JESTER’S Bistro in Castle St District

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Asking Price:$190,000

Business Description

One of the Castle Street District’s most iconic restaurants is now available for sale. Jester’s Café has been an integral part of the revitalization of Castle Street, serving generations of loyal patrons—from the days when Castle Street was known for its antiques, to today’s thriving mix of vintage clothing, local makers, and creative retail.

Housed in a charming bungalow on the coveted 600 block, the restaurant offers a welcoming front porch and garden—an intimate, neighborly setting perfect for Sunday brunch, morning coffee, and leisurely afternoons watching the neighborhood stroll by. Inside, the space remains true to its period roots, thoughtfully designed and decorated with warmth and character.

A true hidden asset is the exceptionally large parking area behind the building, which presents a rare opportunity for transformation into an outdoor dining or gathering space, subject to approvals—an exciting upside in this walkable, community-driven corridor.

Jester’s Café sits at the heart of Castle Street’s growing foodie renaissance, ideally positioned between RX Restaurant and Castle Street Kitchen. Two additional restaurants—owned by James Beard–recognized chefs—are scheduled to open within the year, further cementing the district as one of Wilmington’s most exciting culinary destinations.

The surrounding residential community is vibrant and highly supportive of local businesses, while visibility and traffic along Castle Street continue to increase. The space is well-suited for breakfast, lunch, brunch, evening desserts, and cocktails. While the kitchen does not currently have a hood system, it has been verified that a hood can be installed by the tenant, unlocking even broader menu potential.

This is a rare opportunity to own a beloved, community-anchored restaurant in one of Wilmington’s most authentic and fast-evolving neighborhoods.


Detailed Information

Location:
Wilmington, NC
Real Estate:
Leased
Building SF:
1,437
Lease Expiration:
11/30/2026
Competition:
Website traffic: 3.4K+/average monthly visits Google traffic: 4.5 star rating (382+ ratings) Yelp: #2 Best Breakfast Spot Downtown Instagram: 1.5K+ followers Facebook: 2.5K+ followers
Support & Training:
Sellers are willing to remain with the business for a limited amount of time to assist in the transition and training of the new owners.
Reason for Selling:
other ventures