Coverage of openings and closings in Wilmington focuses on new business launches, retail expansion and company closures. This page tracks the storefronts and commercial sites across the city.
The updated Alternative B design removes a Fifth Avenue connection and replaces it with a loop system linking to Third Street.
Live Poll
Do you trust local and state officials to listen when planning major road projects?
November 4, 2026
Club at Midtown to Open Nov. 6The members-only sports and dining club at the former Holly Tree Racquet Club site holds its grand opening in Wilmington next month.
October 30, 2026
Hollywood East Brewseum Opens in WilmingtonA new taproom and restaurant at 1202 Market St. celebrates North Carolina film history with rotating movie memorabilia.
October 29, 2026
Girls with Dough Buys Wilmington Waterfront PropertyThe restaurant property previously housing Smoke on the Water sold for over $1.5 million in October.
October 23, 2026
Dustin Smith Acquires Wilmington Restaurant RumcowThe owner of the closing Smoke on the Water has purchased the downtown eatery located on Grace Street.
October 22, 2026
Cuadra Capital Submits Wilmington Parking Expansion PlansThe Charlotte-based firm proposes a new parking expansion project for the Soda Pop District in Wilmington.
October 14, 2026
Smoke on the Water Will Close Wilmington LocationThe restaurant will vacate its waterfront site after nearly a decade of operation on October 28.
October 13, 2026
Rook's Neighborhood Pub and Deli Planned in WilmingtonBusiness partners have secured a 10-year lease for a new restaurant at 506-508 Castle Street.
October 7, 2026
Wilmington Opened New Disc Golf Course and AmenitiesThe city has launched a nine-hole disc golf course alongside new electric vehicle chargers and historic signage.
October 2, 2026
Hollywood East Brewseum Opened in WilmingtonA film-themed restaurant and museum debuted at 1202 Market St. featuring local cinematic memorabilia.
October 1, 2026
Living Hope Canceled Wilmington Property PurchaseThe nonprofit scrapped plans to buy a building at 10th and Dock streets following significant neighborhood pushback.
Coverage takes in storefront debuts, corporate consolidations, permanent business closures and the shifts in vacancy rates that follow. Reporting reaches across the city and the communities around it. Restaurant turnover and bank branch restructuring remain the most common drivers for these business cycles. Shifts in retail habits and commercial lease cycles consistently define the pace of this news.
