Southport Magazine

A cool breeze coming off the ocean blows away the humidity, while the sound of the surf creates a rhythmic beat, and the sun setting over the dune grass spreads a warm, rosy glow, giving the place an almost magical feel. And then the music begins. I sip my Prosecco and drink it all in while the melody from an acoustic guitar floats across the open-air deck. Welcome to Seahorse Eats & Drinks and Ocean Crest Fishing Pier, a spectacular setting for live music on Oak Island. 

Ocean Crest Fishing Pier has been around for a long time, but has evolved over the years to meet the expectations of rapidly growing and diversifying community.  In 2021, the pier house underwent some significant changes, including the addition of a grill, a bar, and an outdoor deck for live concerts. Despite the expansion, it retains a feel that is warm, friendly and familiar, much like the family that owns and operates it.  

One of the few remaining privately operated piers in North Carolina, Ocean Crest Fishing Pier is owned by Nancy Tuck, her son Steve Andrews, and partner Robert Prince. I recently had the pleasure of talking with Nancy and Steve, who I found to be two of the nicest people I’ve ever met, a sentiment echoed by customers, staff and the musicians who play there.  

“I’ve been playing music for a long, long time, and I’ve always done my best to work with good folks. In my opinion, they don’t come much better than Nancy, Steve, Robert, and all of the good folks at the OCP,” said Cliff Wheeler, leader of the popular Cliff Wheeler Band, a group frequently featured at Seahorse.

Hurricane Trouble

In 2002, Robert Prince, whose family has owned the pier in Cherry Grove, SC since 1965, was presented with the opportunity to purchase OCFP, which had been struggling since sustaining significant damage from Hurricane Floyd a few years earlier.  Andrews, who had a successful career in technology sales and service but was looking to make a change, and his mother, retired from a career in banking, agreed to join him on the adventure. They say it has been a learning process over the years, with challenges ranging from hurricanes to staffing to exorbitant insurance costs, but it’s one they have battled successfully for 20 years. The last few, however, have been particularly tough.

During the winter of 2019-2020 the trio rebuilt about one-third of the pier, damaged from several years of storms and rough surf.  Steve said that insurance companies no longer cover commercial piers or over-water structures, so all of the cost is on them. The work was completed right on time for the pier’s spring opening in 2020, but then COVID hit in March, and the pier, along with the rest of the world, was shut down. In late June, the pier reopened with limited capacity, but then Hurricane Isaias came crashing ashore in August and damage to OCFP was extensive. The “T” at the far end of the pier was completely destroyed, its large round pavilion washed away by the storm surge.

“The pier was only open for a total of six weeks in 2020,” Steve said, “so you can imagine the difficult financial situation we were in after sinking all that money into repairs.”

At that point, the owners had some tough decisions to make. While the “T” and pavilion had been a big draw for serious fishermen and tourists alike, the cost to rebuild was prohibitive.

“There are hardly any family-owned piers left these days, due to the costs associated with ownership and maintenance.” Steve said. “While town-owned piers can self-insure and issue bonds to fund repairs, and can obtain State and Federal funds to rebuild after storms, private owners have to come up with their own funding sources.”

A New Direction

These factors weighed heavily on their decision to take a new direction and put their money toward something that had the potential to generate income, which they could then reinvest in ongoing pier maintenance.  It was a tough decision, Steve said, knowing they could lose some of the King Mackerel fisherman to the newly rebuilt town pier, but reality necessitated the change. A very clever reconfiguration allowed them to maintain the existing bait and tackle shop while expanding the retail section and adding an ocean-view bar that serves beer, wine, and slushies, and a grill. They also built an oceanside deck that runs the length of the building right up to neighboring Island Way Restaurant.

Respectful that the heart of any pier is its fishermen (and women), OCFP remains a full-service fishing operation with a full line of Big Rock bait and tackle, rods and reels, and other fishing equipment. The retail shop carries clothing, hats, sunglasses, and other accessories by brands like Calcutta, Salt Life, Panama Jack, and private label items as well. The grill, which has been open since June of this year, is currently open for breakfast and lunch, and also serves dinner on concert nights.

As word spreads about the concerts at OCFP, a growing crowd make the place hum. A congenial mix of local residents and visitors to the island mingle seamlessly and the atmosphere is family friendly. The long, narrow deck space encourages socializing, while a larger open area around the side allows for dancing as the night heats up! The music is diverse, ranging from R&B to country to classic rock, typically played by a solo acoustic guitar or a duo.

Nancy Tuck says they are selective about the acts they book, taking the time to watch demos or see bands perform live at other venues before adding them to their rotation. Steve, who spent much of his early career in sales, seems to have a gift for convincing musicians to come play at his small island gem.  

“It’s always a responsive crowd and such a beautiful backdrop to a performance,” says Greg Rowles, a South Carolina sensation who successfully parlayed his win on Star Search to a career in local media and entertainment, but makes time to play at the pier. Greg considers the owners true friends, and supports their efforts to create an intimate venue for local talent.

The first gig ever booked at Seahorse was a musician named Chris Cary in April of 2021. Cary, a former Marine and phenomenal musician who plays the violin, fiddle and guitar, has opened for Blake Shelton, Tammy Wynette and Blake Shelton. To see him, now playing with partner Sandy, in a small, intimate setting against the backdrop of our beautiful shoreline, is a real treat.

Other popular acts include the Cliff Wheeler Band, an award-winning country-blues group, popular Oak Island locals R&R, and South Carolina artist Kascie Page, a powerhouse singer who has opened for the likes of Ricky Skaggs. For a  modest venue, the music scene is big!

“The venue is sort of small but that makes it cool, you can interact with the audience better than in some of the larger music halls and theaters,” Cliff Wheeler said.

Giving young, up-and-coming artists an opportunity to test their talents in a relaxed setting is one of the best things about this venue, Steve said. He also loves the chance to facilitate introductions to more established musicians who act as mentors to the younger ones. He and Nancy can be found at the Seahorse chatting with customers and musicians on most concert nights.

“Miss Nancy has been so warm and inviting and has a wonderful personality. I adore her!” Page said, when asked what she likes about playing at Seahorse.    

All About Family

By all accounts, Steve, Nancy, and Robert are the heart and soul of this place, and it is easy to see the rapport they have with the musicians, the customers, and the staff at Seahorse Eats and Drinks. Nancy and Steve both expressed their delight in running a business venture that allows them to work with family and friends.  

“I love that it’s truly a family business, and each member has their own gifts that they bring to work” Nancy says with sincerity.    

Robert’s niece Jennifer Price is the Social Media Coordinator, Steve’s niece Leah Andrews tends bar alongside Greg Smith, who worked in sales with Steve in their former lives back in Atlanta.  

“You can’t beat this work environment!” Smith told me with a big grin.

Nancy, an Oak Island resident, is also an artist and teaches an art class on the pier called “Scapes & Grapes.”  For a fee of $25, participants get a lesson with all the supplies for either a water color or acrylic painting and a glass of wine. Sounds like a perfect afternoon to me!

While the owners of OCFP are proud to have created an Oak Island attraction, they also aim to be good corporate citizens in the community.  OCFP runs fishing camps for children in the summer and sponsors tournaments for veterans through the “Operation North State” program. Above all, they value the opportunity to interact with their customers.

“We treasure our guests and want to make it a better experience each time they’re here. Make them want to come back, and bring their friends,” Nancy said.

So, whether you are waiting for your table next door at Island Way Restaurant, down at the beach to watch the sun set, or looking for a spectacular setting to hear live music outdoors, come join the family gathering at Seahorse Eats & Drinks on the Ocean Crest Fishing Pier. I can’t think of a better place to hear live music at the beach!