SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — A family-owned establishment with 12 sand volleyball courts, three bars, a brewery, and a restaurant will be opening a second location in Onslow County by the end of 2027.
Capt’n Bill’s Backyard Grill is going to open on U.S. Highway 17 South in Holly Ridge, according to co-owner Brookes Musser. Musser recently signed the papers for a $1.7-million purchase of 12 acres that has to be cleared for the new build. It will be bigger than the Wilmington facility.
“We just saw the lack of adult recreation and family-friendly facilities in the nearby cities, so that’s why we decided to open a new facility up there,” Musser said.
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The family had been trying to find a location in the Holly Ridge area for expansion for the past two years as a large portion of their customer base comes from the area. Musser — who became partial owner of the business with her parents a decade ago — said they were outbid on other properties by larger companies.
“After stepping up 10 years ago, the goal for myself has always been to open up a second location and then potentially a third location,” she said.
John and Erin Musser originally opened Capt’n Bill’s in 1992, with four volleyball courts, a walk-up bar, and a grill. Over the years, it has expanded its volleyball courts, added a tiki bar and cabana. In 2016, Bill’s Brewing and The Warehouse joined to add a full-scale brewery and taproom to Wilmington’s facilities.
“I think Capt’n Bill’s has become a second home to many people and many customers have met their spouses playing in leagues and have raised their children coming to weekly leagues and now their children play in leagues with them,” Musser said. “Adult recreation is an amazing outlet and Capt’n Bill’s provides not only adult recreation but it’s a place that offers food, craft brewed beer, and community.”
Volleyball is a main attraction at Capt’n Bill’s with leagues attracting players from Jacksonville, Sneads Ferry, Hampstead, Surf City, and Holly Ridge. The expansion into Holly Ridge is both to offer non-Wilmington locals the opportunity to join a league without driving to Wilmington for each tournament, along with being closer to restaurant and brewery customers from those areas, too.
Capt’n Bill’s hosts year-round tournaments for all skill levels, both adults and youth. The local restaurant has co-ed leagues as well. The Holly Ridge location will include indoor and outdoor volleyball courts.
“We’d like to include an indoor and outdoor component for more court space,” Musser said.
Also, it will have a larger tap room and dining area — serving the same menu — outdoor patio and restrooms, and an elevated space overlooking the courts.
The Holly Ridge location will consist of mostly new hires, roughly 50 employees. Although Wilmington’s location is smaller and also employs about 50 people, Musser said a lot of the staff will be going between locations to help out.
“I have really great management in place, so I’ll be leaning on them a lot,” Musser continued. “And the Wilmington location is so well-staffed and well-run, so we’ll just be tag-teaming everything and figuring it out together.”
The league director, Jonny Harris, will oversee both locations. Also involved are tournament director Alex Brooks, the general manager Allison McPherson, the kitchen manager, Jason Camp, and the front of house manager Jenna Wehry. Musser’s father, John, will remain onsite daily to take care of maintenance and catering, as she oversees daily operations. Bill’s Brewing’s director of operations is Musser’s husband, Donnie Stone.
As of right now, a third location is not in the works, but Musser said she has considered the Greenville or Winterville area.
“I don’t know if a third will happen, but that’s the end goal,” she added.
A timeline is not set yet for the grand opening of Holly Ridge.
“We hope to replicate the welcoming atmosphere in Holly Ridge for Hampstead, Holly Ridge, Surf City, Sneads Ferry and Jacksonville residents — a place they can call their second home,” Musser said.
Capt’n Bill’s is open Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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