If you’ve been avoiding the crowds in Carolina Beach over the past few months, chances are you’ve missed the opening of three new spots that locals are buzzing about.
 
Crush and Grind, 7 Harper Ave., serves gourmet coffee along with craft beer and boutique wines. Partners Dominic DiPierro, Brett Gurkin, Nadine Antonelli and Chris Meyers felt Carolina Beach was the perfect niche for a combination shop such as this.
 
“Coffee shops in the area are limited, and while there are plenty of bars, we saw a need for a wine bar that would cater to those looking for a nice glass of wine at a reasonable price,” DiPierro said. “And by serving coffee along with wine and beer, we are able to serve all day and cover two markets.”
 
Crush and Grind serves freshly roasted coffee from Island Roast Coffee of Carolina Beach and carries 75 beers as well as 17 wines by the glass and 25 by the bottle. While they are licensed for on- and off-premise sales, DePierro said Crush and Grind’s wines are priced closer to retail pricing.

On Tuesdays, all beers are $1 off, and on Wednesdays all wines by the glass are $5.  As for coffee, Crush and Grind serves a small line of espresso drinks and specializes in house-made cold brew coffee. Snacks and dips from The Veggie Wagon, another local partner, are also available.
 
The four Crush and Grind partners also own the upper level of the building and plan to expand over time to include an upstairs lounge and roof deck.

Jack’s Retreat Beer Garden and Dog House (pictured below), 103 Cape Fear Blvd., replaced Island Hots in May, and new owners Michael Urti and Ked Cottrell have created a pet-friendly indoor-outdoor space serving 12 specialty hot dogs and more than 30 beers.

While upgrades have been made to the outdoor patio, construction on a beer garden that will include an outdoor bar with 10 to 12 taps and several TVs will begin shortly. Urti said he hopes the garden will be completed in time for football season.
 
“It’s very exciting to be a part of the changing landscape of Carolina Beach,” Urti said.
 
The owners of the Islander Kwik Mart Sunoco station, 111 Carl Winner Ave., have incorporated a new restaurant into the convenience store with the launch of Island Burgers & Bites. With a walk-up window, as well as counter service from inside the store, the kitchen is designed for quick service for those on their way to or from the beach or perhaps in search of a quick lunch or late-night bite.
 
The menu is simple: fresh, hand-pattied Angus beef burgers, traditional Philly cheese steaks and hot dogs along with fries. A combo of two hot dogs with fries and a fountain drink is $4.99.
 
Twelve flavors of Hershey’s ice cream are available as well as hand-spun milkshakes. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
 
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