Just in time for summer, a new casual dining concept featuring fresh seafood has opened along the Intracoastal Waterway in Southport.
 
Cindy and James Capps opened Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill at 4907 Fish Factory Road near the South Harbour Village Marina about 45 days ago. Since that time, the Capps have listened to customer feedback and done everything in their power to prepare for the upcoming summer season.
 
“We opened with a small menu to make sure the kitchen was able to get things consistent,” Cindy Capps said. “And then we expanded it about a month in.”
 
The Capps said that as teenagers, both of their sons worked at the restaurant, formerly known as The Dead End Saloon Fish Factory Grill. Over time, they fell in love with the restaurant and told its former owner, Barbra Grela, that they would be interested in purchasing it, should she ever decide to sell.  
 
Sure enough, that day came, and the Capps jumped at the opportunity.
 
“We have a strong local base thanks to the previous business,” Cindy Capps said. “This has always been a fun dining destination and with good food, good service and good cold drinks, we invite people to sit back, relax and have a good time.”
 
The Capps's older son now works as a commercial fisherman and they believe strongly in supporting the “Brunswick catch.”
 
Menu items include a variety of appetizers including steamed mussels, clams and shrimp, seafood fritters and crab dip, as well as a cream of crab soup and several salads. Entrees range from tacos with a choice of mahi-mahi, shrimp or chicken, to Maryland crab cakes, a daily fresh catch with the choice of two sides, and a char-grilled Angus beef ribeye.
 
Rusty Hooks, which gets its name from the Capps's nephew Rusty, who came up with the idea for a restaurant serving his Aunt Cindy’s recipes while on a fishing trip, offers a full bar and views of the Intracoastal Waterway from the dining room as well as the patio.
 
Cindy Capps said the building has undergone several cosmetic changes to give it a fresh new look, and she enjoys opening the windows to allow for better views of the water. As a hands-on owner, she’s at the restaurant daily, making sure the food is of the highest quality and ensuring her guests are well taken care of.
 
“Our focus is on great food, a big smile and allowing people to appreciate the view,” Capps said.
 
Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
 
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