Local News

New to the Neighborhood

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Tuesday, 27 May 2025

Written by Staff Report

New to the Neighborhood
Check out some of the new venues, shops and restaurants that have opened in the last few
months.
OISHI BUBBLE TEA
5855-7 YADKIN RD.
Tues-Sat: Noon-8 p.m.
Sun: Noon-6 p.m.
910-500-3400
https://www.oishibubbletea.com/
Oishi Bubble Tea is committed to creating premium, refreshing beverages that offer an ideal mix
of flavors, textures, and enjoyment. The menu includes bubble teas, fruit tea, milk tea, tea, coffee,
slushies, milkshakes, and more.
DANK BURRITO
5508 RAEFORD RD.
Mon-Sun: 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
910-229-2951
https://www.dankburrito.com/
This isn’t your average burrito spot. They bring together global flavors, ultra-fresh ingredients, and
chef-driven techniques to create innovative burritos, tacos, and bowls you’ll want to enjoy again and
again.
BITES & BLISS GRAZE BAR
910-703-7879
bitesandblissboards@gmail.com
https://tinyurl.com/2p3uxcx6
Bites & Bliss Graze Bar is a mobile charcuterie experience, serving gourmet cheeses, meats, and
fresh accompaniments at your next event, school, or office.
ALOHA POKE & SUSHI
1052 LILLINGTON HWY, SPRING LAKE
Mon, Wed & Thurs: 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Fri & Sat: 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Sun: Noon-9:30 p.m.
910-920-1133
https://alohapokenc.com/
Aloha Poke & Sushi creates healthy, fresh and delicious dishes in Hawaiian-style and Japanese
cuisines.

CARIBOU COFFEE

2606 BRAGG BLVD.
Mon-Sun: 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
910-912-1616
https://tinyurl.com/j85smsrm
Caribou Coffee is the second-largest coffeehouse chain. It serves various beverages, including hot
and cold coffee drinks, teas, non-coffee options, and food items.
LEGACY ROLLS
1161 N BRAGG BLVD., SPRING LAKE
Mon-Thurs: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Fri & Sat: 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sun: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
919-448-5241
https://tinyurl.com/53mhbpkz
Legacy Rolls is dedicated to using only the highest quality ingredients as toppings for all their natural
rolls. Serving breakfat, lunch, dinner, and rolls to go.

SNOWY TOWN
1828 OWEN DR., STE A
Mon-Thurs: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
Fri: 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sat: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sun: 1 p.m.-6 p.m.
472-248-2659
https://www.instagram.com/snowy_town_official/
Snowy Town serves up coffee and other drink options and Korean desserts like bingsu, croffle, and
soul bread.
CUPPA YO FROZEN YOGURT
2844 FREEDOM PKWY DR., SUITE 3
Mon-Thurs: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Fri & Sat: 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Sun: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
910-491-0803
https://www.cuppayo.com/about
Cuppa Yo is a self-serve frozen yogurt shop with many yogurt flavors and toppings. They offer low-
fat and non-fat options.

SUN LITE ASIAN MINI MART
8108 CLIFFDALE RD., STE. 110

Mon-Thurs: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Fri & Sat: 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sun: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
910-745-8020
https://tinyurl.com/5ah6nndj
This market offers a wide variety of items to prepare delicious meals for Asian dishes. They also
offer Japanese and Korean candies, chips and drinks.
SIMLO'S JERK HUT & CARIBBEAN GROCERY
2945 HOPE MILLS RD., SUITE 100 & 102, HOPE MILLS
Mon-Thurs: 10:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Fri & Sat: 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
910-491-0708
https://simlosfood.com/
Simlo's Jerk Hut serves authentic Jamaican food, including oxtails with rice and stir-fry cabbage.
The other part of the store is items to prepare Caribbean and Jamaican meals.
ROCKFISH SEAFOOD SMOKE PIT & BAR
519 GROVE ST.
Tues-Sat: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sun: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
910-229-2826
https://rockfish.com/
This restaurant serves a variety of seafood and smoked meats. They make all of their sauces,
soups, and bases from scratch daily.
DADDY MAC’S RESTAURANT & SPORTS BAR
6065 TURNPIKE RD., RAEFORD
Wed-Fri: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sat: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
https://tinyurl.com/msyded45
Customers can look forward to country cooking, seafood, BBQ and Jamaican dishes. They also
have lunch specials and host a variety of events.

Up & Coming Weekly Dining Guide

Details

Tuesday, 27 May 2025

Written by Staff Report

This month, we are highlighting some of the great places to eat in Hope Mills.

SAMMIO'S ITALIAN
RESTAURANT
3057 N Main St.
Mon-Sat: Noon-8:45 p.m.
Sun: Noon-3:30 p.m.
910-424-4000
https://www.sammiositalianrestaurant.com/
Sammio's offers a variety of traditional Italian dishes like pasta, pizza, calzones, as well as subs, chicken, steak, and seafood. Known for their hearty portions and welcoming atmosphere, they also provide catering services.

BARBARA ANN'S SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN
3740 S Main St.
Wed-Sat: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sun: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
910-491-5859
https://www.facebook.com/barbaraannsnc/
A popular take-out spot renowned for serving up the most delicious Southern fried chicken, mouthwatering turkey BBQ, and a variety of classic fixins’ that keep customers coming back for more.

CUMBERLAND COFFEE
ROASTERS
3109 N Main St.
Mon-Sat: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sun: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
910-229-3943
https://www.cumberlandcoffeeroasters.com/
Great place to grab a cup of coffee, a fruit smoothie, and another specialty drink. Start your day off at a warm and welcoming place and a comforting cup of your favorite coffee.

CHINA BUFFET & HIBACHI
3059 N Main St.
Mon-Thurs: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri & Sat: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sun: Noon-10 p.m.
910-423-7988
https://chinabuffetandhibachihopemills.bestcafes.online/
China Buffet & Hibachi serves a wide variety of Chinese and Japanese cuisine, with a focus on buffet-style dining and hibachi dishes. They offer a hibachi grill where you can select your raw ingredients and have a chef cook it in front of you.

  PHENIX CHINESE RESTAURANT
3467 N Main St.
Tues-Sat: 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
910-425-6488
www.thephenix.co.nz
This restaurant serves a variety of classic Chinese-American dishes with lunch specials and a sushi bar lunch menu. Take-out and delivery services are also available.

YAMATO JR
4230 Legion Rd.
Mon-Thurs: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri & Sat: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sun: 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.
910-425-2365
www.yamatojrhopemills.com
Yamato Jr offers a wide array of authentic Japanese Food, such as hibachi vegetable, steak teriyaki, honey wing, and hibachi steak.

CHINA STAR
4230 Legion Rd., Ste D
Mon-Fri: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sat: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sun: Noon-10 p.m.
910-425-9998
https://local.ilacfiyati.org/e/china-star-6
China Star serves a variety of classic Chinese American cuisine, including egg rolls, wonton soup, fried rice, lo mein and more. Takeout and delivery services are also available.

ELIZABETH'S PIZZA & ITALIAN RESTAURANT
2468 Hope Mills Rd., Fayetteville
Mon-Thurs: 3 p.m.-9 p.m.
Fri-Sun: Noon-9 p.m.
910-424-2848
elizabethspizza.org
Elizabeth’s Pizza’s hand-tossed New York style pizza has long been the standout favorite on their menu, earning a reputation as their signature dish. They have broadened their offerings to include a tempting selection of sandwiches, flavorful pasta dishes topped with homemade sauces, and much more.

LA COCINA MEXICAN
RESTAURANT
3310 Footbridge Ln., Fayetteville
Mon-Thurs: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri & Sat: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sun: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
910-779-0453
www.lacocinanc.com
La Cocina Mexican Restaurant serves a wide variety of traditional Mexican dishes. Described as a casual local Mexican chain known for its traditional dishes and margaritas.

SMITHFIELD'S CHICKEN 'N
BAR-B-Q
5539 Camden Rd., Fayetteville
Mon-Sun: 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
910-426-9515
www.scnbnc.com
Smithfield's restaurant chain serves fried chicken and Eastern North Carolina barbecue. They also offer catering services.

TAQUERIA JALAPENO
2622 Hope Mills Rd., Fayetteville
Mon-Thurs: 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
Fri & Sat: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sun: 2 p.m.-8 p.m.
910-425-9094
ordertaqueriajalapeno.com
Taqueria Jalapeno offers a variety of authentic Mexican cuisine like tacos, burritos, quesadillas and other Mexican favorites. They also offer takeout and delivery services.

ZORBAS GYRO
3114 N Main St.
Mon-Sat: 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sun: 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
910-424-3332
www.zorbasgyro.com
Zorba's serves a diverse menu with a focus on Greek and Mediterranean cuisine but also includes some American favorites. Known for its casual atmosphere and offers both dine-in and takeout options.

OMA'S SCHNITZEL HAUS
3920 Black Bridge Rd.
Mon-Sun: 3 p.m.-8 p.m.
910-229-3121
Oma's Schnitzel Haus serves authentic German cuisine, with a focus on schnitzel dishes like wiener-schnitzel, rahmschnitzel, zwiebel-schnitzel and more. Primarily a takeout restaurant offering delivery through services like Grubhub and DoorDash.

PARADISE ACRES
1965 John Mcmillan Rd.
Fri & Sat: 4 p.m.-9 p.m.
Sun: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
910-424-2779
https://www.paradiseacres.biz/
Paradise Acres offers dine-in, carryout, curbside and delivery options for a variety of homestyle dishes. Enjoy casual dining and relaxation at a family-friendly restaurant with BBQ, seafood, and desserts.

MARCI'S CAKES & BAKES
5463 Trade St.
Tues: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wed-Fri: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
https://www.facebook.com/marciscakesandbakes/
This bakery specializes in custom buttercream cakes, cupcakes, cake pops, brownies and specialty desserts. They offer a wide variety and selection daily.

EGGS UP GRILL
2951 Town Center Dr.
Mon-Sun: 6 a.m.-2 p.m.
910-500-3447
https://eggsupgrill.com/hope-mills-nc/
Eggs Up Grill serves breakfast, brunch and lunch 7 days a week from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. They also offer catering and delivery.

Fayetteville’s own Josh Williams returns to give back

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Tuesday, 27 May 2025

Written by Amber Little

Fayetteville is the birthplace and hometown of more than a few famous names. From music to sports to acting, the city has more than put itself on the map regarding talent. Josh Williams is the newest name to add to the list of famous people from the area.
From playing high school football to keeping his talent local and committing to Fayetteville State University, Williams' love for his hometown has been reflected in his career decisions. In 2022, he secured an NFL fourth-round draft pick to the Kansas City Chiefs and is now their starting cornerback. He has made a name for himself in the short time he has been playing, and this past week, he brought that notoriety back to Fayetteville to do some good at his Game Plan to Greatness event.
Williams wanted to pour back into the community that raised him and gave him the platform to shine. On Friday, May 16, he hosted a huge community cookout geared towards his youngest fans in the area.
He told ABC 11 leading up to the event, “It's like a blessing. You know, when you do those things, you want to be able to give back and shout out the city and, you know, do whatever you can to kind of represent where you're from.”
Game Plan to Greatness Community Day was a success, drawing in a large crowd, mostly the young fans that Williams was looking to give back to. The event had an incredible turnout with a preregistration of 752 people. During the event, supporting organizations were able to give 55 fresh free cuts to youth attending the event. Williams handed out swag bags and took time with each youth who came out to the event, provided a little advice about the game, photos and autographed swag. Attendees were treated to hot off the grill food, relay games, free haircuts, community resources, sweet treats, and as an added surprise, Williams brought fellow NFL player, Miami Dolphins, Kion Smith.
Several Fayetteville organizations came out and added to the fun and resources that were available for attendees. One of the biggest supporters of the community event was the local chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Beta Chi, which helped with the logistics of the big event and provided volunteers throughout to ensure a great experience for all attendees.
The event was proudly sponsored and supported by:
•Two Sisters, Two Suitcases
• Dick’s Sporting Goods
• Sam’s Club
• Michael Randall
• Sons of Hank Charitable Foundation
• Delta Gamma of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity
• Tau Gamma Gamma of Omega Psi Phi
Fraternity
• Beta Chi of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity
• The Friendship Resource Community Center
• The Suffs
• Two Six Project
• For the People
• The Barber Coalition
• Sweets & Meatz
• Forever Memories NDO FiLMz
• Exclusive Press
• Fast Water Ice
• Divine Diamond Mentoring Group
• JNicole Photography & Media
• 4151 BBQ
• RYU Taekwondo
• Therapeutic Solutions & Wellness
• Subject 2 Change
• Fizzy FRIENDZ
• Fizzy Bone
• Fay Today
• Watch Out, Fayetteville

Government Watch: Cumberland County, City of Fayetteville updates

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Tuesday, 27 May 2025

Written by Jami McLaughlin

City of Fayetteville
On May 12, City Manager Doug Hewett presented his recommended $312.5 million budget to the Fayetteville City Council.
Proposed details of the 2026 budget according to the City of Fayetteville include:
• A proposed total ad valorem tax rate of 44.95 cents per $100 of assessed value, reflecting a $0.13 decrease from FY 2025 but 6.19 cents above the revenue-neutral rate, generating $14.5 million in additional revenue for critical services.
• A continued commitment of $114 million to community safety, including $71.7 million for police and $39.7 million for fire, with resources allocated for the step pay compensation and a comprehensive public safety salary study.
• A 4% midpoint compensation increase for non-step employees and an added 1% 401(k) contribution for non-sworn personnel to remain competitive amid a tight labor market.
• Investment in infrastructure and service maintenance:
• $6.3 million for street and stormwater projects,
• Ongoing implementation of the new financial system
• No rate increases for stormwater or solid waste services
• $3.1 million in new program enhancements including 17 positions to strengthen construction management, marketing and communications, legal support, IT security, fire inspections and more.
There will be a public hearing on May 27, and final adoption is slated for June 30 to meet state law deadlines. The new budget will be implemented beginning July 1.

Cumberland County
On May 20, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners voted to allocate $1.38 million in American Rescue Plan funds to 63 nonprofit organizations. The nonprofits represented categories including health and human services, religious and faith-based services, public safety and emergency response, educational and youth development and arts, culture and community development. The nonprofits ranged from the United Way of Cumberland County, which received $10,000 to Legal Aid of North Carolina, which received $40,000.
Also, on May 20, the board directed County Manager Clarence Grier to negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding with the Salvation Army to reopen the Pathway to Hope emergency shelter that closed in April citing lack of funding partners. The board asked that the contract not exceed $563,000 per year to fund shelter operations.
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners will host a series of in-person gatherings where residents can ask questions and learn more about County priorities.
“This is all about building stronger connections with our community,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Kirk deViere. “We want to hear from our residents, and we want them to know they’re part of the conversation when it comes to shaping the future of Cumberland County.”
The remaining dates and locations are as follows: May 27 at the West Regional Library, Cafe West and May 29 at the Town of Spring Lake Town Hall in the Grady Howard Conference Room. All meetings will take place from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Coffee and light refreshments will be provided.
In other Cumberland County news
Effective July 1, the Cumberland County Tourism Development Authority will assume all responsibilities previously managed by the Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, otherwise known as DistiNCtly Fayetteville. The purpose of the TDA is to promote increased travel, tourism, and use of lodging, meeting, and convention facilities in Cumberland County.
These organizations aim to best serve the interests of tourism and hospitality in the county and streamline efforts to attract visitors and drive economic growth.

About the Greater FayettevilleChamber
Advocacy is a cornerstone of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber. Every week, the Chamber dedicates staff to attend City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County meetings as well as monitoring updates on the state and federal levels. We monitor legislation locally, statewide and federally to protect our community’s business interests. With 91% of U.S. adults recognizing a Chamber of Commerce's impact on growth, membership ensures a strong voice shaping policies, driving economic success, and building a thriving business community—together. To learn more, visit www.faybiz.com or email jmclaughlin@faybiz.com

(The Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau, known as DistiNCtly Fayetteville, will hand over responsibilities to the Cumberland County Tourism Development Authority beginning July 1. Photo courtesy of DistiNCtly Fayetteville's Facebook page)