Two Carolina Beach establishments are now under new ownership.

Island Hots, 103A Cape Fear Blvd., was purchased by Monica and Adam Milam in early October. They said they have worked closely with former owners Ron and Noelle Stevens to insure a smooth transition. The Milams plan to offer the same menu of hot dogs, BBQ, chicken fingers and sides, but with a few tweaks here and there.

“Ron was kind enough to stay on and introduce us to his suppliers and help us get a handle on things,” Adam Milam said. “We’re really grateful for his guidance and for the fact that he was willing to share his recipe for his secret Island Relish, a customer favorite.”

This is the first restaurant venture for the couple. Monica Milam is a nurse, and Adam Milam is a paramedic with a degree in finance. They relocated to Carolina Beach this summer from Texas, fulfilling a dream to live by the coast.

One of the new items that Adam Milam has added to the menu is a Frito pie, a casserole made from Fritos, chili, onions, jalepeños and cheese.

“It’s a staple back home in Texas,” he said. “But I’ve found that many people here have never heard of it, so I guess it will be my job to introduce them to it.”

Also under new ownership is SeaWitch Café and Tiki Bar, 227 Carolina Beach Road N.

Jenni Pietsch has taken over ownership of the restaurant, while former owner Ladd Nelson continues to operate the SeaWitch Motel across the street.

Pietsch has served as general manager of the restaurant for the past three years.

The menu still will feature casual American food with plenty of seafood options but have a healthier focus, Pietsch said.

New menu items include a grilled mahi sandwich, a portabello burger as well as conch fritters and fried calamari, both served with a red pepper aioli.

The SeaWitch Café and Tiki bar will celebrate a grand re-opening on Nov. 15 with live music, gift bags and a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce. Food and drink specials will be offered throughout the weekend.