LM Restaurants, operator of Oceanic restaurant, announced that the company will be holding a series of invitation-only, practice services this week in advance of the Oceanic's official reopening.

Oceanic has remained closed since sustaining significant water damage as a result of Hurricane Florence. The company chose to view the closure not as a setback, but as an opportunity to “reimagine” what Oceanic could be moving forward. 

Officials with LM Restaurants confirmed Wednesday that Oceanic will reopen for business Monday. Prior to that, a practice session for the general public will take place Saturday. Meals will be $10 during lunch and dinner, with all proceeds going toward Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry (WARM), a local non-profit organization that continues to support local families in rebuilding after Hurricane Florence and assist in home repairs. Space is limited; those interested should call (919) 746-6042 for reservations.

The whole facility, however, won't be open Monday.

“We plan to open the first floor and pier next week,” said Katherine Costa Goldfaden, director of brands for LM Restaurants, referring to the timeline for the reopening of Oceanic. “We’re asking people to pardon our dust while we complete the finishing touches on the upper levels and exterior of the building.”

Goldfaden said the decision was made to reopen the restaurant in phases to get employees working and begin serving customers as soon as possible.

“Our general manager, Nathen Martin, has worked on every aspect of putting this restaurant back together and has really built camaraderie and excitement among the staff,” Goldfaden said. 

While fan favorites such as the Calabash seafood, crab cakes and crab dip will remain on the menu, patrons will find many new preparations as well.

“One of the things we’ve really focused on tightening up is our fish program,” Goldfaden said. “We’re going to be offering a daily fresh catch featuring sustainable, line-caught fish from the coast of the Carolinas, offering the freshest local and seasonal fish possible.

"For our global features, we’ve partnered with certified purveyors of sustainably caught fish and are being very thoughtful about sourcing fish as it’s such a key component of Oceanic.”

The reopening will also mark the launch of a new cocktail program featuring several cocktails and wines on tap, as well as cocktail pitchers. Draft beer selections feature many Port City breweries, along with brews from around the state. 

“The new Jetty Bar, which overlooks the dunes and jetty, is a whole new reason to come to Oceanic,” Goldfaden said. 

In addition to the Jetty Bar, the Kitchen Bar, off the second floor finishing kitchen, allows for a view of the kitchen as well as the ocean. And, of course, outdoor seating is available on the Crystal Pier for both food and drinks. 

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Editor's note: This version has been changed with an update about Oceanic's reopening schedule.