From politics to restaurants to retail shops, Harper Peterson and Plunkett Dodge have been a prominent presence in Wilmington for years. And while the Port City is home for the couple, Bald Head Island has been a business outpost.

Their latest island ventures – Midway Coffee BHI and Jailhouse Provisions – opened late last year.

“We've been over there 40 years, and this will make seven small mom-and-pop businesses Plunkett and I created and managed over the years, so this is probably our last project,” said Peterson, a former Wilmington mayor who served one term as senator in North Carolina's District 9 after being elected in 2018.

Peterson believes the coffee shop and casual eatery – both in the former Village Police Station at 251 Edward Teach Extension – are welcome additions to the island.

“Bald Head is an incredible resort destination for families, but it needs more food services and beverage services,” Peterson said. “It’s really growing.”

As longtime locals, Peterson and Dodge say they have a good feel for what residents and visitors alike are looking for, especially given Bald Head’s location and coastal lifestyle. (The village is situated on the southernmost tip of the Cape Fear region and is only accessible by the ferry system or private boats).

Midway Coffee’s beans are from Durham-based roaster Counter Culture Coffee. In addition to the standard lineup of lattes and cappuccinos, cold brews and frappes also are available. (The blackboard menu recently promoted the aptly named Jailbreak Shake.)

“It's a coffee shop but it has a toast menu too,” said Dodge, who, in addition to the Bald Head ventures, owned the Island Passage women’s clothing stores before selling the business in 2014. “We have about six different toast options, like avocado, egg and bacon, that type of thing. We also have bowls and smoothies.”

“The grain is organically grown in North Carolina, milled in North Carolina and baked in North Carolina,” she said. “It's incredible bread.”

The adjacent Jailhouse Provisions also keeps things simple and focuses on dishes that let laid-back vacationers indulge a bit. “It’s lobster rolls, crab cakes, lobster salad, a really good burger and then a ton of different fish,” Dodge said. “A lot of it is fried. We wanted it to be something where you got pretty quick service and delicious food, and on vacation people really like to eat that stuff.”

Customers won’t find any “jailhouse hooch,” but there’s a curated wine menu that draws on the expertise of the couple’s children who live in California. There also is a cocktail menu and a lively bar, which has been well-received, Dodge said.

Mindful of the island lifestyle, both eateries are take-out friendly, including grab-and-go items at the coffee shop for those headed to the beach or the boat.

Although the businesses opened in the offseason, Peterson said they’ve been busy. “I think that speaks to the population on Bald Head becoming more year-round,” he said, adding that the island’s workforce alone is close to 1,000.

The couple’s other Bald Head Island eateries include Delphina Coastal Cuisine, Sandpiper Coffee and Ice Cream and The Wisp, which serves pizza, beer and wine. Outside the food realm, Peterson and Dodge own Riverside Adventure Co., which rents and sells coastal outdoors gear on the island.