For years, Gene and Mary Ann Williams, founders of Three Dog Ink, have been the passionate team behind both the Outer Banks Restaurant Guide and OBX Beach Access. What began as a labor of love from their marketing agency quickly grew into a trusted magazine and tool for locals and visitors alike, helping people explore the best of the OBX, one meal (or beach day) at a time.
As Gene and Mary Ann “pass the plate”, we want to honor their legacy. Gene and Mary Ann’s deep roots in the community and their dedication to supporting small businesses have shaped the Outer Banks Restaurant Guide into something truly special.
“Our guide has always been about helping people authentically experience the Outer Banks,” said Gene Williams, co-founder. “We’re so proud of what it’s become, and we know CK and the Outer Banks Media team will take it to the next level while staying true to its roots.”
An Outer Banks Native’s Passion for Local Flavor
The Outer Banks Restaurant Guide is excited to introduce the new leadership behind the guide: Outer Banks Media, in partnership with CK Evans, a true Outer Banks native, not just a local. CK brings a lifelong love of the area and a passion for the restaurants, stories, and people that make the Outer Banks such a special place to dine, explore, and celebrate.
“With Outer Banks Media’s experience in digital strategy and our personal connection to our region, we are building on the foundation Gene and Mary Ann already created with more features, better tools, and a fresh, modern experience for users and restaurant owners alike,” says Evans.
So… What Does That Mean for You?
Outer Banks Media has done more than just freshen up the logo. We have rebuilt the Outer Banks Restaurant Guide’s website with you in mind. Here’s what you’ll notice:
- A Clean, Mobile-Friendly Experience: The new design is smooth, fast, and made for browsing on the go. Whether you’re on the beach or in line for takeout, it’s easier than ever to discover your next favorite OBX restaurant.
- Smarter Ways to Search: Find exactly what you’re craving by exploring by
- Towns like Corolla, Duck, Manteo, and Ocracoke
- Time of day, such as breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, and dessert
- Dishes offering a taste of local cuisine like seafood boils, crab cakes, and more
- By experience so you can match your vibe with family-friendly spots, pet-friendly options, or outdoor waterfront dining
- New & Improved Restaurant Listings: We’ve upgraded profiles with better photos, live links, and fresh features, so you know what to expect before you ever walk in the door. And for restaurants, our new featured placements help the best of the best shine.
What’s on the Horizon for Outer Banks Restaurant Guide?
Our goal is to make Outer Banks Restaurant Guide more than a directory! We want it to be a living, breathing celebration of OBX food culture. We want to help visitors eat like locals and locals feel more connected to the restaurants they love.
We’re just getting started. While we may not have a physical magazine, this year, we do have other exciting features we are building towards next:
- Voting features so users can spotlight their favorites
- Fresh seasonal roundups and curated guides
- Giveaways, foodie challenges, and OBX Eats picks
- A more interactive experience for both diners and restaurant owners
Want to Get Involved?
We want the site to reflect the OBX food community with more photos, more feedback, and easier ways to save and share your favorite places. There are plenty of reasons to follow along and get involved in our journey, as we will be launching foodie giveaways and even offering special perks!
This guide has always been rooted in community, and we’re ready to grow it in a way that makes the Outer Banks feel even more like home, one bite at a time. Now… what are you hungry for?
For Restaurant Owners
If you’re a restaurant owner or manager, now’s the time to take advantage of our updated platform. Claim your listing, make sure your info is accurate, and unlock new opportunities to stand out through featured placements, events, and content partnerships.
For Locals, Foodies, and Fans
We’re building this for you. Whether you’ve lived on the Outer Banks your whole life or you’re just starting to explore our coastal towns, we want your input, your cravings, your reviews.
- Join the OBX Eats Facebook Group
- Subscribe to the Newsletter
- Follow along on social media for foodie fun, updates, and surprises.
Have a favorite dish we should highlight? Want to nominate a local spot for a feature? Just want to say hi? Email us anytime! We’d love to hear from you.
We’re grateful for the path paved by Gene, Mary Ann, and the Outer Banks Restaurant Guide publication crew. We are honored to continue the tradition of bringing fresh energy, local love, and a whole lot of good food to the next era of the Outer Banks Restaurant Guide.
