Wilmington businessman helping revitalize downtown Burgaw

BURGAW, NC (WWAY) — The town of Burgaw is continuing to see strong growth as new businesses open up in the downtown area, and it’s mostly due to one man.

Wilmington businessman Richard Johnson began working on a plan to revitalize downtown Burgaw several years ago.

Johnson helped open several businesses, including Burgaw Brewing, located on South Wright Street, across from the Historic Pender County Courthouse.

He plans to open two new businesses, a restaurant called Patty’s Place on Courthouse Avenue and Vinny’s Deli and Marketplace on Fremont Street.

Johnson said the town has responded well to his plan.

“And it’s just this great town that needed a spark and I couldn’t be more pleased to be part of providing that spark and seeing that town come back,” Johnson said. “And it’s extremely satisfying.”

Vinny’s Deli is expected to open before the North Carolina Blueberry Festival on June 21st and Patty’s Place will open in the fall.

Johnson also purchased the building where the former Ideal Barber Shop was located and plans to have another barbershop open up there.