
WILMINGTON — A new restaurant is opening in Wilmington’s RiverLights community, with a familiar name behind it. A soft opening of the restaurant is scheduled for later this month.
James Smith, owner of The Fork-n-Cork in downtown Wilmington, is adding another venture with Smoke on the Water, a new restaurant located in the Marina Village of the RiverLights community. The development’s “RiverHouse” building, which faces the Cape Fear River, will be home to the new restaurant.
Riverlights, which is set to hold its grand opening and ribbon cutting on Dec. 3, made the announcement Tuesday. Smoke on the Water is one of the first businesses to open at Marina Village in RiverLights.
“James’ food has great appeal — he draws fans near and far — and his new menu for Smoke on the Water will not disappoint,” Jim Henry, vice president of development for RiverLights, said.
Henry said crews are putting the finishing touches on the restaurant so that Smoke on the Water will be open during RiverLights’ grand ppening celebration on Dec. 3.
Related Story: RiverLights, Wilmington’s 2,300 unit development plans its grand opening (photos)
“Diners will enjoy al fresco meals on the open deck overlooking the river,” Smith said. “This will soon become the destination for winding down after work, or on the weekend, with great food, a great view and equally great company. We’ll have our soft opening through late November, just in time for the grand opening of RiverLights.”
RiverLights is a mixed-use community; businesses will occupy the community’s Marina Village, which will be open to the public.
Henry on Tuesday also announced another commercial tenant in the community hub. TowneBank Mortgage will be opening soon in Marina Village. The company has two other Wilmington locations.
“Securing a great service provider like TowneBank within Marina Village truly helps us make this the hub of the community,” Henry said. “Our goal is to have Marina Village serve everyone in Wilmington, both living in RiverLights as well as the surrounding community.”

Other tenants in the mixed-use building will be announced in the future, Henry said.
The 1,400-acre RiverLights is located at 4410 River Road. The finished community will feature a variety of residential homes, commercial space, public parks, a 38-acre freshwater lake, community gathering spaces, and access to the Cape Fear River.
Upon completion, RiverLights is planned to have 2,290 single family and multifamily homes, town homes, and condominiums. RiverLights is being developed by Newland Communities. To learn more about RiverLights, visit the community’s website.
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