#ThisIsThePlace: Causeway Cafe owner looks back over 30 years

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — When you come over the Wrightsville Beach drawbridge and you take your first right, you’ll find Causeway Cafe.

Dave Monaghan has owned the business for 30 years and says all the people he has met along the way makes his cafe’ more than just a restaurant.

Open for breakfast and lunch, Causeway Cafe has been serving up a good meal to three decades worth of hungry bellies.

“From the time we open from the time we close you can get breakfast,” Monaghan said.

He is someone you will notice right away.

No matter if it’s winter or summer, you’re more than likely going to wait to get in.

“I guarantee if you’re on wait and you’re on that loop or on the other side of the bridge you’re going to know when you’re table is ready,” Monaghan said.

In the meantime, you can enjoy a free cup of coffee on the large wooden wrap around porch while you catch up on the news or old friends.
“There are tons of people who even, locals plus people from out of town, if I call them too early they will say put our name back down a few times cause they get to see people they don’t normally get to see during the week,” Monaghan said.

Before you step in, daily specials are written on the chalkboards including their specialty waffles and of course Monaghan’s favorite, the seafood omelet.

“You got to go for a strawberry waffle because strawberries are fresh now,” he said.

Located along Causeway Drive, the building was first build back in the 1950s as a bar then was taken over by Monaghan in the 1980s.

He says no place compared to Wrightsville Beach.

“It’s a small community beach, very non commercial, no high rises, it’s just family oriented and you’re not going to find another beach in the US like this,” Monaghan said.

The traditional beach theme is carried throughout the restaurant and decorated with items given to him by customers.

“It was designed as a southern beach style restaurant and if you look at the interior, I have not changed it in 30 years and everybody comes in and they say ‘thank you, it’s still what we remember,'” he said.

Thousands from near and far take a seat inside year around for not only good food but a good conversation too.

“I’ve gotten older but I remember a face, always,” Monaghan said.

He says this laid back cafe wouldn’t be as successful without his hardworking employees.

“They like the atmosphere and apparently well, they say I am a good boss but you know I do yell… Haha,” he said.

For many, it’s Monaghan’s outgoing personality that let’s customers feel more like at home.

“For 30 years, they keep coming back,” he said. “It makes me realize why I am still here. It’s great.”

The smiling faces looking back and the gratitude he receives are what he says he enjoys the most.

“People, really, I like to socialize with all my customers and I want them to be treated like they are a part of my family and I consider them family so I didn’t like what I do I wouldn’t be here this long,” he said.

While another 30 years is possible, Monaghan says he plans to keep doors open as long as he can and as long as he continues to do what he loves.