Downtown Wilmington restaurant news reflects both exit and expansion.

Jan 13, 2026 | News

PinPoint Restaurant, a long-standing downtown Wilmington concept, will close after 10 years in operation, driven by owner health considerations, not market demand. The property at 114 Market Street has been sold, and the space will transition to a new operator in 2026.

Notably, the incoming ownership group is a Raleigh-area restaurateur expanding into Wilmington, reinforcing that while individual operators may exit, regional brands continue to pursue well-located coastal markets.

Real estate implications worth noting:

🔹 For building owners
• Tenant turnover is often influenced by personal and lifecycle factors, not performance alone
• Well-positioned restaurant spaces can attract expansion-minded regional operators
• Second-generation restaurant assets continue to support faster re-leasing and sales

🔹 For business owners
• Successful operations still require exit planning and optionality
• Expansion opportunities often arise from transitioning spaces, not new construction
• Market entry is increasingly driven by existing infrastructure and proven locations

The story is not closure versus growth—it is reallocation of space.
Capital and operators continue to move toward locations that reduce risk and shorten timelines.

https://www.starnewsonline.com/story/lifestyle/food/2025/12/29/pinpoint-restaurant-in-wilmington-nc-closing/87947022007

Dylan Cunningham

J Dylan Cunningham, CCIM is the founder of Oak Street Commercial Real Estate, LLC, a firm located in Apex, NC on a mission to help business owners and commercial real estate owners create long-term strategies that align with their objectives through real estate.

We believe in going beyond the transaction, taking a deep look at where you want to be in five, ten or even twenty years from now—and how we can help you get there with thoughtful, strategic decisions today.