Compared to Atlanta, Wilmington scores -23 points higher—explaining the real estate premium.
Best Restaurant Location in Wilmington
The Wilmington market combines a 125K population base, $26/sqft lease rates, and moderate competitive pressure—yielding distinct dynamics for restaurant operators.
Launching a restaurant in Wilmington requires $255K capital against $62K household income (4.1x multiple).
Find the Best Restaurant Location in Wilmington
Use our AI-powered map to discover the perfect street address in Wilmington. Select your target area and unlock competitor gaps, foot traffic data, and optimal zones.
Restaurant Finder
Wilmington, United States
Unlock instantly:
Click the map to select your target area
Market Readiness: Restaurant in Wilmington
Market nuances specific to Wilmington's demographics
Market Opportunity
Based on 7 comprehensive market factors
Financial Overview
Discover Your Ideal Wilmington Restaurant Site
Get street-level insights showing exactly where demand exceeds supply for restaurants in Wilmington.
Inside Wilmington's Commercial Landscape
in-depth location evaluation
Market Position
Wilmington positioning
Launching a restaurant in Wilmington requires $255K capital against $62K household income (4.1x multiple).
Operating in Wilmington: $26/sqft rent, 78-point foot traffic, $26,000/mo baseline for 1K sqft unit.
Consumer base of 0.3M at $62K average income drives a $19B economic opportunity.
Market dynamics: moderate saturation, very high expansion, 4.1x capital requirement.
Viability assessment: 4.1x capital needs, 78/100 exposure, $26/sqft overhead yields 61/100 score.
Wilmington runs on Tourism and Film Production, supporting $62K earners.
Baseline 2.5% expansion against moderate competition. Standard entry dynamics.
$255K startup. 49 local income-months to break even.
Competitive Position
National ranking for restaurants
Score: 67.7/100. 0.3M people. $62K income.
Restaurant costs $255K to open. Income ratio: 0.24x.
Traffic: 78. Rent: $26/sqft. Income: $62K.
Very High growth. Moderate competition. Score: 67.7.
0.3M metro. $26/sqft rent. 78 foot traffic.
$255K startup. $26,000/mo rent. 49 income-months to recoup.
Score 67.7. Average conditions. Execution decides success.
$18.6B total income across 0.3M people.
Strategic Recommendations
Actionable strategies tailored for Wilmington
Very High growth. Moderate competition. Plan accordingly.
Traffic: 78. Rent: $26/sqft. $26,000/mo for 1000 sqft.
$62K income. Mid-tier pricing works. Offer options.
Restaurant: $255K to open. 49 income-months to recoup.
Traffic 78. Balanced. Mix storefront and digital.
0.3M metro. Focus on one location first.
$312,000/yr rent. 503.2% of local income. Factor that in.
Very High growth absorbs Moderate competition. Worth entering.
Launch Timing & Momentum
Align your opening window with market-ready signals
Entry Signal
Good - Favorable Window
Strong market conditions support entry. Develop detailed business plan and secure financing within next 3-6 months.
- 🚀 Very high growth trajectory - first-mover advantage available
- ⚖️ Moderate competition - balanced market entry
- 🚶 Good foot traffic (78) - organic visibility
Seasonal Levers
- Holiday dining
- Summer outdoor seating
- Event catering opportunities
How Wilmington surpasses
calibrated to $62K demographics
The $62,000 income profile in Wilmington positions it 53% higher than the $40,492 national norm.
Commercial rates averaging $26/sqft in Wilmington sit 20% below the $33/sqft market standard, enabling competitive pricing.
The 0.3M regional population trails average markets (3.8M) by 92%.
Restaurant Market Analysis for Wilmington
Why Wilmington for Restaurants?
- Metro population of 300,000 provides large customer base
- Average income of $62,000 supports restaurant spending
- Moderate business density indicates healthy economic activity
- Strong foot traffic opportunities throughout the city
- Strong demographics opportunities throughout the city
Restaurant Success Factors
Restaurant Market Insights for Wilmington
Tourism industry creates diverse dining opportunities and higher traffic
Seasonal Considerations for Wilmington
Holiday dining
Summer outdoor seating
Event catering opportunities
District-by-District: Wilmington
Commercial corridors serving $62K earners
Downtown Wilmington
High PotentialBusiness District
Strong WeekdaySuburban Areas
Growth AreaWilmington vs Other United States Cities for Restaurants
| City | Population | Avg Income | Market Score | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington ⭐ | 300,000 | $62,000 |
|
Current City |
| Atlanta | 6,307,000 | $71,000 |
|
Explore → |
| Plano | 7,760,000 | $102,000 |
|
View data → |
| Frisco | 7,760,000 | $127,000 |
|
Compare → |
| Fort Lauderdale | 6,166,000 | $73,000 |
|
Check it → |
Restaurant Insights Unique to Wilmington
Every business + city URL now shows a different mix of ratios, rent dynamics, and demand levers.
Market fundamentals place Wilmington at 68/100 for restaurants: $62,000 average wages meet 78/100 pedestrian density.
Operating in Wilmington: $26/sqft rent, 78-point foot traffic, $26,000/mo baseline for 1K sqft unit.
$255K startup. $26,000/mo rent. 49 income-months to recoup.
In Wilmington, Parking availability becomes the tiebreaker.
Restaurant FAQs for Wilmington
Each answer references real Wilmington data so this section is unique across the site.
What playbook works best for restaurants in Wilmington?
0.3M metro. Focus on one location first.
What makes the Wilmington market distinctive?
Operating in Wilmington: $26/sqft rent, 78-point foot traffic, $26,000/mo baseline for 1K sqft unit.
What operational lever matters most for restaurants in Wilmington?
Parking availability should lead your playbook when launching in Wilmington.
How does Wilmington compare to other restaurant markets?
Compared to Atlanta, Wilmington scores -23 points higher—explaining the real estate premium.
Data Sources & Methodology
Our analysis combines multiple authoritative data sources
Economic Data
- World Bank Open Data
- International Monetary Fund (IMF)
- National Census Bureaus
Business Intelligence
- Ease of Doing Business Index
- Global Innovation Index
- Industry Association Reports
Demographics
- UN Population Division
- Municipal Open Data Portals
- Consumer Expenditure Surveys
Real Estate
- Commercial Real Estate Listings
- CoStar Market Analytics
- Local Zoning Databases
Methodology Note: Our opportunity scores are calculated using a weighted algorithm that considers population density, income levels, competition saturation, commercial rent costs, and industry-specific success factors. Data is refreshed quarterly from authoritative sources. Individual results may vary based on specific business circumstances, local regulations, and market conditions not captured in aggregate data.
Ready to Open Your Restaurant in Wilmington?
Good - Favorable Window with a 67/100 opportunity score, moderate competition, and a 78/100 foot traffic index. Strong market conditions support entry. Develop detailed business plan and secure financing within next 3-6 months.