MOMENTUM CASE STUDIES
THE SECOND GLASS
Located in Wilmington’s thriving South Front District, The Second Glass was a beloved wine bar and restaurant known for its sophisticated ambiance, curated wine list, and elegant dining experience.
When owner Celeste Glass decided to explore new ventures, she partnered with MoMentum Companies to facilitate a strategic sale that would preserve the venue’s success while opening the door for a new concept. Through expert valuation, market positioning, and creative deal structuring, MoMentum connected Celeste with restaurateur Mark Zecher—resulting in a seamless transition and the launch of South Front Tavern, a modern upscale sports bar that quickly found its place among Wilmington’s top dining destinations.
Location
Wilmington, North Carolina
Real Estate
Upscale Restaurant & Bar
Broker of Record
Terry Espy – MoMentum Companies
Representation
Both Seller and Buyer
Business Overview
The Second Glass, owned by Celeste Glass, was a refined wine bar and restaurant concept located in Wilmington, NC. Opened five years prior, the business quickly established itself as a local favorite for fine wine, creative cuisine, and intimate ambiance. The restaurant’s thoughtful design, strong reputation, and outdoor seating made it a highly desirable opportunity in a market with limited second-generation restaurant spaces available.
Buyer’s Background
Mark Zecher had relocated to Wilmington just before the pandemic and began his search for a restaurant space that aligned with his hospitality vision. Working with Terry Espy of MoMentum Companies, he initially sought a lease opportunity but quickly discovered that— due to the remarkable success of local restaurants during and after the pandemic—the number of available turnkey restaurant spaces was extremely limited. Recognizing this market constraint, Espy guided Zecher to explore purchasing an existing restaurant instead of leasing a new space.
Sales Process
Around this time, Celeste Glass engaged MoMentum Companies to list The Second Glass for sale. Espy performed a valuation of the business, noting that given its relatively young age, all furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) were in excellent condition. The restaurant’s highly coveted outdoor seating component further enhanced its market value.
Although Zecher’s concept differed from that of The Second Glass, Espy identified it as an ideal match — requiring only cosmetic updates to adapt the space to his vision. Within two months of listing, Zecher submitted an offer and placed the business under contract.
Outcome
The transaction concluded smoothly, with Mark Zecher acquiring The Second Glass and rebranding it as South Front Tavern — an upscale sports bar that quickly earned a strong following in Wilmington’s competitive dining scene. Both parties expressed complete satisfaction: seller Celeste Glass seamlessly transitioned into new ventures, while Zecher successfully realized his goal of owning and operating a premier restaurant in one of Wilmington’s most desirable locations.
This sale highlights MoMentum Companies’ expertise in adapting to market dynamics, guiding clients toward strategic opportunities, and managing every stage of the brokerage process — from valuation and listing to lease assignment and closing.
Referral Contact
While all MoMentum Companies business listings include a two-year confidentiality clause, many clients kindly agree to share their experiences with prospective clients.
For a referral conversation, please contact:
Mark Zecher
📧 Mark@SouthFrontTavern.com
📞 516.238.2163
Terry Espy
Complete our contact form or call today to schedule an initial consultation.