Temptations Porters Neck is now under new ownership after Wilmington residents Jenny and Allen Luper purchased the eatery from James Snyder, who had owned and operated it since 2005. 

Snyder, who operated both Temptations locations prior to the sale of the Hanover Center location in late 2017, announced his intention to sell the businesses last year so he could return to the West Coast and be closer to family.

It was Snyder’s hope that the businesses would be purchased by owners who intended to work with the current staff and maintain the level of service that Temptations is known for. 

Joan Loch, broker with Momentum Companies Inc., represented Snyder in the sale of the Temptations at 8207 Market St. 

"It is always a great feeling to help a business owner sell to move on to their next adventure, and to assist new buyers in the first step into their next journey,” Loch said. "The fact that the Lupers will be keeping chef Michael Comer and staff is just what we were hoping for. The food is a favorite in the Porter's Neck region and Jenny and Allen are one of the friendliest couples I've met, just perfect for the restaurant.”

The Lupers are graduates of the University of North Carolina Wilmington and have lived in the area for the past 30 years.

Allen Luper said the couple has always toyed with the idea of owning a restaurant, and when they heard of the sale, they felt it was a great opportunity take over an established business with a loyal clientele. 

Luper said some minor updates to the interior are planned for the near future and but stressed that no major changes would be taking place overnight.  

“We are going to look at possibly expanding some of our carry out items, such as dips and snacks for picnicking and boating,” Allen Luper said. 

The Lupers are also required as part of the sale agreement to rename the business, and Luper said the new name will be unveiled in the coming weeks. 

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