Coach’s Neighborhood Grill is now in its second week of business at 29 Van Campen Blvd., in the space formerly occupied by Pasofino.
 
Coach’s operates seven corporately owned restaurants throughout central North Carolina, with the Wilmington location being the first franchise unit.
 
Franchisee Jimmy Spader, an Air Force veteran, was looking to open a bar and grill when he came upon Coach’s while researching franchise opportunities.
 
“I realized that without a background in restaurants, I needed the support of a franchise to be successful,” Spader said. “I liked the fact that Coach’s is a small but growing company and that they’re family oriented.”
 
Spader said he looked at a number of properties across the state before deciding on Wilmington. When the Van Campen Boulevard space became available, he didn’t hesitate to move on it.
 
Following some minor cosmetic updates, including the installation of a new granite bar, the 5,400-square-foot building was outfitted with new furniture and plenty of TVs for game watching. The spacious 172-seat dining room includes a 14-seat bar, as well as low and high-top tables. Photos of legendary coaches such as Kay Yow and Jim Valvano line the walls.
 
Coach’s menu includes appetizers such as loaded cheese fries, fried pickles, catfish bites with homemade tartar sauce and boom boom shrimp. There are plenty of burgers, sandwiches and salads, as well as entrées such as ribs, pork chops and grilled salmon.
 
From Monday through Wednesday throughout the month of December, Coach’s will be offering $5 All-American Burgers topped with Duke’s mayo, Heinz ketchup, French’s mustard, pickles, lettuce, red onion, tomato and American cheese. In addition, kids eat free all month long.
 
“We want people to know this is a great place to watch the games, but it’s also a place you can bring the family,” Spader said. “I think it’s going to be a great fit for Wilmington.”
 
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