WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Bourbon Street in downtown Wilmington announced they will be closing their doors effective as of Dec. 31, 2024.
According to a post on their Facebook page, the restaurant was not made aware that their building was up for sale and they were not given the first right of refusal.
They release the following statement:
“It is with deep regret that we announce the closure of our business, effective December 31, 2024. Despite numerous efforts to sustain our operations and ongoing rejections from the new ownership, we must confirm the accuracy of this news.
“To provide some context, we were never made aware that the building was up for sale, nor were we given the first right of refusal; we only learned of the sale after it had already occurred. Unfortunately, we were not afforded the opportunity to continue our presence in this location. We proposed several options to the new owners to extend our tenure by one more year, allowing us time to regroup and explore new possibilities elsewhere, but our requests were consistently denied.
“We recognize the business dynamics and growth that Wilmington is experiencing—an evolution that is both inevitable and beneficial. This city, which we have cherished since we opened our doors in 2013, has continued to flourish. However, we believe there are ethical considerations that should accompany such growth. Regrettably, we have not felt these principles were upheld throughout the process that unfolded without our knowledge.
“This location has become a beloved fixture in downtown Wilmington, drawing both visitors and local residents alike. Our journey of bringing a taste of the Big Easy to Wilmington has been truly remarkable, allowing us to connect with wonderful people and an incredibly talented group of musicians. We have cherished every moment!
“As we approach the end of the year, we are committed to making the most of our remaining time. We have an exciting lineup of talented bands scheduled to perform until December 31, 2024, and we will continue to provide the exceptional service, delicious food, drinks, and the vibrant atmosphere that our patrons have come to love.
“We are actively searching for a new location that aligns with our needs and financial viability, and we will keep you updated on any developments.
Thank you for your support, Wilmington; we truly appreciate you!”
Copyright 2024 WECT. All rights reserved.