17 veteran-owned businesses to support in North Carolina
Tanya Jones, the newly elected and first Black woman president of the North Carolina Veterans Business Association (NC VetBiz), encourages the North Carolina community to buy from business owners who served in one of the six branches of the United States military.
NC VetBiz provides education and connections veterans need to succeed, Jones says. The nonprofit pairs young veterans with seasoned veterans to form a mentorship relationship. “There’s a huge camaraderie with being in the military,” she explains. “We don’t want to lose that. We want to celebrate it together on our journey to entrepreneurship.”
North Carolina’s 14 military bases, research centers, and training facilities introduce military personnel and their families to the state. Once they retire, many open businesses, using the skills they developed in the military. And that’s no small number. In North Carolina, more than 88,000 companies were started by a veteran, according to Veteran Owned Business.
Show your support for our state’s veterans by becoming a patron of these businesses.
Note: This list is only a sample of veteran-owned businesses in North Carolina.
Aji Ichiban – Taste of Okinawa
Jacksonville
Owners: Clyde Greene (veteran) and Noriko Greene
This husband and wife team brings their collective talents to Jacksonville’s International Food Trail. The small restaurant has been serving noodle and rice dishes, sushi, and dishes from its special Okinawan menu for more than 15 years.
Apple Annie’s Bake Shop
Wilmington
Owner: Rob Cooley
Load up on breads, cakes, cookies, pies, and pastries at this beach town staple. The company is committed to hiring military spouses and donating to local food banks and charities.
Blu Farm to Table
Washington
Owner: Vickie DeSourdy
The menu is inspired by Eastern North Carolina’s farm and food traditions and Desourdy’s international travels. DeSourdy also owns Blu Boutique and Lane Blue in Washington.
Brad Halling American Whiskey Ko. (BHAWK)
Southern Pines
Owners: Brad Halling (veteran) and Jessica Halling (veteran)
BHAWK is not just a business to the Hallings: It’s a way to honor and show gratitude to the military men and women who have lost their lives and those who continue to serve every day. Brad was riding in the Black Hawk helicopter that crashed in 1993, the inspiration for the movie, “Black Hawk Down.” The distillery opened at the end of February 2024.
Brightwaters Vacation Rentals
Hendersonville
Owners: Michelle Azan and Elisabeth Perez (veteran)
Stay in one of nine renovated vacation cabins, cottages, and homes in the Brightwaters community just outside Hendersonville. The property is near Asheville, Brevard, DuPont State Forest, and Pisgah National Forest.
Buzze’s Creamery and General Store
Morganton
Owners: Dustin Buzze (veteran) and Jessica Buzze
Banana splits, ice cream, milkshakes — oh my! Find dairy-free, gluten-free, and no-sugar-added options in this downtown shop. The couple honors local veterans who have passed away with a wall of their photos.
Castello Barone Vineyards & Winery
Ronda
Owners: Elizabeth Barone (veteran) and Scott Barone (veteran)
Grab a glass of wine from one of the newest wineries in North Carolina — the tasting room opened in November 2023. Look for events with art, music, and food pairings.
Filter
Greensboro
Owners: J’Mihyia Whitset and Paris Whitset (veteran)
Enjoy cold brews, frozen drinks, and a variety of specialty coffees. Add a bagel, croissant, or muffin to your order. The environment is conducive to hookah. The Whitsets also own Marjae’s Wine Bar and The Breakfast Spot in Greensboro.
Interactive Advocacy
Charlotte
Owner: Tanya Jones
Jones facilitates workshops and speaks about domestic violence, mental health, sexual assault, and suicide prevention through immersive theatrical performance-based training.
Local Patriot Roasting Company
Kannapolis
Owners: Kate Falconer, Kyle Lingafelt (veteran), Stefan Perrine (veteran)
Founded in 2021, this coffee shop and roastery prides itself on serving exceptional coffee to the community, veterans, and first responders.
The Locals Comedy
Fayetteville
Owners: Mitchel Fowler (veteran) and Dennis Vee (veteran)
Since 2022, this group of local stand-up comedians, seasoned and up-and-coming, have been performing all over the city in comedy clubs and theaters.
McCoy Minerals
Blowing Rock
Owners: Randy “Doc” McCoy (veteran) and Trina McCoy
After a career in medicine, Randy returned to school to learn about geology. The shop cuts gemstones, appraises jewelry, and creates jewelry. Stop by to see their work and ask about this summer’s rockhound trips.
Metzger’s Burlwood Gallery
Waynesville
Owners: Daniel Metzger and Steve Metzger (veteran)
This father-and-son team designs and builds beds, chairs, desks, mantels, tables, and custom items from salvaged burlwood. Burl is an abnormality that forms in the trunk and branches of a tree. The irregular grain gives the furniture pieces interest.
Phil Morgan Pottery
Seagrove
Owner: Phil Morgan
Although Morgan works from his studio in Seagrove, ‘The Handmade Pottery Capital of the United States,’ his work has been exhibited across the United States. He specializes in salt-glazed and crystalline pottery.
Seagrove Family Restaurant
Seagrove
Owner: Brandon Ellis
Order “a meat and three” at this no-nonsense diner: I can personally recommend the meatloaf. The specials feature home-cooked dishes such as chicken pie, country-fried steak, and pork chops with a variety of sides to choose from. Add a slice of coconut cream pie or Hershey’s bar cake for a piece of heaven.
Tacobaby
Wilmington
Owner: Joe Apkarian
Find Mexican-style dishes such as chicken poblano, street corn, and tostadas on the menu. Apkarian also owns The Eagle’s Dare and The Pour House in Wilmington.
Tobacco Wood Brewing Company
Durham and Oxford
Owners: Mara Shelton (veteran) and Paul Shelton
This brewery holds the distinction of being the first female- and veteran-owned brewery in North Carolina. Its original location opened in Oxford in 2018.
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