Port City Rising

08/20/2026

Blue Cup Roastery owner Amy Heggen discusses building out Wilmington's only container coffee shop, and shaping its identity over the past four years!

Blue Cup Roastery owner Amy Heggen discusses what has allowed her coffee shop to be so successful over the past four years.

07/21/2026

Zack Bennett, owner of Common Tides Coffee, chats through his journey in opening Wilmington's first battery powered coffee trailer!

A new coffee trailer in Wilmington has an environmentally conscious approach to serving a high quality product.

07/02/2026

The next spotlight on Port City Rising is the newest addition to the Cargo District - Bean There Cafe ! Enjoyed sitting down with Chef Chris Hollingsworth and chatting through his journey in opening up this clean label forward café.

07/02/2026

The story behind the newest addition to the Cargo District, Bean There Café!

The Cargo District welcomes its newest small business.

04/28/2026

Market House Beer & Wine brings new life to the Old Wilmington City Market! Check out the article below for the story of how this new riverfront gem came to be!

Wilmington Downtown, Inc (WDI)

Market House Beer & Wine brings new life to one of Downtown Wilmington’s most historic buildings.

03/27/2026

What started as a hotel in 1941 has become one of the major hubs of surfing and community on Wrightsville Beach for the past 17 years. Read the full story on South End Surf Shop, a true landmark of Wrightsville Beach!

South End Surf Shop redefines the term “landmark” through its historic building on Wrightsville Beach.

03/27/2026

South End Surf Shop has grown to become one of the most recognizable landmarks on Wrightsville Beach. Read the full story on our site!

03/05/2026

More about Port City Rising!

03/05/2026

A bit more on what Port City Rising is all about! Know a small business that deserves to have their story told? Reach out on the about or contact tabs at portcityrising.com

02/06/2026

Hot Wax Surf Shop has been a Wilmington fixture for 40 years, literally shaping the surf scene in the Port City. Hit the link below for the full story of their journey in building a community staple! 🏄‍♂️

After 40 years serving the Wilmington Surf Community, Michael Paul and his son Shaun reflect on their journey so far.