CAROLINA BEACH — Ralph Roof is no stranger to Carolina Beach, but most people probably know him as “Pops,” and while Pops might be known for Pop’s Diner or maybe Pop’s Homemade Ice Cream he is ready to open his newest venture in Carolina Beach, The Squeeze In.
Located on the corner of Charlotte Avenue and Lake Park Boulevard The Squeeze In might be small in stature but makes up for with a menu full of steaks and seafood.
The restaurant marks number 37 for Pops, with the majority of his restaurants in the past located in Virginia. In 2003 Pops made the move to Carolina Beach and has been here since.
The building was formerly a two-story boarding house, Chef Phillip Phipps said. But in order to stay up to code if left as a two-story building the restaurant would have had to install an elevator, which would have cost a considerable amount of money.
Instead, Pops opted to remodel the entire building from the ground up, and it now sits as a one-story, brand new restaurant. The kitchen includes all new stainless-steel appliances as well as a wood fired grill to give the steaks a smoky flavor.
The Squeeze In will offer guests a range of steaks and seafood, with the signature steak, The Main Squeeze, a 32-ounce porterhouse – big enough to share.
For the seafood lovers, The Squeeze In offers a range of seafood options, including enough shrimp dishes to make Forrest Gump proud.
Phipps said the restaurant has taken some time to get ready to open and has already experienced some delays, but with all of the appliances installed and the majority of the restaurant ready for business an early March opening date is looking feasible.
Send comments and tips to Michael Praats at Michael.p@localvoicemedia.com
