Heroes Continuing to Serve: ENC’s Veteran Business Owners

It’s no secret that Eastern North Carolina is filled with heroes! Military members of all branches, veterans, and their families add character and integrity to our local communities. After they exit the armed forces, some members go into business on their own; they open boutiques, restaurants, tech shops, gyms, and more.

Check out only a few of the area’s businesses who proudly serve our local military community, and they are all veteran owned:

Jacksonville:

· Upcoming nuptials or simply craving some sweets? American Dream Cakes is owned and operated by Randy and Gunilla Kroshus. They bake custom cakes for weddings and other occasions, and they have specialty bakery items, too. They even offer edible photo cakes and free, by-appointment, wedding cake consultations. Their delicious desserts like cupcakes, pies, and pastries, to name a few, are made-to-order or “grab’n’go,” but either way, they are baked fresh on site.

· The Angry Ginger Irish Pub, a neighborhood favorite, came to town in 2015 thanks to Shawn Curtis, Paul Myers, and Vic Sartelle. They are supporters of ENC's Toys for Tots and Feed the Families. They offer space for private and public events, and patrons can dine in or eat at the bar. Their menu has delicious dishes like Irish Nachos, Loaded Potato Boats, and The Blarney Stone, an “open-faced sandwich stacked on toasted bread with shredded ribeye, mashed potatoes, melted cheddar, stout gravy, & chives.”

Richlands:

· Larry's Woodworkin' is proudly owned and operated by Larry, a USMC Veteran. Starting small in his garage in 2011, following his retirement from the USMC in 2013 after 21 years of service, Larry's Woodworkin' expanded. Today, they are one of the leading suppliers of handmade military gifts within the area.

Midway Park:

· Cracked It! Escape Games is the perfect place for a date night adventure. Visitors can “become rookie detectives and solve a cold case, discover what transpired aboard a ghostly tallship, or help the crazy old lady who lives in the creepy house down the lane.”

Swansboro:

· All American Fitness is a family-operated, twenty-four-hour fitness center. Members can use their free weights, Strongman gear, cardio equipment, and more. By appointment, members may take advantage of their Certified Personal Training sessions, and they have a licensed massage therapist. The environment is judgement-free, which creates a welcoming atmosphere for all.

· Great American Lawn and Landscape offers their clients over twenty years of lawn care experience. They offer basic lawn care, seasonal cleanup, and more.

Cedar Point:

· Is your computer stressing you out? SOBX Tech offers data recovery, virus removal, and memory upgrades, to name a few. See their website for a full list of their services.

Hampstead:

· Do you have a sweet tooth? Burry Chocolates is your place. Their specialties are fudge, candies, and other chocolates. Speaking of our military community, Emily and Brandon Burry say they “are proud to serve them, we value and appreciate the sacrifices they have made for our country. May God Bless them all."

· Locally made baked goodies, fresh coffee and hand scooped ice cream? Yes, please! If you're in or around the area, be sure to stop in to A Taste of Sunrise! Check out their Facebook page as well to get the inside scoop on their tasty treats and offerings.

These are a mere few of the many businesses in our area that are owned and operated by our nation’s finest. Consider patronizing them to offer support of their sacrifice to serve our country. Not only are they prior military, but they are small business owners, the backbone of Eastern North Carolina.

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