MEET THE OWNERS
The Musser Family has been rooted in the Wilmington restaurant community since the 1980’s. John and Erin opened their first restaurant in 1983, not realizing that by 1992 they would clear a large wooded lot behind them and turn it in to what is now Capt’n Bills. Over the last 40 years of working in the restaurant industry, they have raised two daughters, who also worked in the family business.
Brookes, the oldest daughter, stepped in to start running the day-to-day operations alongside her parents. Brookes also brought along her husband, Donnie, who oversees Bill’s Brewing Company. The four now work every aspect of the business, and even bring along the next generation, Austin and Walker, Brookes and Donnie’s two sons.
A STORY SPANNING GENERATIONS
A STORY SPANNING GENERATIONS
HOW WE STARTED
Capt’n Bill’s began with a passion for food, family, and fun. In 1983, John and Erin Musser opened 220 Seafood, which evolved into Musser’s Seafood & BBQ before expanding into catering. In 1991, they set their sights on something new—clearing land for what would become Capt’n Bill’s.
Opening in 1992 with four volleyball courts, a walk-up bar, and a grill, Capt’n Bill’s quickly became a local favorite. Over the years, it grew—adding courts, a tiki bar, cabanas, and more. In 2016, Bill’s Brewing Company joined the family, followed by The Warehouse in 2017, bringing a full-scale brewery and taproom to life.
Today, Capt’n Bill’s is the East Coast’s premier sand volleyball facility with 12 courts, three bars, a brewery, and a full restaurant—continuing to grow while staying true to its roots of great games, great food, and great times.
HOW WE'VE EVOLVED SINCE 1992
1991
The current Capt’n Bills location lot was cleared and construction began
1992
Capt’n Bills opened with 4 volleyball courts, a walk up bar and grill and horseshoe pits.
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1993 - 1996
Expanded volleyball facility by adding 3 new courts in 1993 and replacing the horseshoe pits with what is now Court 2 in 1996, bringing the total to 8 sand courts.
1998 - 2000
Enhanced the outdoor experience with the addition of the Tiki Bar in 1998 and the Cabana in 2000.
2010
2 additional volleyball courts were added for a total of 10 courts.
2016
Bill’s Brewing Company joined the family and Bill’s Front Porch officially opened.
2017
The Warehouse was purchased and dreams of a production brewery and large taproom connected to Capt’n Bills began to develop.
2020
Capt’n Bill’s closed for 10 weeks during COVID, gradually reopening with safety regulations in place. Full operations resumed in Fall 2020, and Bill’s Front Porch transitioned into a dedicated event space.
2024
The Warehouse opened, and Capt’n Bill’s expanded with 2 additional courts—creating a 12-court sand volleyball facility complete with three bars, a full-service restaurant, and an on-site brewery.