In a recent post shared on social media, Mason’s Restaurant & Grocery announced it will be staying in Aberdeen. The 6-year-old business had plans to move to a larger, brand-new building in Whispering Pines this spring, but will now remain at its original location for the foreseeable future.
Owners Brian and Alison Hainley shared on social media that plans are at a standstill and that they don’t see a clear path forward for the new location near Provision Ace Hardware.
Initially, the Hainleys shared in June that they were moving into the larger space and would rebrand as an all-day cafe.
The post stated that they were disappointed that the situation didn’t come together as they had hoped.
“There is no bad blood—just a situation that ultimately didn’t come together the way we had hoped,” wrote the Hainleys in a post on Facebook. “We are incredibly disappointed, but also deeply grateful for the support, excitement, and encouragement this community has shown us throughout the process.”
Brian has been involved in the industry for over 20 years. He developed a taste for the business while accompanying his father, who operated a restaurant equipment company.
After retiring, Brian’s dad purchased a restaurant, where his son gained valuable experience. Attending the legendary Culinary Institute of America, in Hyde Park, N.Y., made the younger Hainley a trained chef.
Since graduating, Brian has owned restaurants locally and in Tennessee. He returned to Moore County to be closer to family.
Mason’s, named after the couple’s son, opened at 111 N. Sycamore St. at the beginning of 2020.
“We remain hopeful that one day we’ll have the opportunity to grow into a larger space,” said the Hainleys. “Until then, we’re right where we started, and are thankful to continue serving our customers in the place that built us.”
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Photo via Mason’s Restaurant & Grocery.
