Southport Magazine

Dry Street Pub & Pizza turns 20!

Story By: Grace and Sarah Barbee, daughters of Dry Street owners, John and Sheila Barbee.

On March 15, 1996, John and Sheila Barbee decided they wanted to open their own restaurant. For years, they had worked at the now closed, Port Charlie’s restaurant on the waterfront in Southport. Many people supported them including John’s mother, Cathy, who gave them the house to renovate into a restaurant.

As a thank you to their wonderful customers, Dry Street is celebrating their 20th Birthday in style on Saturday April 9th. Drop by anytime between 6-9pm with live Music by Heather and Dennis; Beer and Wine Tasting by Empire Distributing. $10 per person, includes hors d’oeuvre, pizza and dessert buffet; Cash Bar with Beer and Wine.

John and Sheila worked hard turning the house into a restaurant but they were ready to open for business in the spring of 1996. Even with their extensive knowledge of the restaurant business, running their own place and catering, in conjunction with raising a family proved to be a challenge. Sheila had just given birth to their second child, Grace. They quickly realized that they needed to hire help to wait on the tables at night, so they hired their first employee, Carol Ann Finucan. As time went by and their business grew, they hired many more employees, including friends and other family. It has always been a family affair and the charm of the house turned restaurant fits well with the food they serve. In 2001, they welcomed their third child, Sarah. And just like their

growing business, so was their family. Their oldest child, Mike started helping out washing dishes at the age of 12. And now you can find Grace and Sarah helping out by waiting on tables.

Starting the business was tough, but the wonderful food and excellent wait staff kept the customers coming back. You can find a wide variety of food at Dry Street not just pizza; homemade sandwiches, salads and daily specials make Dry Street one of Southport’s finest eating establishments. Dry Street is a family business and a second home to many. Eating there does not only satisfy your hunger, it is a place you will call home!