HAMLET — Following an extended soft opening, the Seaboard City’s newest restaurant officially opened late Wednesday afternoon.
Dine 82, on Main Street, is the latest venture of Ingrid McDonald-Hooks, who considers herself a Hamlet native, having moved to town with her family at the age of 13 and growing up on Entwistle street.
“The vibrant community and the wonderful neighbors I encountered along the way profoundly impacted my life, shaping my journey and fueling my aspirations,” said McDonald-Hooks. “My passion for food and catering to others has always been at the heart of my endeavors.”
She has spent nearly 20 years in the restaurant business, opening her first establishment when she was 25, “marking the beginning of my commitment to serving fresh, wholesome meals.”
“Throughout my career, I’ve explored various business ventures, each reinforcing my love for creating exceptional dining experiences,” she said. “For me, food is more than just a profession — it is a lifelong passion.”
McDonald Hooks said she is “honored” to be back home, and is “dedicated to bringing fresh, quality, farm-to-table options to our community.”
The menu for the grand opening included:
During the soft opening, other menu items included the Main Street Patty Melt, baked turkey wings, crab legs and T-bone steak.
In addition to soda, bottled water and tea, Dine 82 also serves beer, wine and mixed drinks.
“At Dine 82, we look forward to serving you with quality food and service,” McDonald-Hooks said. “My motto is simple: ‘If I don’t eat it, I don’t serve it.’ This is more than a business; it’s a way of life.”
The restaurant will be open from 4:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 4:30-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
The site has been home to several other eateries, most recently Buie’s Cotton Gin Restaurant and Catering, which was open from 2021 until 2024.
NOTE: This story has been edited to change "liquor" to "mixed drinks" to more accurately reflect the menu. 5:47 p.m. 1-15-25.