Restauranteur Doris Johnson Lives Creative Vision Offering Flavorful Food and Community Meeting Space -- by Laura Bush Jenkins

Doris Johnson of Island Breeze Grill wasn't planning to open a restaurant in Elizabeth City.  While she enjoyed the creativity of running her own "Caribbean Southern/ touch of Cajun" restaurant in New York, Doris and her husband Shemroy were primarily looking to transition out of the area after September 11th.

As a child, Doris's family came to the United States from England seeking opportunity.  Walking in the spirit of the First Amendment, she envisioned a restaurant "not just about food service, but promoting and exchanging ideas openly" with community gatherings and forums.

Perhaps an organization or civic group you belong to is looking for flexible meeting space.  In addition to its restaurant, the Loft Gardens area upstairs offers a comfortable, modern venue for entertaining.

Equipped with a kitchen, cozy living room, 3 1/2 bathrooms and space that comfortably sleeps 14, Loft Gardens is in-demand for reunions and women's weekends, drawing people from as far away as Colorado, New Jersey, and California- not to mention international travelers and students from Greece, Thailand, and Ethiopia.

A "Central Park" rooftop area with steel cables and trees is coming soon, offering guests additional connection space while enjoyed a view of the downtown.  

"This is more of a retreat area than a meeting space," Doris notes, with a smile.

"When we give someone the keys, we tell them 'Welcome Home.'"  

In an effort to give back to those in need, Loft Gardens is registered with the American Red Cross and Airbnb as emergency housing space for refugees and those who've lost their home in a disaster.

To view the spacious Loft Gardens or enjoy flavorful food and conversation at Island Breeze Grill, contact Doris Johnson and her team at 220 N Poindexter Street, Eizabeth City, 252 338 0048.