No. 2 Most Read Story of 2024: Entertainment venue in Ogden opens on nearly 3 acres | Port City Daily

SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — Ogden area residents have flocked to a 3-acre property in the last six months to enjoy cocktails, arts markets, live music and more.

The Bend opened mid-summer with a 2,000-square-foot 1970’s ranch brick home renovated into the bar and lounge, The Parlor House. It gives speakeasy vibes, with craft cocktails, wine and beer.

Food trucks park on site frequently and there is always entertainment, whether music from local performers or art shows, shuffleboard leagues on the 20-foot board or trivia. Their January calendar can be found here.

Opened by Randy Tarr, he told Port City Daily earlier this year he wanted to fill the hold left in Ogden when Fermental left two years ago after its building was sold and reopened in the Cargo District. It was a hub of sorts, always family-friendly and filled with neighborly camaraderie.

“When I saw this place, I knew it was the perfect location and the perfect demographic,” Tarr said in the spring.

The 7227 Market St. address is located next to YMCA, Ogden Park, and the ice-skating rink, Polar Ice Wilmington, where families often congregate for sports and other happenings. It is located on land surrounded by magnolia, pine and oak trees. 

The goal is to transform two garages on site to open Grumpy’s Ice Cream and Middlesound Grill, a permanent restaurant serving tacos, sandwiches, and salads, including seafood, and smashburgers. The restaurant will be operated by Chris Politis, whose family owned multiple eateries in Brunswick County, including Castaways Raw Bar and Dock House Seafood, both in Holden Beach. 

Read the original piece about the Bend and then PCD’s followup to when it opened below.