.”
Featuring the only sushi bar on Hatteras Island, Diamond Shoals Restaurant and Seafood Market is located on N.C. 12 a mile north of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Owned by Keith and Angela Gray, Diamond Shoals has been serving the finest local fare for decades, including an award-winning clam chowder.

Beltone in Elizabeth City celebrates new location with ribbon cutting
Beltone Hearing is under new ownership and in a new location in Elizabeth City at Winchester Station, 905 Halstead Blvd, Suite 2.
The Elizabeth City Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony on December 8.
Related stories:
Fall 2022 business comings and goings on the Outer Banks and in northeast N.C.
September’s business comings and goings on the Outer Banks and in northeast N.C.
August’s business comings and goings on the Outer Banks and in northeast N.C.
July’s business comings and goings on the Outer Banks and in northeast N.C.