The Wilmington NC Riverwalk—a two-mile, scenic walkway along the Cape Fear River lined with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants—just got a major refresh. Riverwalk Hospitality Group, a second-generation, family-owned company rooted in the area, has unveiled renovations and culinary reinventions at two of the city’s iconic waterfront dining spots: Elijah’s Oyster & Fish Camp and The Pilot House.
For over 40 years, these restaurants have served as cornerstones of Wilmington’s dining scene. Now, they’re entering a new era. One that still pairs Southern heritage with innovative cuisine and warm hospitality, but now does so with refreshed menus and reinvigorated interiors.
Long Legacy and New Energy on the Wilmington NC Riverwalk
For Taylor Stanfield, CEO and one of the owners of Riverwalk Hospitality Group, this revitalization is more than a business decision. It is deeply personal. “Despite living in Charlotte for the last 25 years, I was born and raised in Wilmington,” Stanfield shares. “A lot of my early memories are tied to Elijah’s and The Pilot House. These places were where my family gathered for holidays, birthdays, graduations—moments that matter.”
Those early memories are now guiding the restaurants’ new chapter. “What really inspired me was the idea of preserving a small part of local history while also creating space for the next generation,” Stanfield explains. “Downtown Wilmington has so much character. But some of these iconic spots just weren’t able to keep up with the shift. I saw this as an opportunity to bring a new energy to the familiar tradition on the Riverwalk that many know and love.”
Coastal Cuisine with a Creative Twist
At the helm of the transformation are Katie Edmister, Director of Operations, and Chris Vergili, Culinary Director. Together, they’ve introduced menus that—although new to these establishments—should feel familiar to anyone who has sampled Southern coastal cuisine.
At The Pilot House, the culinary direction leans into bold creativity while keeping Southern roots intact. “I’ve drawn inspiration from my time in Northern California, and from travels through Mexico and Italy,” Chef Chris explains. “That’s how we’re adding depth and unexpected flavor to traditional dishes.”
Additionally, the attached Crow’s Nest Bar, which offers panoramic views of the Cape Fear River, is newly updated. Select a sipper from a refreshed cocktail menu, and kick off an evening on the Riverwalk in style.
Next door at Elijah’s, diners can now experience Frank’s Oyster Bar, featuring oysters harvested locally and served just hours later in a lively, music-filled setting. “Our new menu is all about honoring Southern coastal casual dining,” says Chef Chris. “With perfectly fried, broiled, and blackened seafood and soulful sides, we’re celebrating the best of the Southeast’s seafood bounty.”
Honoring the Past, Designing the Future
Both restaurants now feature refreshed interiors, designed by Mary Haubenhofer of The Plaid Penguin. Her vision blends the history of the waterfront with a vibrant, contemporary ambiance. “We wanted to reflect the spirit of the Riverwalk while infusing new energy,” Haubenhofer notes. “It’s about creating spaces that feel timeless yet fresh.”
Stanfield agrees: “Revitalization isn’t just about buildings or businesses. It’s about the people. It’s about preserving the stories we all remember when gathered around the table.”
With these sweeping yet thoughtful changes, Riverwalk Hospitality Group is not just reviving two restaurants—they’re nurturing a legacy.
“My hope is that we not only further refine these places,” Stanfield says, “but also create a new sense of tradition. These restaurants are as much about legacy as they are about the future, and I am honored to play a role in that.”
elijahs.com
pilothouserest.com
