North Beach Bar and Grill – a place of many ‘firsts’
By Tim Arnold Tybee Blue/Tybee Green
We all love this tiny little island, and the salt marsh, beach, and ocean that surrounds us. We marvel at dolphins, sea turtles, and pelicans every time we are
lucky enough to see them. We get upset at litter on the streets and especially on the beach. We see too much styrofoam, too many straws, too many plastic
bags, and countless cigarette butts carelessly dropped on our little patch of heaven. Is it too late? Have we made too much of a mess for ourselves? Short
answer is, no.
There are heroes everywhere on this island, all doing something to reduce their environmental impact and foster a more sustainable future. This column is all
about showcasing these efforts. It’s a place to remember that small actions matter, and that the people that run businesses and care enough to act deserve
our support. Thank them when you can!
Many a visitor and most locals regularly head to the North Beach section of Tybee Island for its family-friendly atmosphere, iconic lighthouse views, and
the chance for a close encounter with frisky dolphins and enormous cargo ships. They’re also there to hang at the colorful North Beach Bar & Grill to enjoy
Caribbean-themed food, outdoor music, and a perfect laid-back beach vibe. But did you know that NBB&G was the first, and for a long time, the only restaurant
on Tybee to ditch plastic bags, put leftovers in fiber boxes, switch drinks to plant-based cups, and eliminate plastic straws altogether? Need a bottled water
to go? It’s in an aluminum can.
Owners Kathryn and George have continually strived to reduce the restaurant’s waste, and to ensure that anything that gets littered will biodegrade rapidly,
limiting harm to the marine life that surrounds them. This is a serious commitment: single-use plastics, including styrofoam, are often half the cost of earthfriendly
alternatives, representing a significant marginal difference to small, locally-owned places like NBB&G.
So, next time you visit this magical place, thank your servers, and ask to see George or Kathryn and let them know that their leadership on reducing harmful
waste is important to you and to the world. And tell your friends too!
14 TYBEE BEACHCOMBER | AUG 2019