Local Restaurant Recognized as One of America’s Favorites
In 2015, Sam Rahman launched a new restaurant in Swansboro that was focused on fresh ingredients and healthy options.
Just ten years later, Olea Mediterranean Kitchen has been recognized by Entrepreneur, a national business publication, as one of “America’s Favorite Mom and Pop Shops” for 2025.
The restaurant was included as one of the “top 150 local businesses across the US today.” Rahman points to the consistency of the food quality as well as the customer service for the accolade. Everything is made fresh in the restaurant every day. Ingredients are imported from Turkey, he says, adding that “whether it's olives, the grape leaves that we use to roll our grape leaves, olive oil, all the
seasonings, coriander, cumin, turmeric, sumac, all the seasonings come from there.”
He adds, “we enjoy what we do. We're passionate about it.”
Rahman has been in the restaurant business for some time, having launched Marrakesh in Jacksonville with his father in 2010. Today, that restaurant is run primarily by his brothers.
Now also in the food import distribution wholesale business, Rahman says he works with companies such as US Foods to provide olive oil and seasonings to their customers. He emphasizes that he is still heavily involved in Olea and has franchised the restaurant that now includes a location in Fayetteville.
at Olea is made fresh to order and, Rahman says, they did have to explain a few dishes when they first opened. Now the souvlaki and gyro are very popular items among area residents and tourists alike.
As to the restaurant’s listing as one of America’s best restaurants and bars, Rahman says if you “provide something good, people will come back and that's what happened.”
Making a difference for businesses in and around the Greater Onslow County area: Jacksonville, Swansboro, Richlands, Camp Lejeune, Holly Ridge, Hubert, Sneads Ferry, North Topsail Beach, Surf City, and beyond.
December is Business Planning Month
Do you have a plan for your business? Do you know what your goals are for the coming year? For the next five or ten years?
Whether you are new to the business world or have been around for years, December is a good time to take a look at your plan to succeed in the months and years to come.
December is officially National Write a Business Plan Month, but it is also a reminder that you need to review and update your business plan as you move forward with your business as well.
For new businesses, a business plan can help guide you through the start-up process.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) notes that “A good business plan guides you through each stage of starting and managing your business. You’ll use your business plan as a roadmap for how to structure, run, and
grow your new business. It’ s a way to think through the key elements of your business. “
The SBA adds “Business plans can help you get funding or bring on new business partners. Investors want to feel confident they’ll see a return on their investment. Your business plan is the tool you’ll use to convince people that working with you or investing in your company is a smart choice.”
For existing businesses, reviewing your plan in December enables you to reflect on the current year’ s progress and determine how you can improve in the next year (or years).
The SBA suggests that to review your plan with an eye on success in the coming year, you should:
1. Set aside one hour to review your business plan. Make it a quiet hour, when you can read
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and reflect on your plans and your progress so far. Note any ideas that come to mind for changes or updates.
2. Step away from your plan for a short time. After reading through it, set the plan aside. Go for a walk or do some other work as you let ideas “spring up” as to how to improve your business plan.
3. Set goals for 2026. “What do you hope to accomplish? Do
those goals fall in line with your original business plan, or is it time to draft a new version?
Whether creating a new business plan or reviewing an existing plan for your business, remember that it is a living document. It should change and grow as your business changes and grows, leading you to the success you seek in 2026 and beyond.
Previous issues of Onslow Business are available online at onslowbusiness.com/previous-issues/.
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The Time AI Got My Tariff Wrong (and What I Learned from It)
By Alex Viva, Director of SBTDC’s International Business Team
A while back, I was rushing to get answers on an import for a client that was very confused with all the tariff updates. Instead of classifying the product correctly using the General Rules of Interpretation and then digging through the Harmonized Tariff Schedule like I normally would, I decided to ask an AI tool for help. In seconds, it gave me a detailed tariff classification and duty rate.
It sounded confident. It looked official.
But it was wrong.
If I had relied on that answer, my client may have overpaid duties by thousands or worse, underpaid and set himself up for penalties. That was my wake-up call: AI can be incredibly useful, but when it comes to tariffs, it’s not something I can blindly trust.
Why AI Trips Over Tariffs
Here’s what I’ve learned since:
• Rules are always changing. Tariffs aren’t static; they shift based on politics, negotiations, and trade disputes. AI often lags behind those changes.
• The details make or break it. Whether something is classified as a part or a finished good, or whether it’ s aluminum instead of copper, can completely change the duty rate. AI doesn’t always pick up on those distinctions.
• Context matters. Tariffs don’t just depend on the product they depend on where it’s coming from, what agreements are in place, and whether exemptions apply. AI tends to gloss over that nuance.
What I’ve Seen Go Wrong
Since that experiment of using AI to determine a tariff, I’ ve paid closer attention, and I’ ve seen how bad information can snowball:
• Companies overpaying duties because they got a classification that was too broad.
• Others underpaying and later dealing with audits, fines, and a lot of stress.
• Shipments stuck at the border because paperwork didn’t match what customs expected.
• Reputations taking a hit because clients lost confidence in their compliance.
How I Suggest We Use AI Now I still use AI, but differently. Instead of treating it as the final word, I use it as a starting point a quick way to get oriented before I doublecheck the real sources. My process looks like this:
• Always verify with customs. In the U.S., that means checking CBP rulings and the official Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Follow the General Rules of Interpretation.
• Work with experts. Licensed customs brokers, trade attorneys, and experienced international business professionals can spot things AI misses.
• Stay updated. I subscribe to trade bulletins so I’m not caught off guard by new rules. A must in today’s environment.
• Document everything. I keep records of my classifications and justifications in case questions come up later.
Final Thought
That first experience taught me something important: AI is a great helper, but it’s not a compliance officer. When it comes to tariffs, I suggest spending a little extra time double-checking rather than risk a very expensive mistake. The SBTDC and our experienced international business counselors can guide you through the complexity in today’s environment and assist in setting up or realigning your global strategy.
The Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) offers free and confidential counseling to help entrepreneurs navigate the many facets of starting and growing a business.
Our services include guidance on business planning, financial projections, marketing strategies, and much more.
To register for counseling, visit SBTDC.org, click on “Become a Client,” then select the Wilmington location. From there, fill out a short questionnaire about your business so we can understand your needs and how best to support you.
2026 Publication Schedule Now Available
It’s time to start planning for your business success in the coming year.
Do you want to reach others in business throughout the county? An ad in Onslow Business is targeted directly to those who want to know about your product or service. Check out the 2026 Publication Schedule, now available online at https://onslowbusiness.com/promote/.
Note that the deadline for the January 2026 issue is early December 19. Reserve your space today to ensure you’re ready for the new year!
Chamber Corner: Chamber Involvement
By Laurette Leagon President Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce
In an age of one-click convenience and two-day delivery, it’s easy to forget the power of shopping close to home. But as the holiday season approaches and communities look for ways to support one another, shopping local remains one of the most impactful choices we can make.
Every dollar spent at an Onslow County business does more than purchase a product it circulates through the community, strengthens relationships, and helps shape the character of the place we call home.
Local businesses are more than storefronts; they’re the backbone of vibrant, resilient communities. Studies consistently show that when you spend money at a small, locally owned business, a significantly larger percentage stays within the local economy. These interactions strengthen social bonds and create a sense of belonging that can be hard to find in today’s digital world.
When communities support their local shops, those businesses in turn sponsor youth sports teams, participate in charity events, donate to
houses of worship and help fund community programs. It becomes a cycle of mutual care.
When you shop locally, you’ re not just buying something you ’re investing in the success of your community. There’ s also an experience you get from local shopping that can’t be replicated online.
Independent shops often curate unique selections of goods, from handmade crafts to specialty foods to carefully sourced clothing and gifts. The owners and employees know their products intimately and can offer thoughtful recommendations based on real expertise, not algorithms.
Shopping local is also a more sustainable choice. Local shops often source from nearby artisans, farmers, and suppliers, reducing the carbon footprint associated with longdistance shipping.
Many small businesses prioritize sustainable practices, whether that means stocking eco-friendly goods, minimizing packaging waste, or participating in recycling initiatives. By choosing local, you ’re helping to support these greener efforts and
encouraging more businesses to adopt them.
As you plan your upcoming purchases, consider taking a “discovery drive” throughout the county before clicking “buy now.” Explore the independently owned shops in downtown Jacksonville, Swansboro and Richlands and all the others small businesses peppered throughout Onslow County. These small decisions add up to a big impact.
Shopping local isn’t simply a trend; it’s a conscious commitment to building stronger, more connected communities. By supporting the businesses that make our country unique, we help ensure that they thrive not just during peak seasons, but all year long.
So, this year, let’s choose to keep our dollars close to home
swansboroareachamberofcom merce@gmail.com swansborochamber.org/ Mike McHugh Executive Director
Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of North Carolina (FILAMCCNC)
3537 M L King Jr Blvd #50 New Bern, NC 28562 801-577-0193 www.filamccnc.com
Networking Opportunities
Check with each organization to verify dates and times.
Brainstorming / Networking
Monthly networking session for sales professionals in all types of business, sharing ideas and encouragement
Thursday, December 18, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Bistro 1940 618 New Bridge St., Jacksonville
A Women Empowering Network (ANEW)
Thursdays from 9:30 to 10:30
Check their FB page for the current location https://www.facebook.com/ ANETWORKEMPOWERINGN ETWORK
Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce
All events are free. To register visit the Chamber’s website: topsailchamber.org/events
Coastal Masterminds December 16, 4pm Chamber office
WomenConnect attendees order from menus at their own expense.
WomenConnect in Sneads Ferry
December 2, Noon Rick’s Restaurant
WomenConnect in Hampstead December 11, Noon Nineteen Restaurant
Mornings with WomenConnect will not meet in December.
Men’s Business Alliance December 9, 8:30am Chamber office
Topsail Young Professionals
December 9, 5:30-7:30pm Hidden Ships Distillery
Veteran Business Collective
Breakfast Meeting Friday, December 5, 8am Blend Café
Chapter Meeting Thursday, December 18
6:00pm-9:00pm Blackbeard’s Triple Play Restaurant, Jacksonville
veteransbusinesscollective.org/ chapters-events
Richlands Chamber of Commerce
Last Wednesday of each month at 9 a.m.
200 S. Wilmington Street www.richlandschamberofcom merce.com/
Swansboro Area Chamber of Commerce
Holds “networking events yearround, including our Business After Hours and General Membership Meetings held monthly.” swansborochamber.org/
Professional Book Club
Book Club will not meet in December. Meetings will resume in January, on the second Wednesday at 10am.
Bistro 1940 618 New Bridge St., Jacksonville
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Onslow Memorial Hospital Emergency Department Enhances Patient Care with New Sensory Cart
By Victoria Morales, PR and Marketing Manager Onslow Memorial Hospital
Onslow Memorial Hospital (OMH) has introduced the Vecta Budii Sensory Cart in its Emergency Department (ED) to foster a more therapeutic environment for the increasing number of patients with mental health and behavioral health needs. The sensory cart enriches the experience of patients as they await placement and receive care in the ED, offering a wide range of engaging activities and cognitive stimulation for children, teens, and adults with special needs, including those living with dementia.
The Vecta Budii Sensory Cart was funded by an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant awarded to OMH last year, made possible through the support of our state representatives. This grant has enabled the hospital to enhance Emergency Department resources and cultivate a safe, therapeutic environment. In addition to the sensory cart, OMH has added adaptive furniture such as weighted bean bag chair and rockers.
"Incorporating the sensory cart into patient care marks a
significant shift in how we approach treatment, particularly for those with mental health needs, neurodiversity, or trauma," said Monica Risner, Emergency Department Director. "It encourages a trauma-informed, holistic model that leads to better outcomes patients feel safer and calmer, reducing the need for restraints or sedation. It also fosters safer work environment for our teammates."
Key benefits of the sensory cart include nervous system regulation through calming effects and individualized stimulation, reducing behavioral outbursts by providing sensory input to mitigate agitation, and improving sleep and relaxation through soothing sounds, gentle lighting, and calming tactile experiences especially valuable in the often overstimulating hospital environment.
"Sensory carts represent a broader evolution in healthcare," Monica added.
"They signal a shift from cold, sterile settings to warm,
compassionate, and responsive spaces that meet patients where they are. This reflects our commitment to the One UNC Health Values of Carolina Care and Leading the Way by addressing the holistic needs of our patients through innovation and integrated care."
This initiative comes at a crucial time, as reputable organizations such as The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and SAMHSA, have documented a steady rise in Emergency Department visits related to substance abuse and mental illness. These findings underscore the increasing burden on healthcare systems and the urgent need for
innovative, patient-centered mental health solutions.
The introduction of the Vecta Budii Sensory Cart is another example of OMH’s ongoing commitment to making improvements in the ED through patient centered care and innovation.
About Onslow Memorial: Onslow Memorial Hospital (OMH), originally founded in 1944, stands as a 162-bed acute care, community hospital located in coastal North Carolina, serving the city of Jacksonville and greater Onslow County. Onslow Memorial Hospital is nationally accredited by The Joint Commission (TJC) and a proud affiliate of UNC Health Care.
The AI Is Reshaping Collaboration, but 55% of US Employers Worry It’ s Replacing Teamwork
Companies embrace AI for efficiency while seeking ways to preserve creativity and collaboration.
By Cowanda Bazile
AI is rapidly changing how employees work together, and new data shows that most companies see it as positive, at least for now. But beneath the optimism, concerns are growing about whether AI is enhancing collaboration or quietly replacing it.
According to a recent Express Employment Professionals–Harris Poll survey, nearly twothirds or more of U.S. hiring decision-makers say AI has helped improve collaboration in several key ways:
• 73% say it has made employees more productive when working together.
• 72% report it has improved how easily employees collaborate in real time.
• 65% say it has increased how frequently employees collaborate.
• 65% also say it has led to more frequent outreach among coworkers for help.
Job seekers echo these benefits. Among those working at companies that use AI:
• 68% say it improves productivity in team settings.
• 63% say it makes real-time collaboration easier.
• 60% say they reach out to coworkers more often.
Real-world examples show AI’ s ability to cut friction and boost collaboration. Tools now deliver real-time meeting summaries, track action items and suggest relevant documents, keeping teams aligned and reducing email clutter. Leaders also cite quick
idea feedback without pulling coworkers away and real-time translation that helps multilingual teams work faster.
Yet despite these gains, concerns are mounting.
More than 4 in 5 hiring managers (86%) express unease about AI’s growing role in the workplace. Forty-three percent worry it’s diminishing creativity, 41% fear reduced communication between employees and 39% believe problem-solving skills may decline. Over half 55% are concerned that AI could eventually replace the need for collaboration altogether.
Such concerns may not be too far afield. Around 4 in 5 hiring managers whose company uses AI (81%) believe employees at least sometimes rely on AI instead of reaching out to coworkers for help or input, and more than a third (35%) say it happens often. Job seekers echo this trend, as 37% admit they always or frequently engage in the same behavior.
Many job seekers also worry about the long-term impact: 60% fear AI will eliminate the need to share ideas, and 48% believe teamwork could be fully replaced within five years.
“While AI can enhance how we work, it’s the relationships, communication, and shared commitment among colleagues that truly move organizations forward.” Said Cowanda Bazile, franchise owner of the Jacksonville and New Bern Express franchise.
“Collaboration remains the foundation of successful teams,” said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, President and Chairman
of Express Employment International. “AI can help by removing repetitive tasks and clearing roadblocks, but it should never replace the creativity and trust that come from people working together. The real opportunity is learning how to use these tools to strengthen, not sideline, human connections.”
About Express Employment Professionals
At Express Employment Professionals, we’re in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our
international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, employing 427,000 people globally in 2024 and more than 11 million since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com
The Jacksonville Express office is located at 461 Western Blvd #118 and serves Onslow, Craven, Carteret, Jones, and Lenoir counties.
Local businesses and applicants are encouraged to stop by, visit www.expresspros.com/ jacksonvillenc or call (910) 3550060.
Nonprofits: Mission-Driven Businesses
Nonprofit organizations may focus on doing good rather than making money, but they are still a form of business. In fact, they have to be run as a business to ensure that they can sustain their operations and fulfill their missions successfully.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that in 2022, the latest data year available, “over 300,000 nonprofit establishments in the country accounted for 12.8 million jobs, or 9.9 percent of privatesector employment.”
Locally, there are many nonprofit organizations focused on helping others while operating in a similar manner as small businesses. They largely depend on donations, rather than product or service sales, to sustain their finances but the daily strategies are essentially the same.
CJ Crooks, Executive Director of Onslow Community Outreach in Jacksonville, explains:
“It is an interesting question as I've never considered running a 501c3 corporation any different than running another business. Nonprofit is a tax code, certainly not a business model. As one CEO recently wrote, "We are businesses. We innovate. We respond to crises in real time. We stretch every dollar farther than most people will ever understand." At the heart of every nonprofit is a mission-driven staff focused on the same fundamentals as other businesses. We still have to manage people, balance budgets, maintain compliance, meet deadlines, plan strategically, and build systems that don’t collapse the moment you walk out of the room. The difference is not in how we operate, but why we operate. Instead of measuring
success by profit margins, we measure it by how many lives we can strengthen, how effectively we can turn limited resources into hope, stability, and opportunity for the most vulnerable members of our community.
“A nonprofit still needs revenue, still needs to pay bills, still needs strong leadership, still needs marketing, HR, data, and technology. We invest in staff development, we evaluate programs, we report outcomes to stakeholders. The mechanics are the same as any business except the more products and services we offer, the more funds we need to raise.”
Dawn Ellis, Executive Director of Share the Table in Hampstead, also weighed in on the question. (Over half of the neighbors Share the Table serves come to them from Onslow County.)
“Running a nonprofit is a lot like running a business, just maybe with more heart! We manage budgets, complete strategic plans, build partnerships, and track our performance just like any organization would.
“The biggest difference is our bottom line: instead of profit, we measure impact. Donations and grants received are reinvested back into programs that feed families, support seniors raising grandchildren, or help a parent stretch their grocery budget. Our success is measured in healthy meals, reduced stress, and stronger communities.
“The mission drives us, but the day-to-day operations require the same level of strategy, accountability, and leadership as any successful business.”
There are many worthy nonprofits serving the Onslow County area. Here are just a few:
Onslow Community Outreach 1210 Hargett St, Jacksonville info@onslowco.org
Our mission is to be a helping hand for families and individuals by meeting the basic needs of vulnerable populations in Onslow County.
Our mission is to respond to God’s call to nourish our community by providing food where there is hunger, fellowship where
there is loneliness, and education to end the cycle of food insecurity.
Share the Table, Inc. is a faith-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization supported by seven charter churches, community churches, civic organizations, and local businesses in Pender and Onslow Counties in North Carolina. Through our free community meals, food pantry, and school backpack program, we feed over 1,200 Pender and Onslow County residents per week.
Able Buddies NC
Aileen Green
aileen@AbleBuddiesNC.org
Able Buddies NC is a nonprofit community organization based in Eastern North Carolina dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our
mission is to create safe, inclusive, and joyful opportunities for social connection, friendship, and community involvement.
We host monthly Family and Friends Nights, community activities, and special themed events where individuals with disabilities can build friendships, express themselves, and have fun alongside their families, caregivers, and supporters.
Able Buddies NC also works closely with local businesses, community groups, and partner organizations to promote inclusion, raise awareness, and expand opportunities for the special needs community.
At its heart, Able Buddies NC is a place where everyone belongs, everyone is valued, and everyone is celebrated.
Jacksonville-Onslow Council for the Arts
826 New Bridge Street, Jacksonville CouncilForTheArtsNC@gmail.com (910) 455-9840
111 Kinston Hwy, Richlands
PO Box 70, Richlands nc 28574
OverflowCafeNC.com
910-375-9503
We aim to provide personal care, hygiene and nonperishable foods to our neighbors who need a helping hand in a format that allows them to maintain their dignity. We also provide local food insecure students with care packages for winter and spring break.
Our mission is to eliminate hygiene insecurity and implement sustainable solutions that improve access to hygiene products for all.
We provide Hygiene Packages to members in the community. Our hygiene packages are tailored to meet the specific needs of each family, taking into account the number of individuals in the household and their varying ages. Each package may include items such as shampoo, soap, toothpaste, sanitary products, and other personal care essentials.
Onslow Victim’s Center
403 N Bayshore Blvd, Jacksonville info@onslowwc.org Admin: 910.238.2941
Coffee, Chicken Salad, and a Special Number in Downtown Jacksonville
1940 was meant to be.
“This is going to be something cool.” Myra Rademacher said to her husband, Marty, about four years ago, when they saw the renovations on New Bridge in Jacksonville. The couple was at a bike shop when Myra was inspired by work in the downtown area. She had seen cities such as Atlanta and Greenville, SC, go through the same renovation work in their downtown area.
More recently, Myra was having breakfast with a friend who encouraged her to look at a vacant spot on New Bridge as a potential location for a new bistro type of sandwich and coffee shop that Myra had been wanting to open. Myra says she and Marty “barely talked about it and within a day or two I had signed a lease and it was rolling.”
That vacant spot had a history. It was once a feed and hardware store. Then it became Miss Nancy’s diner. Myra says that “ as we were building it, so many people were stopping by here and saying that they came here as a child.” They had fond memories of Miss Nancy.
Bistro 1940 was launched in July. Why 1940? Myra says she wanted the name of her shop to include a word and a number. Since she had always envisioned a bistro type of business, that part was easy. The number, surprisingly, was almost as easy. It seemed as though it was meant to be.
The building’s history dates back to 1940. That would appear to be the reasoning behind the name Myra chose for her new bistro. There was a lot more to the number, however.
As Myra explains it, the number kept popping up in her life. She and Marty also own the Backyard Tavern in Sneads Ferry, located at 1940 NC-172. A code for an unrelated location was changed randomly by a locksmith to 1940.
When work was being done on the new bistro, Myra says the plumber called her to say he
had found an old bottle “in perfect condition” underneath the cement. They determined it had to have been there when the original building was constructed. When she researched the origins of the bottle, she discovered that it was a Fanta from 1940. That bottle is now prominently displayed on a shelf behind the counter at Bistro 1940.
The Rademachers have owned Backyard Tavern since 2020, serving military customers primarily. Marty is a retired Recon Marine and both have a heart for helping local Marines as well as the rest of their community. They partner with organizations such as Paddle for the Troop, the Recon Foundation, and Spearit Fishing to give back and help military members in need.
At Bistro 1940, they also collaborate with other businesses on New Bridge and participate in community events. Myra says that the downtown businesses often partner “because there’ s no way to do it if we’re not partnering together. And it’ s really good.”
There are specialty sandwiches that reflect their partnership and their commitment to the community. For example, the Hug a Hero benefits a family that will receive a doll made by the neighboring shop. The Mikey honors one of Marty’ s best friends, who is also a Recon Marine and is now a Boston firefighter. A portion of each Mikey sandwich will be donated to the local fire station.
Myra says she and Marty also like to support local artisan events that are hosted by several of their neighbors on New Bridge Street. She adds, “we find ways to give.”
The signature dish at Bistro 1940 is homemade chicken salad, which Myra makes using her family recipe. She adds that when planning the bistro’ s menu, she “didn't want any processed-type foods. So we make all our sides. We make our potato salad. We make our pasta salads. Nothing comes pre-done.”
Bistro 1940 618 New Bridge St Jacksonville https://www.bistro1940.com/
They also wanted to “dive into coffee” when planning the bistro’s lineup. After quite a bit of research, which included some time spent in Italy and listening to customers who wanted organic blends, they chose to offer Counter Culture Coffee. The coffee is
sustainably and responsibly farmed.
Upcoming plans for Bistro 1940 include launching a Bistro After Hours menu, beginning December 4, and hosting Santa Claus on December 21.
Marty and Myra Rademacher
Vinyl Makes a Comeback in Sneads Ferry
Is it a coffee shop? Yes. Is it a record shop? Yes. Is it a recording studio? Possibly, at some point in the future.
GrindHouse Records is all of these and more. Co-owner Keith Skipper says there was definitely some confusion when the shop first opened and he answered many similar questions.
Skipper owns the unique coffee shop and record store with Chris Vance and Daniel Thorndike. He says that the coffee aspect was “an idea we’d had for years, just a place people can hang out.” Then another idea they had was “more like a collectibles shop with board games and card games.” Skipper says that idea
eventually “pivoted into vinyl records.”
At first, they were told that vinyl was dead, that no one would buy the records. However, Skipper points out that vinyl records have outsold CDs in the past few years. He says that music “when it plays on the vinyl, I can't explain it, it feels warmer.”
He adds that “with all the digital stuff, a lot of people are tired of streaming and want to own the music again. It's nice to actually own the media you're listening to.”
For the idea of a shop, “ we ended up merging the coffee and the vinyl together.” They opened in July, in the new Sneads Ferry Retail Center. Thorndike also owns Hwy 55,
located just up the road on NC210.
The shop is unique in that there is “nothing in this area for records,” Skipper says. They buy and sell used records and sell new vinyl. Skipper emphasizes that they “try to support the smaller artists.” In addition, they sell turntables, locally made honey, shirts, hats, and bags of coffee.
Coffee at GrindHouse Records reflects the vinyl aspect of the shop. Their specialty flavors are all named after songs, with the
exception of Barking Pumpkin which is named after Frank Zappa’s record label. Havana Affair and Turtles All the Way Down are among the most popular flavors.
Skipper says GrindHouse Records offers “a more familyfriendly environment, where people of any age can come and hang out. We have people that literally spend hours here.” He adds that was their vision for the shop, saying “we want to be a place where the community can come together.”
Topsail Chamber Partners with Carolina Healthworks
By Tammy Proctor, Director Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is teaming with the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce and Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Blue Cross NC) to offer a new, more affordable health plan option for small businesses, their employees, and their families. The program is called Carolina HealthWorks.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy,” said Tammy Proctor, Topsail Chamber director. “Small businesses struggle to provide affordable health care for themselves and
their families. Extending affordable health care benefits to their employees is an important factor in job retention.”
Carolina HealthWorks will give small businesses access to more affordable health care through a multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA) model. A MEWA offers an alternative to small businesses that allows them to pool their resources and provide access to the advantages and benefits typically available to larger groups.
Carolina HealthWorks has chosen Blue Cross NC to be the administrator for this health plan.
Small businesses with 2 to 50 employees and which are members of the Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, may begin enrolling now. Small businesses will have opportunities to enroll in the plan throughout the year. Enrollment can take place by contacting local broker Shannon Bruneck at shannon.bruneck@coloniallifes ales.com. The Chamber will also provide links on the
topsailchamber.org/programs. “In a year in which health care costs are expected to significantly increase, this is a welcome opportunity for our small businesses,” said Proctor. For more information contact the Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism at 910-329-4446.
GrindHouse Records 1314 NC-210 Sneads Ferry
Right, Keith Skipper
December: Gratitude and Growth
By Jessica Marshall Run It Right Business and Mindset Coaching
As the year settles into its final chapter and life slows just enough for us to breathe, December brings perspective. It invites us to pause, look back on the miles we’ve walked, and acknowledge the strength it took to get here. This year may have held long days, early mornings, tough calls, and small but meaningful wins; real, honest, hard-earned growth.
There’s a natural warmth to this season, a soft pull toward appreciation. We remember the people who showed up for us, the customers who trusted us, and the lessons that shaped us. December nudges us to move with generosity: through our words, our leadership, and the way we give back to those around us. It reminds us that success feels fuller when it’ s shared.
Brian Tracy teaches us: “Be prepared to ride the cycles and trends of life; success is never permanent, and failure is never final.”
Success shifts. Challenges cycle. What endures is the heart we bring to each moment: humility, resilience, and the kind of steady strength that builds connection. This month invites us to honor the journey (the wins, the lessons, and the relationships that helped us grow) and to step forward with a spirit grounded in reflection and gratitude.
Admin Advice: End the Year Strong and Prepare for What’s Next
• Review Your Year-End Financials: Let your numbers tell the story of your year. Learn from them, adjust where needed, and prepare yourself with clarity for what comes next.
• Recognize Your Team and Give Back: A thoughtful holiday bonus, gift, or handwritten note can mean more than you realize. Giving appreciation is not a luxury: it’ s good leadership.
Business Movements
Businesses continue to open, close, move, and expand throughout Onslow County. Some of those movements include:
Lazy Daisy Bookshop is moving to a new location. They have closed their shop on Yopp Road in Jacksonville and are finalizing the details for their new, larger shop that will be located at 420 Chaney Ave Unit 2101, Jacksonville
Float Spa in Sneads Ferry has closed its location in the Four Corners Shopping Center on Hwy 172. They are hoping to be open again in a new location soon, saying “We are still in the process of identifying our new location and hope to announce it soon.”
• Plan Your New-Year Marketing Strategy: Ground your goals in purpose. Refine your audience, explore new outreach channels, and create a plan that supports sustainable growth.
• Rest, Restore, and Reflect: Real strength includes rest. See rest as an act of gratitude toward yourself. Return to the new year with energy instead of exhaustion.
December teaches us that success isn’t just measured by how high we climb, but by how deeply we appreciate the climb itself. Gratitude turns challenges into wisdom. Giving turns leadership into legacy.
Several spaces are available for rent throughout the county, including retail shop space on New Bridge Street in Jacksonville.
New businesses in Sneads Ferry include Splattitude, located at 1314 NC-210. The business says, “From throwing paint in our splatter paint room to smashing objects in our rage room, we provide a safe, fun environment.”
And reflection turns experience into strategy.
So celebrate every inch of your progress. Give generously where you can, whether it’ s recognition, kindness, time, or encouragement. And step into the new year with a grounded heart, a renewed mind, and a confidence shaped by everything you’ ve overcome. Let this season refill your spirit and strengthen your steps for the year ahead.
Contact: Run It Right Business and Mindset Coaching Runitright.llc@gmail.com
Voodoo Brewery, a “casual brewpub,” also recently opened in Sneads Ferry, at 1016 Old Folkstone Rd. working.net.
Roth Conversions for Business Owners: Turning Today’s Profits Into Tomorrow’s Tax-Free Income
By Kalan McEuen, RICP® McEuen Legacy Planning
Most business owners work hard to minimize taxes during their accumulation years using deductions, reinvestment, depreciation, and retirement contributions to keep taxable income low. Yet these strategies can unintentionally create a much larger tax burden when you least need it - in retirement.
Roth conversions can be helpful to avoid those future tax issues.
A Roth conversion moves money from a tax-deferred account (like a traditional IRA, SEP, SIMPLE, or Solo 401(k)) into a Roth account. Taxes are paid on the converted amount today, but future growth and withdrawals become tax-free.
For business owners, the timing and strategic value of a Roth conversion can be uniquely advantageous.
Why Business Owners Should Consider Roth Conversions 1. Tax Rate Control
Business owners have more influence over their taxable income than employees. They can adjust salary, distributions, deductions, and capital expenditures. In years when profits are intentionally reduced or naturally lower, owners can convert pre-tax dollars at a lower tax cost.
2. Future Tax Protection
As government spending increases and tax laws 'evolve'... future tax rates may be higher than they are today. In fact, they may become a lot higher than we think. I run an entire workshop that dives into this subject and discuss the fact that Roth accounts offer insulation from potentially higher rates and help stabilize retirement cash flow.
3. Retirement Income Efficiency
Roth accounts do not have required minimum distributions (RMDs), which gives business owners more control over their taxable income in retirement. This can help lower Medicare surcharges (IRMAA), reduce Social Security taxation, and provide predictable tax-free income.
4. Strengthening a Business Exit Strategy
Whether a business owner plans to sell the business, transition it to family, or slowly wind down, Roth assets can offset taxable income from the sale and reduce tax pressure during the transition years.
5. Building a Better Legacy
Heirs who inherit Roth accounts receive tax-free distributions an enormous advantage compared to
inheriting fully taxable traditional IRAs.
Managing the Tax Impact of Conversion
Many business owners worry about the immediate tax bill from converting pre-tax funds. However, strategic planning can soften or eliminate this concern. Options include:
-Using the growth and potential premium bonus inside an annuity to fund conversions over time
-Coordinating conversions with low-income or low-profit years
-Performing partial conversions over multiple years
-Leveraging deductions, business losses, and tax mitigation programs to offset the taxable impact
-The goal is not necessarily to convert everything at once, but to convert what makes sense within your broader financial and business strategy.
The Bottom Line
Roth conversions are not right for every business owner. But every business owner should know whether they could benefit. For many, it becomes the key to reducing retirement taxes, improving cash flow, and strengthening their long-term financial ecosystem.
If you are a business owner who wants more control over future taxes, retirement income, and your exit strategy, a Roth conversion analysis can uncover opportunities that traditional planning often misses.
For example, key benefits of one popular strategy include that you don't have to pay the conversion tax from your pocket or principal and we can prevent market losses from taking you backwards instead of moving you forward toward your retirement goals.
To learn more, visit www.mceuenplanning.com or contact McEuen Legacy Planning at 910-722-9295 for a personalized analysis.
Jacksonville Jagger’s Serves as Flagship
Culture, consistency, and community. These are the three things that Mike White, Jagger’s owner and franchise president, wants the restaurant to be known for in the Jacksonville area.
White is president of Rolling Smiles LLC, a partnership that owns several Jagger’ s restaurants. The Jacksonville location, White says, was the first one franchised. In fact, the restaurant has become “kind of the flagship franchise, partnered with the brand to help the brand grow.”
Rolling Smiles also owned a First Watch restaurant that was located not far from the current Jagger’s location. White says that when he and majority partner Bob Frame “found out about Jaggers, I flew out there and I fell in love with it.”
The Jagger’s brand was created by Kent Taylor, who had previously founded Texas Roadhouse and Bubba’s, White explains. Bubba 33’s also has a newly opened location on Western Blvd.
The restaurant is a locally owned franchise, White says. The difference between that type of entity and a small, “mom and pop” business, he adds, is that with a franchise, someone else created the systems, tools, menus, and training programs while starting a business from the ground up involves a lot more work.
White emphasizes that he has “a deep respect for mom and pops. They’ve done a lot of work to get there.”
He says, though, “ we ’ re entrepreneurs as well. It's just that we found a great brand that we trust, we believe in, we love the product, and we want to share it with others.”
Jagger’s is a “fast casual” restaurant. Their management team is completely local, with about 50 employees and a management team that are “all from Onslow County,” White says.
White stresses that there are a lot of ties with the state and with the local area. He was born and raised in North Carolina. Frame is also a North Carolinian and lives in Raleigh. Taylor was from Missouri, grew up in Kentucky, and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Taylor’s vision was for something more than a fast food restaurant as well as something more than just burgers or just chicken. White says Taylor realized “ no one really has a great burger and a great chicken sandwich.”
The Jagger’s signature dish is the Crazy Good Cheeseburger, which is made to order with the signature Jaggers sauce. White emphasizes they “do everything” in house. Their chicken is hand breaded and they make their own country gravy, cheese sauce, and salad dressings. They also have a Black Bean Veggie Burger that is made in-house.
The Jacksonville Jagger’s has been open for two years and has become the training center for other Jagger’s locations. They are involved in the community, sponsoring school sports teams and a Veteran’ s Day event during which they gave away “$18,000 worth of free food,” White says.
Rolling Smiles owns two additional Jagger’s locations, in Fayetteville and Greenville. There are now other franchises in Texas and one recently opened in South Korea.
White says he and his team “take pride in the ingredients and the service.” Their retention rate is “incredible,” he adds. “We want to be the best place to work by treating our people with dignity and respect, by providing them growth, opportunities, and an environment where they're cared about and they're appreciated.”
Expansion plans for Rolling Smiles include Jagger’ s locations in Raleigh, WinstonSalem, and Concord.
Mike White is the Jagger’s owner and president of Rolling Smiles LLC.
For Chamber members only. More information and registration is available online at the Jacksonville Chamber’ s website: jacksonvilleonline.org/.
Coastal Carolina Community College Small Business Center coastalcarolina.edu/servicesand-support/servicescommunity/sbc/
SSBCI TA-Take Control of Your Money: Budgeting/ Credit/Smart Money Management. HYFLEX
Sat, Dec 6 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Hyflex - James S. Melton Vocational Skills Building Room 104 or Online
SSBCI TA-Understanding Loans, Credit, and Protecting Your Financial Identity HYFLEX
Sat, Dec 6 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Hyflex - James S. Melton Vocational Skills Building Room 104 or Online
Brand Identity: From Clarity to ImpactWebinar
Tue, Dec 9 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
How to Start a Small Business- MCAS New River
Wed, Dec 10 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
MCAS New River, Bldg AS212, Room 222B
Boots to Business
Thu, Dec 11 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
2 sessions ending Fri, Dec 12
James S. Melton Vocational Skills Center
Starting Your Small Business in North Carolina - Webinar
Wed, Jan 7 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Basic of Bookkeeping
Thu, Jan 8 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
James S. Melton Vocational Skills Center
One Place Needs Your Input
One Place reports that “Child care and early education are vital to the families, workforce, and economy in Onslow County.
“The community is experiencing a child care crisis driven by limited access to care, high costs, and workforce shortages. Onslow County is considered a ‘child
SBTDC
Virtual Workshops
https://sbtdc.org/events
Your Business, Your IP
Presented by Elon Law Small Business and Entrepreneurship Clinic
Dec 3, 2025 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM No Cost Online
Prompt to Profit Using AI to Power Your Holiday & New Year Marketing
Dec 5, 2025 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM No Cost Online
SCORE
https://www.score.org/ workshops-events
Finding Grants and Sponsorships – Locate Opportunities, Apply Confidently, Stand Out to Funders
December 3, 2025, 1:00pm
Email Strategy for Revenue Growth – Build Your List, Create Better Emails, Convert Customers
December 4, 2025, 1:00pm
InventHer Studio will host the following in December: Let’s Talk Business Tuesdays
Jessica Marshall, Run It Right
Free for InventHer Studio members, non-members $25. Meeting link shared the day of event.
Tickets available at www.inventherstudio.com
Join in-person or online
Smart Marketing December 2, 10:30
Organizing It All: Time Strategies December 9, 10:30
Send your January training event info to onslowbiz@wordsworking.net.
care desert’ with an average of one licensed child care slot available for every five families.”
One Place and the Jacksonville Onslow Chamber of Commerce have created surveys to gather community information from various populations affected by the current child care challenges.
To complete the business community survey, visit: tinyurl.com/54m3tncp or scan the QR code at right.
To complete the early educator/child care provider survey, visit: tinyurl.com/553jmze3
Thank you for your input.
Topsail’s Top Choice Award Winners
A number of Onslow County businesses were chosen as Topsail’s Top Choice in the 2025 People’s Choice Awards.
Nominations for local businesses were opened on September 16 and voting was held during the month of October.
Winners included:
Favorite All-Around Restaurant and Favorite Sports Bar
