Chazz Pulliam, the original owner and founder of HopLite Irish Pub in Carolina Beach, NC, went to Michigan State University. The university mascot, Sparty, is a Hoplite warrior. Hoplites were the infantry men in the Spartan army. Hoplite also refers to the type of formations the warriors would use to fight. It’s just a reference to my alma mater. I also used to have a bunch of MSU memorabilia in the bar, which was removed when the 2nd owners bought it from me in 2017.
A cook of mine, Shane Schaff, created the Mac ’n’ Cheese balls—except they were then called “Chazzwald’s Cheesy Balls” when I had the bar for my eight year run. The customer’s loved that name and we had a lot of fun with it. Unfortunately the owners who bought it from me immediately changed the name, which always bothered me a little. That item and that name was iconic of the restaurant.
We also sold Turkey legs, which were very popular. Because of those two items, I sold the t-shirts. The first time I made those t-shirts, I made 100 and they sold out the first week!
Much has changed since then. For example, I was open 365 days a year. We were open until midnight Sunday-Thursday, and until 2 am on Friday and Saturday. We used to have big bands play outside until 1am on the weekends. It was hard because I was there usually from 10 am until 4 am on most days, but all those extra hours were very profitable. It always surprises me when I drive by at 10 pm and HopLite is closed. It used to primarily be a pub, only with good food. We made everything from scratch. Now it’s more of a restaurant than a pub, which is fine. I’m just telling you what has changed.
It was a really lively place and a great late night social gathering spot for the locals both in the winter and summer. Definitely one of the most popular bars on the island at the time. We provided late night food to all of the service people when they got off work, as were basically the only late night food spot on the entire island. I miss it greatly, but I don’t miss working over 100 hours a week for all those years. I got burned out and eventually knew that for my mental health, I needed to sell it.
Cathrine Robbins is now the current owner of HopLite Irish Pub, which remains as popular as ever, hosting annual Island events, celebrations, sports on TV, and live music. While times have changed and our small Island community is growing by leaps and bounds, HopLite Irish Pub remains a local favorite and honors the tradition of the original pub owner.
Chazz Pulliam owner 2009-2017
Ron and Noel Stevens owners May 1 2017- January 2021
Cathrine Robbins owner 2021- present