Since opening on St. Patrick’s Day more than 20 years ago, Copper Penny has been a staple of Historic Downtown Wilmington, serving up an eclectic mix of appetizers, salads and sandwiches alongside a wide selection of beers and cocktails. Founded and owned by Brian Cadwallader and Christine Cadwallader, the restaurant was built on a simple idea: create an old-school pub where everyone feels at home.
Over the years, that welcoming atmosphere – and a menu known for crowd favorites like the famously crave-worthy onion rings, which drew national attention following their appearance on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” – has earned a fiercely loyal following. In this Q&A, Brian reflects on the journey behind Copper Penny, the philosophy that guides it and what continues to make it a must-visit in Wilmington.
What are some highlights from your career leading up to opening Copper Penny?
I met my wife while working in a restaurant, and soon after, we moved north so I could work in her family’s Philadelphia restaurant, McCrossan’s Tavern. Working there is something of a rite of passage in her family, and it’s where I learned what great food (and a great kitchen) really looks like. Over the years, that kitchen produced more than a few very successful chefs, and I was lucky enough to learn alongside them.
In the early 2000s, we moved back south to Wilmington. At the time, downtown dining options were limited, but we felt there was room – and a need – for something familiar and welcoming. That vision is ultimately what led us to open Copper Penny.
Can you describe your culinary philosophy and the thought process behind Copper Penny?
We envisioned an old-school pub, the kind of place where everyone feels comfortable the moment they walk through the door. That philosophy still guides everything we do.
We believe in serving high-quality food and treating people with respect while they dine with us. We love all types of restaurants, from fine dining to roadside shacks, and there’s nothing better than watching a well‑oiled operation run smoothly. The places we admire most are the ones that have been doing it right for years. Anyone in this business knows how difficult that is – and how impossible it would be without a great staff.
That’s what I’m most grateful for – we’ve been incredibly fortunate to have many team members with us for 15 years or more.
What led to your decision to open Copper Penny in Wilmington, and how has the city itself complemented your vision for the restaurant?
We love Wilmington and the surrounding area. Over the past decade, the city has grown in remarkable ways. When we opened in 2004, there wasn’t much happening on our end of Front Street. In fact, plenty of people thought we were crazy for not being closer to Market Street.
But you could feel the shift beginning – UNC-Wilmington was expanding, the local job market was growing downtown and new energy followed.
In recent years, the city’s transformation has been nothing short of incredible. With the addition of the Riverwalk, The Wilson Center, Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park and new residential spaces, downtown Wilmington has become a thoughtful blend of historic charm and modern life.
In 2018, Copper Penny was featured on an episode of Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” and you personally made two sandwiches for Guy Fieri. Can you take us back to that day and walk us through the experience?
Appearing on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” changed how we do business in ways we never fully expected. While we were already popular, the show put a national spotlight on one item in particular: our onion rings. Guy Fieri warned us to be ready when the episode aired, and he wasn’t exaggerating!
The experience itself was fantastic. The crew told us what they wanted, and thankfully, Guy chose our two favorite sandwiches: the Hot Roasted Pork Sandwich and the 109 Chestnut Chicken Sandwich. These items are all ones we’d consider must-tries for anyone coming to see us at Copper Penny.
The only real downside came afterward. Making onion rings from scratch takes a tremendous amount of space and labor, especially in a kitchen our size. As a result, we’ve had to simplify our menu and work harder than ever.
We wouldn’t change a thing. We’re deeply thankful for the opportunity, the exposure and – most importantly – the continued support of our customers.
Where are your favorite places (restaurants, historic sites, etc.) to visit in Wilmington and surrounding areas?
Downtown visitors should catch a concert, play or show – our venues offer something for everyone. Neighborhoods like the Cargo District and the Brooklyn Arts District are packed with creative shops and memorable bites.
Beachgoers are just as lucky. From hiking at Carolina Beach State Park, to walking the Basin Trail at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area in Kure Beach, to tackling the legendary Wrightsville Beach Loop, there’s no better place to be outdoors. And if you can get out to Masonboro Island Reserve (just south of Wrightsville Beach), take the opportunity – Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours and Coastal Eco Adventures offer boat excursions, or you can paddle out with Wrightsville Kayak Company. Few things in life beat walking an uninhabited stretch of beach.
As far as restaurants go, there are far too many great ones to list (and new ones opening all the time). Here are a few favorites:
- A Taste of Italy (Wilmington) – Perfect for grabbing lunch before exploring the city.
- Olivero Kitchen + Cocktails (Wilmington) – Fantastic newer restaurant in Historic Downtown Wilmington. Chefs Sunny Gerhart and Lauren Krall Ivey were named 2025 James Beard Best Chef Southeast semifinalists, and the restaurant was included on USA Today’s 2025 list of best restaurants in the country.
- Origins Food and Drink, Circa 1922 and Perla Raw Bar (Wilmington) – Ash Aziz’s restaurants, each offering thoughtful food and impeccable execution. He’s had a tremendous impact on the local food scene for over 25 years.
- Britt’s Donut Shop (Carolina Beach) – A must-stop while strolling the Carolina Beach Boardwalk.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
If you’re thinking about visiting Wilmington, it’s an ideal spot for a long weekend – and a serious food destination. I may be biased, but after visiting coastal towns up and down both coasts, I truly believe Wilmington holds its own when it comes to dining. You can’t go wrong, whether you stay downtown or at one of the beaches!
