Grab & Stay
Bevvy Mart, Wrightsville Beach’s newest convenience store, brings new life to a former local icon.
Wrightsville Beach has long been known for its waves, laid-back vibe and tight-knit community. Now, thanks to professional surfer Mason Barnes and his longtime friends Chris “Cheeto” and Michaela Batten, the town has something new to appreciate: Bevvy Mart, a reimagined convenience store that’s as much a hangout spot as it is a place to pick up your favorite snacks.
Barnes, who grew up just around the corner from Bevvy Mart in the South Harbor Island neighborhood, has always felt a deep connection to this corner of the world. The idea for Bevvy Mart was inspired by his childhood memories of the old Amoco and Causeway Market, a local landmark that once stood where Bevvy Mart is now. It was the first place he experienced the freedom of going somewhere without his parents, riding his bike with friends to grab a slushie and a Slim Jim and simply enjoy being a kid.
Years later, as Barnes became known for his surfing, Cheto, then working at Surf City Surf Shop, recognized the potential in a young Barnes and was one of his first sponsors. This marked the beginning of Barnes’ friendship with the Battens, fellow Wrightsville Beach natives with deep roots in the local surf and coffee scene.
Barnes’ surfing career took off and he traveled the world, even riding the towering waves of Nazaré, Portugal.
“That wave in particular (Nazaré) changed my life and is responsible for everything I have in my surfing career,” he says. “But no matter where I go, I’ll always look forward to coming home to Wrightsville Beach.”
Cheto and Michaela, who once owned Bespoke Coffee, were natural partners in the Bevvy Mart venture.
Cheto handles the business side, while Michaela, the backbone of the operation, ensures everything runs smoothly. Together, they have brought Bevvy Mart to life.
“This isn’t your typical convenience store,” Barnes explains. “We created this place to be a convenience model but also a place to stay and hangout, have a coffee, talk to us, enjoy your time here. Don’t grab and go, grab and stay.”
It was a journey opening Bevvy Mart as the idea first sparked in 2018 and it took five years to navigate the necessary approvals and planning. Finally, on July 19, 2024, the doors opened to the public. The result is a space that blends modern design with nostalgic touches — a reflection of Barnes’ love for Wrightsville Beach and his experiences traveling the world as a professional surfer.
The interior is inviting, with colorful diner stools and slushie machines that pay homage to the old Causeway Market.
“The slushie machines were a huge part of this place when I was a kid,” Barnes says. “There’s a handful of things in the store that are key ingredients of what this place used to be”
The shelves are stocked with a mix of classic snacks and healthier options, a nod to Barnes’ health-conscious lifestyle.
His goal was to incorporate his values into the food and drink selections, making them accessible to the community while also ensuring that everyone is included. From traditional chips and Monster Energy to organic energy bars and kombucha, there’s something for everyone.
One of Barnes’ favorite offerings at Bevvy Mart is the coffee, and his go-to coffee order is the cortado with almond milk. As a self-confessed coffee fanatic who drinks up to five cups a day, he knew the coffee had to be top-notch, and with Cheto’s expertise, they have succeeded. They use the Slayer Espresso Machine, one of the best in the business, and beans from North Carolina’s own Black & White Coffee Roasters.
Barnes considers Bevvy Mart more than just a convenience store; he also sees it as a reflection of his love for the community.
“I’ve been all around the world, and I still travel to this day, and Wrightsville Beach is the most special place in the world,” he says.
He shares how the Wrightsville Beach community holds a special place in his heart, as he has always received an incredible amount of support. “This is essentially my way of giving back to the community because it’s something we all needed and wanted,” he says.
With its mix of nostalgia and modern flair, Bevvy Mart is more than just a store — it’s a place where the next generation can create their own memories, just like Barnes did all those years ago.
Looking ahead, Barnes has big dreams for Bevvy Mart. While this location is the flagship, he envisions expanding to other locations, offering healthier gas station options along I-40. It’s a long-term goal, But for now, his focus remains on making Bevvy Mart the best it can be — a place where everyone feels welcome.
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