SURF CITY — A prominent Surf City brewery and its town council finalized a lease agreement to transform the town’s current Welcome Center into a space for customers to enjoy locally crafted beers and people-watch oceanfront.
READ MORE: Popular Surf City brewery eyes third location, could have city government as its landlord
ALSO: Surf City welcome center rezoned ahead of proposed lease agreement
Salty Turtle Beer Company will begin paying rent to the Town of Surf City on Oct. 1, to launch its second taproom in town. It will occupy the Welcome and Event Center at 102 N. Shore Drive as part of a three-year lease agreement. The agreement includes a $9,500 deposit, with rent coming out to $8,750 a month the first year and an annual 3% increase each October; town council will consider a renewal at the end of September 2028.
“You can redevelop a vision for the island town center and put property back into use, if the board desires, but we have a timeframe of three years to put plans together for that,” Town Manager Kyle Breuer told council at its Aug. 5 meeting.
The town has struggled to financially support the building with booked events and toyed with selling it at a January retreat. Breuer told Port City Daily earlier this summer the Welcome Center consistently generated less operational revenue but required more costs for the town. In FY 2023-24 the center generated only $40,000 while spending $226,920 to operate it.
The town hosted an open house to assess tenant interest. Breuer told council he spoke with numerous wedding and event planning entrepreneurs who were potentially interested, but the monthly rent deterred them.
The town rezoned the property in July from government use to commercial use and, as required, advertised the lease agreement for 30 days before council voted unanimously to approve it.
Salty Turtle co-owner Zach White appeared before them Aug. 5, noting renovations would include upgrading the outdoor area and expanding the deck.
“That’s the appeal of the space,” he said. “It will include seating so people can look at the surfers and the ocean,” noting they’re following all CAMA specs.
Alterations also have to be approved by council, Breuer reminded, and noted the brewery team will upgrade the interior with new paint, install a walk-in cooler, build a merchandise display, construct a bar, install pendant lighting, renovate the bathrooms, and make sound and security upgrades, as well as improve exterior signage.
“With this being essentially a public piece of property and the parking there, the town would turn over 10 spaces to accommodate the use,” Breuer added.
Ahead of the vote, Mayor Teresa Batts inquired with Chief Phillip Voorhees as to whether police have been called to the current brewery at 103 Triton Lane, located almost 2 miles away from the Welcome Center. It will remain open as well.
To his recollection, Voorhees said not for disturbances — “maybe a medical emergency rings a bell with me.”
The mayor also asked White if live music would be part of the business plan.
“Who’s paying?” he quipped, noting the brewery had veered away from it, due to music rights organizations and other issues.
However, bicycle and running clubs often utilize the space as a starting point for their gatherings, to likely continue at the beachfront taproom. As well, he imagined continuing with fundraising events for nonprofit organizations.
Hours are anticipated to be from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with earlier Sunday hours, noon to 9 p.m. White also is toying with opening earlier to do coffee service.
“We have our own local cold brew,” he said, adding they would serve nonalcoholic beverages as well and pair up with area restaurants for delivery options.
“You guys are a staple in the community — hands down,” Mayor Pro Tem Jeremy Shugarts said. “I drive by there everyday and you’re packed. You guys have mastered not only starting a business but making it a community. … I’m glad you’re stepping out and being brave for this.”
Breuer said a few events the town has scheduled out at the Welcome Center will continue and Salty Turtle will likely occupy the space in December.
This will be Salty Turtle’s third business, as it also opened in Raleigh a few years ago.
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