Triton Village in Surf City Continues to Grow:
A New Destination for Dining, Drinks, Art, and Local Retail
When Triton Village first welcomed its early tenants, the vision was clear: create a diverse commercial center that brought new dining options, nightlife, shopping, and local culture to Surf City. Years later, that vision is taking shape in a major way. With construction expanding and every available space now leased, Triton Village is becoming one of Surf City’s most dynamic food-and-drink hubs.
The development first gained momentum with Salty Turtle Beer Company, Surf City’s first brewery, which helped establish Triton Village as a gathering place for locals and visitors. Alongside it came Coastal Wing & Spirit Co., adding another popular dining option to the growing center.
“We got it started, and it worked out,” said developer Dave Wellman of Wellman’s Construction. “We knew the area needed this.”
That early success opened the door for a wave of new businesses that now define the next phase of Triton Village.
New Restaurants, Marketplaces, and Sweet Treats
In recent months, Triton Village has welcomed several new food-focused businesses, expanding the community’s culinary options.
Recent openings include:
- Baba’s Mediterranean Grill – fresh Mediterranean cuisine
- Salt Marsh Market – specialty items and coastal provisions
- Beach Bunny Ice Cream – family-friendly treats and desserts
These additions complement a growing lineup of boutiques and specialty shops such as Chill Pretty and Peace Waves Apparel & Accessories, which have added a stylish retail component to the center.
More businesses are on the way, including:
- A nail salon
- A pizza restaurant
- A beach bowls and healthy-eats concept
- A tattoo studio
Triton Village is quickly becoming a one-stop destination for both essential services and unique local offerings.
Local Favorites Continue to Thrive
Several established businesses at Triton Village are also experiencing strong growth.
Sundial Coffee and Tea, along with its in-house bakery, is celebrating one year at its Surf City location. Known for fresh pastries and locally inspired drinks, Sundial has become a community staple.
Nearby, Gigi Marie Gourmet Food & Wine, which opened in December, offers:
- Soups
- Salads
- Take-out sandwiches
- House-made sauces
- Fresh breads
- Hand-selected wines
- Occasional fresh mozzarella
The owners of Gigi Marie are already well known in the area for their restaurant Santino’s, located across the Surf City bridge, making their expansion to Triton Village a welcome addition for local food enthusiasts.
Coming Soon: The Locals Art Gallery & Wine Bar
This spring, Adam and Alicia Hawley will open The Locals Art Gallery & Wine Bar, bringing an artistic and social experience to Triton Village. Longtime residents and business owners, the Hawleys are known for Adam’s work in aerial photography and surf videography. Their new venture will highlight local artists while offering a relaxed wine bar environment.
“We want to encourage people to try something new,” said Alicia Hawley. “We’ll be offering a lot of tastings and a rotating selection of wines by the glass.”
The gallery will also host wine dinners, wine-and-paint gatherings, and other community events.
Hidden Ships Distillery: A First for Pender County
One of the most anticipated additions to Triton Village is Hidden Ships, which will become Pender County’s first distillery. Owned by Amy and Andy Szwejbka, the distillery was inspired by an experience at a Charlotte craft spirits bar and has been years in the making.
Hidden Ships plans to create a pre-prohibition style cocktail bar, complete with:
- Leather sofas
- Velvet seating
- Ambient fireplaces
- A warm, intimate atmosphere
“We’ll have an attached outdoor patio that lets our community enjoy the salt air and beautiful weather,” said Amy Szwejbka. “It also allows us to bring in local food trucks for our patrons.”
The distillery aims to launch with five initial spirits:
- Vodka
- Gin
- Rum
- Bourbon
- Bourbon cream
A curated menu of classic cocktails, plus beer, wine, and seltzers, will round out the offerings. The Szwejbkas expect Hidden Ships to open in September.
A New Center of Activity for Surf City
With its ever-expanding mix of restaurants, breweries, markets, shops, and now art and specialty spirits, Triton Village is evolving into one of Surf City’s most lively commercial destinations. The development brings new energy and enhanced convenience to Topsail Island’s central business district, strengthening the community’s overall appeal.
What began as a small cluster of businesses has grown into a thriving hub—one that now draws locals, visitors, and new entrepreneurs who see the potential of Surf City’s expanding economy.
About the Author
Written by J.L. Wells, a longtime Topsail Island resident with firsthand experience exploring the island’s beaches, restaurants, local businesses, and coastal activities throughout the year. Drawing on lived local knowledge, J.L. Wells provides practical insight to help readers understand what Topsail Island offers visitors and residents alike.