Our Story
A legacy of history and hospitality.
Nestled on the corner of Middle and Broad Streets in the heart of Historic Downtown New Bern, The
Chelsea Restaurant resides in the beautiful, storied Stanly Building, built in 1913. Lucinda Stanly tasked her son, George C. Eubanks, a local architect, with the design and build. Lucinda inherited the land, along with many other properties, from her late common-law husband and was the presumed daughter of John C. Stanly, also known as “Barber Jack,” the son of influential New Bern merchant John Wright Stanly, and Catherine “Kitty” Leach.
Upon completion in 1913, the first tenant of the building was Caleb D. Bradham, the inventor of Pepsi Cola. Bradham’s “Bradham Drug Company” established its second pharmacy, the “Broad Street Store,” within the Stanly Building. Just a block away, Bradham had begun his iconic Pepsi venture a decade earlier at the corner of Middle and Pollock Streets, where “The Pepsi Store” is now located. A 1914 directory lauded the store’s modern design and sanitary equipment, highlighting its beautiful soda fountain as the “Handsomest in the South”. Many of the building's original interior features, such as the stunning mosaic tile floors, multi-paned transoms, and pressed-tin ceilings, have stood the test of time and remain. The Stanly Building is one of two remaining structures that are directly connected to Caleb Bradham's legacy. The other being the Charles Slover House, located a few blocks away. Bradham purchased the home in 1908 and the next year his drink was bottled in 250 plants in twenty-four states. After the closure of Bradham’s second pharmacy, the Stanly Building became home to William’s Restaurant.
The Stanly Building | 335 Middle Street
A timeless landmark at the heart of New Bern’s history.
A Landmark of Local Dining
William’s Restaurant | Famous from Maine to Florida
For decades, locals have fondly remembered the building as the longtime home of William’s Restaurant, “Known from Maine to Florida”, which operated from 1930 to 1981. Located along the original Highway 17, William’s became a popular stop for travelers from near and far. Nick Komras, and his business partner, Bill, opened William’s and created a welcoming space that would embody hospitality for the next 51 years. The restaurant’s name came about in an unexpected way when the sign company offered the owners a discount on a sign already reading “William’s Restaurant.”
With both the landlord and the main cook named William, the name stuck. In 1955, Tommy and Mary Leris bought William’s and continued its thriving reputation.
The restaurant was a New Bern institution, with such notable guests as Elvis Presley and his band, who dined here after a 1955 performance at the Shriner’s Auditorium. Story has it that Elvis sat in the same booth that still exists in our dining room – ask for “table 4”!
After the closure of William’s Restaurant in the early 1980s, The Stanly Building became home to The Corner Grill, which served New Bern for eight years. In 1991, The Chelsea Restaurant opened, marking the beginning of its own chapter in New Bern’s dining history. Five years later, it expanded by acquiring the building directly behind The Stanly Building, 405 Broad Street, which has its own rich history.
405 Broad Street: A Storied Building
From Hotel to Fire House
Built between 1888 and 1893, 405 Broad Street has served as home to various establishments over the years. In 1898, it housed the Hotel Neuse, and in 1904, it became home to the Elks Lodge. From 1913 to 1928, the building served as the Atlantic Fire Company, one of North Carolina’s oldest and most historic fire departments. The fire company’s horse stables now house The Chelsea’s kitchen, and many original relics, including the fireman’s pole, were discovered during a renovation in the late 1990s and donated to the New Bern Fire Museum, located across the street.
Renovation and Evolution
From Historic Roots to Modern Hospitality: The Chelsea and the Stanly Building
The Chelsea underwent an extensive renovation in the late 1990s to include an upstairs dining room overlooking our riverfront downtown and a 110-seat private banquet room for events. Throughout the years, The Chelsea has inspired many—including New Bern’s own Nicholas Sparks, who featured the restaurant in his 2003 novel The Wedding, along with several of his other works. It has become an iconic part of the community, continuing a long tradition of excellence and hospitality. Today, locals and travelers alike may arrive for the signature Shrimp & Grits, but stay for the chef-curated selection of hand-cut steaks.
The Stanly Building remains a symbol of New Bern's deep-rooted history and its enduring commitment to hospitality. From its early days as a center of commerce and innovation to its present role as a beloved dining destination, The Chelsea and the Stanly Building continue to embody the spirit of this historic town.
Credits: New Bern Historical Society, Jim Hodges, Curator; The Gazette, August 12, 1981; “The Historic Architecture of New Bern and Craven County” by Peter B. Sandbeck, Our State Magazine