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Sandwiches on a roll

Three new sandwich-centric places have opened in Wilmington in the past month. Yet another is scheduled to debut in mid-October when Capriotti’s unveils its first North Carolina location at Hanover Shopping Center, 3501 Oleander Drive, No. 2.

Capriotti’s spokeswoman Bridget Strickland described the eatery as “a gourmet sandwich shop that specializes in fresh, whole-roasted turkey meat and unique menu options …” Vegetarians may choose sandwiches made with “meatless” turkey, chicken and burgers.

Find new sandwich menus, too, at The Pub at Sweet ’n’ Savory, 2012 Eastwood Road; Which Wich, Mayfaire Town Center; and Jason’s Deli, 5703 Market St., next door to Olive Garden.

Pizzeria opens on South College Road

Brooklyn Sal’s Famous Pizzeria now fills the former Gumby’s Pizza franchise store, 1414-E S. College Road, between Wrightsville Avenue and Oleander Drive.

Owner Sal Doria was born in Naples, Italy, grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y., and has been in the restaurant business for more than 40 years, Brooklyn Sal’s manager Pat Longthon said.

Doria prepares pizza dough and tomato sauce from scratch for his New York-style pies, and Brooklyn Sal’s pizza toppings are fresh, Longthon said. Meatballs are made and sausage is cooked and sliced in house, he said.

Besides pizza by the pie and slice, the restaurant serves salads, calzones, stromboli and hot and cold subs.

All Italian, just a little less of it

Shrinking portions became a common occurrence during the recession. Many reductions followed the trend toward appetizer meals better known as “small plates.” 

Some restaurants looked to cut prices by rethinking giant entrees that provided diners with enough food for two meals.

Still other eateries simply tried to meet customer demands for more sensible amounts of food on a single plate.

Diners wanting to trim calories may choose between full or half portions on the revamped menu at Nicola’s, 5704 Oleander Drive.

“You have spoken, and we are listening,” Nicola’s owner Nick Pittari said in a newsletter to customers explaining the new menu.

Gallery to move into former Crow Hill space

An art gallery including a restaurant component is bringing downtown Wilmington’s recently vacated Crow Hill restaurant space back to life.

Artist John Sharkey and his partner Terry Espy moved their Checker Cab Gallery, 130 N. Front St., to former Crow Hill, 9 S. Front St., which was also the original home of late downtown icon Caffe Phoenix.

Paintings and other art will be on display, but Sharkey and Espy are also looking for a restaurateur to provide dining and a bar.

Artwork would be as important as the food, Sharkey said. He and Espy said they would like nice, reasonably priced food and drink offered throughout the day and offerings that complement the gallery. What might be served would be up to whichever restaurateur agrees to the joint project.

Talks with potential restaurant operators are underway, leaving the kitchen’s opening date unknown for now, Espy said.

Besides dining, a bar and gallery space, Sharkey said the new Checker Cab Gallery – and the name may change – will offer film, classes and lectures.

- Liz Biro

Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar to open downtown
A popular Carolina Beach restaurant is opening its second location in downtown Wilmington.

Sean Cook, managing partner of Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar, said the locally based seafood eatery is opening its newest venture at 109 Market St. in the former Green’s Grille location.

Chuck Lydon and W. Tyler Pegg, brokers with Wilmington-based Coldwell Banker Commercial Sun Coast Partners, completed the long-term lease agreement.

Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar’s Carolina Beach location features a number of seafood dishes that include oysters, shrimp and crab. 

The restaurant also has a full service bar equipped with various beers on draft.

- J. Elias O’Neal