Sign in front of Beachbound. Photo: Kristy Kelly / Neuse News.

Jackie Elmore and Chad Ray have teamed up to create a new dining experience in Kinston by combining their respective businesses, Captain's Corner and Tundra Town, into a new establishment, Beachbound, at 211 E New Bern Rd.

Elmore, who co-owns The Mad Hatter and Sugar Hill Pizzeria in addition to Captain's Corner, has been involved with Captain's Corner since childhood. "My parents had it, and I was working there since I was 11," said Elmore. "He signed it over to me in 1995." Known for its hot dogs, Captain's Corner has long been a staple in the community, offering what Elmore describes as "good local spot” food.

The new venture, a combination of Tundra Town and Captain's Corner, aims to fill a gap in the local dining scene. "There was nothing on this side of town really, like, fast," Elmore explained. "We had a lot of people from Neuse Sport Shop yesterday and Lenoir Community College, so we're kind of catching this area a little bit also."

Chad Ray, who owns multiple businesses, including Glamptopia by Marsh and Mountain and TundraTown, emphasized the importance of collaboration in their new endeavor. "We're big on partnerships and teams. We built a great team at TundraTown, and Miss Jackie has an unbelievable team at Sugar Hill and her other establishments," Ray said. "We wanted to push the boundary a little bit, see what else we could have other than just ice cream products here."

The focus of the new establishment will initially be on hot dogs, chips, and drinks, with plans to expand the menu soon. "We will be adding burgers and chicken salad soon," Elmore noted. "We're just trying to get the basics right now and get started."

Ray highlighted the significance of providing a quality experience for customers. "Everything we do is about not only the product but the experience," he said. "We want it to be a great experience, no matter how informal. Quality of experience is everything in any business we do, making the customer feel like they not only got their money's worth but enjoyed themselves as well."

Looking ahead, Ray mentioned plans to expand the offerings for children. "We own the property next door as well and hopefully we can have some more fun things on the property for kids to do while they're here," he said.

Both Elmore and Ray are enthusiastic about the new venture's potential to serve the Kinston community. Operating hours are from Wednesday to Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., locals have a new spot to enjoy quality food and a friendly atmosphere.

Elmore summed up the essence of their business: "Clean, friendly, hometown service."