Print
Restaurants

Vida, BlackFinn Are Out; New Restaurants On Way

By Jessica Maurer, posted Jan 3, 2018
The complex that had housed BlackFinn and Vida is shown this summer. New restaurant concepts will replace those announced in 2012. (Photo by Cece Nunn)

Wilmington-based USA InvestCo LLC recently announced that the partnership with Charlotte-based BlackFinn Ameripub has been dissolved, and the restaurant, located at the Port City Marina, is closing. It will be replaced by a new concept, Marina Grill. 

Rob Lanphier, chief operating officer of food, fun and beverage with USA InvestCo, confirmed that in addition to BlackFinn’s closure, Vida Mexican Kitchen y Cantina, which was slated to open next door to BlackFinn, will not be opening. Another restaurant called Marker 14 will take its place. 

Lanphier said it was a mutual decision on the part of USA InvestCo, BlackFinn and Vida to part ways, saying that the parties had different ideas of what they were expecting for the location. BlackFinn and Vida were originally announced in July 2012.

Lanphier, who has owned and operated several bars and restaurants in Denver, is moving to Wilmington to take the lead on the restructuring of the restaurants at Port City Marina. 

He will begin by overseeing the changeover from BlackFinn to Marina Grill, which is expected to take place over the next several months. He said all current employees have been offered positions with Marina Grill, and he will be retraining the staff over the next several weeks. A brief closure may occur to switch out some of the restaurant’s current equipment and décor. An official rebranding is expected to occur by Memorial Day, according to Lanphier.

In addition to overseeing the changeover to Marina Grill, Lanphier will be working to make the Port City Marina and Pier 33 concert venue more accessible to locals.

“Our goal is to incorporate more of a local flair,” Lanphier said. “We hope to make this a gathering space for the community by hosting a farmers market and various charitable events as well as be a starting point for downtown charity walks and runs.”

Lanphier said that plans for Marker 14 will be released shortly.

The former Vida building that will now house Marker 14 has been used as a private events space, and it will continue to be available for events throughout the transformation process. 

Meanwhile, more performances are coming to the concert venue.

“We have plans for local bands as well as top acts to perform live shows at Pier 33," Lanphier said. "The idea is to make Port City Marina a true entertainment hub.”

Story On The Map

Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
Tommytaylor ceo unitedway

How Philanthropy Fits Into Your Financial Plan

Tommy Taylor - United Way
Untitleddesign4

Paving the Way to Better City Streets

Tony Caudle - City of Wilmington
Untitleddesign2

The Importance of Real Estate Appraisals

Steve Mitchell - Cape Fear REALTORS®

Trending News

Conservation Group Signs $8M Deal To Buy The Point On Topsail Island

Audrey Elsberry - Mar 26, 2024

Rezoning Could Bring 123 Townhomes To Growing Leland Corridor

Emma Dill - Mar 25, 2024

N.C. Ports Officials React To Baltimore Bridge Collapse

Audrey Elsberry - Mar 26, 2024

Engineering Firm Hires Four Employees

Staff Reports - Mar 26, 2024

National Organization Bestows Top Award On Cape Fear Professional Women In Building

Staff Reports - Mar 26, 2024

In The Current Issue

Park Progress

The planning for Pender Commerce Park began in the early 2000s when the county wanted to create an economic driver on its largely rural west...


Expanding Tastes On Castle Street

As John Willse and Beth Guertin, owners of Wilmington Wine bottle shop and now the recently opened Creative Tastings restaurant on Castle St...


Hacking Cyberdefense Shortage

A shortage of cybersecurity professionals influenced professor Ulku Clark and her team to slowly evolve UNCW’s offerings to now include eigh...

Book On Business

The 2024 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.

Order Your Copy Today!


Galleries

Videos

2023 Power Breakfast: Major Developments