Dustin Wilcox, vice president of operations for Fat Tony’s Italian Pub, confirmed Monday that the restaurant will open a second location in Leland this summer.
 
A lease has been signed for the building at 503 Old Waterford Way, which was recently vacated by Eddie Romanelli’s.
 
Wilcox said that owner Don Shockley had been looking for an opportunity to expand the business. When Shockley learned the Eddie Romanelli’s space might become available, he saw an opportunity to better serve his customers that currently travel over the bridge to dine at Fat Tony’s.
 
According to Wilcox, the new location will have the same concept as the downtown Wilmington pub, but with a smaller bar area. There will still be a focus on craft beer from the Carolinas, but the bar itself will be an abbreviated version of the downtown location. A Sunday brunch is also planned for Leland.
 
Renovations to the kitchen and cosmetic updates to the dining room and bar area will begin shortly, followed by staffing and training of new employees. Wilcox said he anticipates hiring 30-40 new staff members.
 
A late June to early July opening is expected.
 
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