Exterior of Wimpy’s Grill in Durham, North Carolina, showing its iconic A-frame building, red Coca-Cola sign, and street signs for Hillsborough Road and Hicks Street.
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Durham’s Iconic Wimpy’s Grill to Be Reborn as Jean’s By The Sea, a Coastal-Style Seafood Shack

Dawn Mikayla
Exterior of Wimpy’s Grill in Durham, North Carolina, showing its iconic A-frame building, red Coca-Cola sign, and street signs for Hillsborough Road and Hicks Street.
The former Wimpy’s Grill on Hillsborough Road in Durham will reopen as Jean’s By The Sea, a new seafood shack inspired by North Carolina’s coastal dining traditions.

DURHAM, N.C. — The legendary Wimpy’s Grill—a longtime Hillsborough Road landmark known for its burgers and biscuits—is getting a new life. Early next year, the beloved spot will reopen as Jean’s By The Sea, a casual North Carolina seafood shack inspired by the state’s coastal dining traditions.

The new restaurant, owned by Kate Elia, will offer indoor seating for the first time in decades and a sprawling outdoor patio with space for more than 100 guests.

From Burgers to Beachside Vibes

Jean’s By The Sea will channel the nostalgic charm of North Carolina’s coastal seafood shacks, serving classics like fried shrimp, oysters, and Calabash-style fish baskets. Elia said her vision combines “the comfort of familiar fried favorites” with touches of creativity—like ceviche tostadas, raw oysters, and a house riff on the Filet-O-Fish made with hoop cheese.

“Some of my favorite places are the seafood shacks we have in North Carolina,” Elia said. “We wanted to bring that same feeling inland, with a menu that’s both familiar and fresh.”

Rebuilding a Neighborhood Landmark

Architectural rendering of Jean’s By The Sea, showing a renovated A-frame building with modern siding, large windows, and a fish-shaped logo on the front wall.
A conceptual rendering of Jean’s By The Sea, the new coastal-inspired seafood shack set to open in early 2026 in the former Wimpy’s Grill building on Hillsborough Road in Durham. (Sundholm Studio)

The transformation of Wimpy’s Grill marks a new chapter for a building rich in Durham food history. The eatery first opened in 1987 and became famous for hearty breakfasts, juicy burgers, and a feature on TV’s “Man v. Food.”

After closing in 2019, the location briefly hosted Blake’s Grill and the Durham Filling Station. Now, Elia is turning the cozy A-frame building into a 30-seat indoor restaurant with an 800-square-foot layout and a 350-square-foot dining room, surrounded by a large patio filled with picnic tables.

“I wanted something that felt like a community gathering place—not just another strip mall restaurant,” Elia said.

A Family Legacy and Culinary Journey

Jean’s By The Sea is named in honor of Elia’s mother, Jean, who was named after her aunt. Elia, whose career spans winemaking, food importing, and wine journalism, said her lifelong passion for food and wine guided the project.

“The through-line for 20-plus years has been food and wine,” Elia said. “Now I get to bring that experience home.”

The menu will feature North Carolina oysters, peel-and-eat shrimp, crispy sandwiches, and a kid-friendly snack tower concept, paired with local craft beers, family-grown wines, and cocktails highlighting tequila and mezcal.

A Fresh Start for a Durham Favorite

Jean’s By The Sea is expected to open in early 2026, restoring the beloved corner of Hillsborough Road and Hicks Street with a vibrant new energy. For Durham locals, it’s both a return and a renewal—a nod to the past, with flavors from the coast and a dash of innovation.