Print
Restaurants

Local Restaurants Recognized As Ocean Friendly Establishments

By Jessica Maurer, posted Feb 17, 2016
Hunter and Laura Tiblier of Ceviche's (Photo courtesy of UNCW Plastic Ocean Project)
Plastic Ocean Project Inc. has teamed up with Surfrider Cape Fear Chapter and Wrightsville Beach Keep It Clean to establish an initiative to recognize local restaurants for their efforts in curbing the use of single-use plastics. The first step is to offer straws to guests only upon request.
 
"We started with straws for the Ocean Friendly Establishments because to only give straws upon request is something that anyone can do with no cost involved,” said Kim Beller, secretary of the board of directors for Plastic Ocean Project Inc. “It would be great to see all restaurants looking at ways they can reduce their overall plastic use -- to-go containers, cups, etc. -- and make other changes as they are able to."  
 
The following local businesses have signed an agreement to train their staff to not automatically put straws in guests drinks and have received the Ocean Friendly Establishment certification: The Blockade Runner Beach Resort, Catch, Ceviche’s, Chops Deli, Blue Surf Café, Betsy’s Crepes, Fat Tony’s, Poe’s Tavern and Nawab Fine Indian Cuisine.
 
Laura Tiblier, co-owner of Ceviche’s, says that since receiving the certification, the restaurant has not had to reorder straws.
 
“We noticed right away that once we stopped serving straws, very few people asked for them,” Tiblier said. “It’s already been a significant savings.”
 
“Restaurants can feel good about saving the environment but they’re also saving money, which is a real bonus,” Beller said.
 
Ginger Taylor, founder of Wrightsville Beach Keep It Clean, is credited with spearheading the initiative. She is hopeful that in addition to adding more restaurants to the list of Ocean Friendly Establishments, that customers will consider asking for their drinks to be served without straws wherever they dine.
 
Click here for more information on the initiative. Email for information on how to become certified as an Ocean Friendly Establishment.

Have a tip for Restaurant Roundup? Email us at: [email protected]
Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
Untitleddesign14 2142522346

Wilmington MSA Buyers Gain Leverage as Home Prices Dip and Inventory Grows

Janet Kane - Cape Fear REALTORS
Chris 16239425

E32: John Monahan - How I Built a CEO Advisory Group in Wilmington, NC

Chris Capone - Capone & Associates
Headshot 6272430314

Write Your Own Succession Script

Amy Sullivan - Lumina Business Solutions, LLC

Trending News

Museum Of The Bizarre Owner Aims For Local Landmark Label For Iron Works Building

Cece Nunn - Jul 7, 2025

Buyers, Sellers In Tug-of-war As Both Sides Deal With Market Conditions

Emma Dill and Cece Nunn - Jul 7, 2025

Show Goes On For Training Programs

Rickie Houston - Jul 7, 2025

Unraveling A Film Industry Slump

Rickie Houston - Jul 7, 2025

In The Current Issue

Show Goes On For Training Programs

Duke Fire, the program director of film and video production at Cape Fear Community College, said there’s uncertainty about when things will...


Unraveling A Film Industry Slump

The slowdown has affected the number of projects being shot in the area, and more attractive incentives offered by other countries have also...


Buyers, Sellers In Tug-of-war As Both Sides Deal With Market Conditions

Homebuyers and sellers are facing headwinds, even in the busy selling season of summer, and those watching the market have been taking note...

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

2024 Power Breakfast: The Next Season