07/08/2026
Looks like the news beat us to it, so I guess the cat’s out of the bag.
We wanted to take a moment to say thank you and share what this milestone means to us.
It’s hard to put into words what today means.
More than 20 years ago, we had the opportunity to take over The Reel Cafe. We started out working every job we could from barbacks, bartenders, and managers and poured everything we had into this place.
Today, we’re incredibly grateful to officially own the building we’ve called home for more than two decades.
This building has so much history and character. While time has certainly left its mark, we’re excited to begin investing in it and restoring it with the care it deserves. Our goal isn’t to change what people love about The Reel Cafe it’s to preserve it, strengthen it, and help ensure it’s here for many years to come.
To our incredible staff, our loyal customers, our friends, our family, and everyone who has supported us throughout the years thank you. We truly couldn’t have done it without you.
We’ve always thought of ourselves as caretakers of The Reel Cafe. Now we’re honored to be caretakers of the building, too.
Here’s to honoring the past, investing in the future, and raising a glass to the next chapter.
Cheers! 🥂
The owners of Reel Cafe have purchased the downtown Wilmington building that has housed the longtime restaurant for more than 25 years, along with the neighboring property occupied by Wilmington Distillery.
