What gave you the idea to create the Bevvy Mart?

Chris Batten: “We identified a need and want in an already existing ideal location. We saw great potential in the beach town to create a community-based ‘convenience’ store to meet the demands of both tourists and locals alike.”

 
Why did you choose Wrightsville Beach as a location?

Chris Batten: “This is home for all of us. The original building that occupied this land was a Welcome Center. After that, it turned into a corner store that occupied the space for over 40 years. We all have special connections. It was Mason’s first sense of freedom, riding to get snacks after school with friends. Chris grew up with it as a gas station and quick stop. Over the years, we lost all gas stations and convenience stores on the island, and it just felt natural to rebuild this community connector and get it back in action but with our own little twist.”
 

What has the reception been so far?

Chris Batten: “We have been blown away by the initial response to Bevvy. We have been welcomed with wide open arms. We were unsure if there would be a level of education of products we would have to provide to our customers in our grocery, but our customers have been very receptive to all our brands and selection. There was a major void in healthy grab-n-go food that we were able to fill as well by bringing chef James Bain (formerly Epic Food Co.) aboard as our food director. And with Chris’ previous experience with coffee (Bespoke Coffee), the coffee bar was a no-brainer.”
 

How is Bevvy Mart different from typical convenience stores?

Chris Batten: “We operate under a new wave of convenience. Life is all about balance, so while we will still sell slushies and Cheetos, we also provide healthy yet quick food and beverage options. As we like to say, ‘real food, real fast.’ Healthy smoothies and functional-type coffees/teas cater to the healthy active lifestyle of our everyday customers. We thrive on our local community vibe and old-school ‘corner store’ mentality.”

 
Do you hope to duplicate Bevvy Mart elsewhere?

Chris Batten: “Yes, we are already internally having those early discussions now. Bevvy was designed to be a scalable business with plans to expand regionally down the coast. This framework could work anywhere, catering to the locale within each community.”
 

What else would you like people to know about the business?

Chris Batten: “With everyone turning to AI and less human interaction, people are craving human connection. Our mart provides a nostalgic, feel-good experience that seems to be missing in the everyday. We are here for the early risers, late-night snackers and everything in between.”