The number of visitors to Pleasure Island keeps growing each summer, but the same can’t always be said for the size of parking lots.

“Our beautiful town is a wonderful place to visit,” said Shelly McGowan, owner of Michael’s Seafood Restaurant & Catering. “More visitors equals more traffic and lack of parking. We thought it would be a great idea to eliminate those stresses to our guests by offering them a free ride to enjoy a great meal.”

Restaurant officials started planning a shuttle service a few weeks ago and tested it over the weekend, with a freshly logo-ed van. McGowan said the shuttles are meant to make it easier for both residents and visitors to relax and unwind.

People can download Michael’s Seafood app to their smart devices to check the schedule, then call the restaurant at 458-7761 with location information to request a pickup. Right now, there isn’t a set schedule.

“Until we figure out supply versus demand, our schedule may change daily,” McGowan said.

But the plan is to include the entire Pleasure Island area and offer the shuttle to other areas by appointment, based on availability. The van seats up to 12 passengers.

“We have been getting very positive feedback. Everyone raved about how convenient it was not to have to drive, fight the traffic, worry about parking,” McGowan said. “It completes the ‘don’t worry, be happy’ beach vacation.” 

Michael’s Seafood is located at 1206 N. Lake Park Blvd. in Carolina Beach. It is open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. seven days a week.