"On Thyme" Expands Castle Street Restaurant with $500K Investment

Wilmington, NC Business News - On Thyme Restaurant is doubling down on its Castle Street location with a 1,400 square foot expansion that adds a full bar, new prep kitchen, and significantly more seating. This move positions the business to increase guest turnover and capture more high-margin revenue during peak dining hours.

The owners, Corey and Phallin Scott, launched On Thyme as a catering brand in 2019. It evolved into a food truck, then into its current brick-and-mortar form in 2022. Since opening, the restaurant has consistently operated at capacity, with guests frequently waiting outside or in their cars for a table. Rather than relocate, the Scotts purchased part of the adjacent block and are reinvesting over $500,000 into a renovation that keeps the business in its original home while dramatically upgrading its operations.

The new bar will serve as a critical revenue driver and a draw for evening and weekend guests. The expansion also introduces an indoor waiting area that will improve the flow and experience for customers. Seating will increase to around 75, and the kitchen will quadruple in size, allowing for higher throughput and more menu flexibility.

Construction is expected to begin in August with completion targeted for the holiday season. The owners plan to hire at least ten new team members, including bartenders, kitchen staff, and a general manager.

What’s noteworthy here isn't just the expansion itself, but the decision to scale in place. In a market where many growing restaurants look to franchise or relocate to higher-traffic areas, On Thyme is choosing to deepen its roots along Castle Street. That corridor has historically been overlooked in favor of downtown or midtown real estate, but it has quietly become a magnet for design studios, small retailers, and food entrepreneurs looking for walkability without Main Street rents.

This approach is strategic. By owning the property, the Scotts are creating long-term value beyond daily ticket sales. They gain insulation from rising commercial rents and improve the underlying value of their real estate. For small business owners, this dual path—growing both the operating company and the real estate holding—can be a powerful way to preserve equity while scaling operations.

The timing is important. Wilmington’s hospitality sector is evolving as consumer behavior shifts. Many national brands have slowed expansion due to high construction costs and staffing shortages. That vacuum has allowed local concepts to rise, especially those that offer a personal brand story, neighborhood roots, and an experience that feels tailored to locals and tourists alike. At the same time, travel and hospitality spending in the Southeast remains strong, fueled by a mix of regional migration and high-season tourism.

For Wilmington business owners and investors, On Thyme’s expansion is a case study in how a well-positioned small business can grow through smart reinvestment and localized strategy. Instead of chasing scale through replication, they’re proving that doubling down on a loyal audience and a strong neighborhood can deliver returns worth watching.