In early April, the Musser family will toast their decades-long presence in the Wilmington restaurant and entertainment scene.
 
John and Erin Musser opened their first Wilmington eatery, 220 Seafood, in 1982 shortly after moving to town. Ten years later, they cleared the trees from the lot next door and built another restaurant and bar, plus 10 sand volleyball courts. That venture, Capt’n Bill’s Backyard Grill, at 4240 Market St., has hosted volleyball leagues and charity events in the 30 years since.
 
More recently the Mussers’ daughter Brooks and her husband Donnie Stone launched Bill’s Brewing Co., located adjacent to Capt’n Bill’s on the site of the former 220 Seafood. The family continues to operate Musser Catering as well.
 
Next month the Mussers plan a week’s worth of special activities to celebrate their milestone. Things kick off April 4 with a 4:30 p.m. ribbon cutting by the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce and a 5 p.m. Customer Appreciation Pig Pickin’.
 
The following day, April 5, is Puppy Play Date, in collaboration with Winnabow-based Paws Place Dog Rescue.
 
Tacos and Bill’s Trivia, on April 6, features $3 tacos and the restaurant’s weekly trivia contest, with special questions geared to the history of Capt’n Bill’s.
 
April 7 is Bill’s Brewing Night, with music from DJ SBz. Bill’s Brewing Co. will host tastings of its latest craft beer releases.
 
The following day, April 8, Bill’s Brewing will release a canned beer as part of a staff and customer reunion in the taproom.
 
The week concludes April 9 with volleyball. Capt'n Bill's hosts an East Coast Open Tournament, with $2,500 in cash prizes and a chance to win a Jeff Gordon Chevrolet truck. Teams can sign up online.