New eatery headed to downtown Asheboro:

ASHEBORO — Reports of the demise of Full Moon Oyster Bar were premature. Its development is currently moving forward in a historic building at the corner of North and Trade streets in Asheboro.

Mayor David Smith, owner of the building, said last week, “Construction has started. We expect to finish by the end of August or early September.”

This will be the seventh North Carolina location, joining similar restaurants in Clemmons, Southern Pines, Morrisville, Jamestown, Concord and Atlantic Beach. The complete name is Full Moon Oyster Bar and Seafood Kitchen.

Smith said the concept is for diners to eat at the bar, where oysters are shucked by the staff. The menu includes a full variety of seafood items with oysters being the headliners. Shellfish and shrimp are complemented by salmon and tuna, steaks, salads and even burgers and dogs for the little tykes. You can even get dessert at Full Moon.

The full menus at the other locations can be found at https://www.fullmoonoysterbar.com/menu.htm.

The entrance to Full Moon will be at 124 North Street, although Smith plans to offer a handicapped entryway on Trade Street.

Smith said hiring for the Asheboro restaurant is beginning, with training offered at other locations during the short term. He said the owner has promised to pay a living wage to his employees. They’re looking for cooks, bartenders, shuckers and others.

The building, which was constructed in 1904, is on the National Registry of Historic Places, along with the footprint of the downtown Acme-McCrary mill buildings.

Smith said the section along Trade Street where the restaurant will be located was once a livery stable and has also housed a grocery and auto repair garage, among other things.

Acme-McCrary purchased the building in the 1950s, according to Smith, and used it for a carpentry shop, for printing labels and as a warehouse.