Beach restaurant owner buys merch from bars to show support while they are closed

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Following the announcement that restaurants would be permitted to reopen in Phase Two but bars could not, many were left frustrated and confused.

Jim Radle, owner of 22 North Dining and Spirits, says he was excited to reopen but felt heartbroken for the neighboring bars who could not yet open their doors.

“We almost feel guilty that we can open but yet they can’t because we’re all on the same team,” Radle said. “We all work so well together and it’s like half our team is now benched. We can’t work together as a team when we have everyone on the sidelines. It’s not fair.”

He decided he would support his so-called teammates and family by buying merchandise from each bar for his employees to wear as their uniforms while they are closed.

22 North employees ditched their typical t-shirts and are now wearing gear from Jimmy’s, Red Dogs, Palm Room, and Lagerheads Tavern.

“We’re all family here on the beach. I felt like we needed to reach out and show some kind of support,” he said.

Radle also plans on taking a portion of his sales to purchase gift cards to these business to give to his customers, so that when they are permitted to open they’ll have an even larger influx of customers.

“I feel like when some of us are down, the rest of us will pick each other up,” he said.