Let real estate agent, Britney Kensmoe, take you on a stroll inside Holly Springs and introduce you to the amazing small business owners of Holly Springs, North Carolina. Holly Springs is the city of southern charm that boasts an abundance of local businesses, an up and coming downtown scene along with delicious eats along the way.

Following the success of their two Wake County locations of My Way Tavern, dynamic husband-wife team Andrew and Nikki Stafford envisioned bringing another mom-and-pop eatery to the neighborhood. Owning and operating a seafood restaurant had been a dream for a while, so they decided to bring the beach to Holly Springs and opened The Blind Pelican Seafood House on April 29, 2019.

You will be transported to the coast as soon as you walk into The Blind Pelican where every detail has been lovingly designed to provide a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Lobster crates and driftwood light fixtures hang above custom-built booths and a community table made from reclaimed wood salvaged from piers wrecked by Hurricane Michael. Nautical artifacts collected from all along the east coast and a stunning bar top fashioned to look like the bottom of the ocean complete the seaside effect. Executive Chef Michael Flood has created a diverse and delectable menu of scratch made offerings using only the freshest seafood. Crowd favorites include oysters (raw, fried, baked, or steamed), Crab Cakes, Lobster Roll (served on a split top roll fresh made in-house), Lobster and Scallop Pasta (tomato, artichoke, roasted corn, and garlic tossed in light cream sauce), Shrimp and Grits, and Sushi Nachos. Just as impressive as The Blind Pelican’s cuisine is their vast libation selection. Order a glass of wine, choose from over 50 craft beers, or try one of their famous artisanal cocktails like the Cedar Plank Smoked Old Fashioned made with Woodford Reserve, bourbon-soaked cherries, and burnt orange zest. Kid menus are available making this a perfect stop for the whole family.

Having lived in Holly Springs for 20 years and raising their three kids here, Andrew and Nikki Stafford are dedicated to supporting our community wherever they see an opportunity. Starting with endorsing local artists, they commissioned artisan welder Stewart Webb McRae from Apex to design the steel pelican (affectionately dubbed Shanahan) that hangs from the restaurant’s ceiling. The Staffords devote themselves to helping our region’s schools through numerous fundraisers. During the holidays The Blind Pelican Seafood House hosts food drives, coat drives, and toy drives.

Learn more about them here:
The Blind Pelican
120 Bass Lake Rd. Holly Springs • (984) 225-2471
The Blind Pelican