The Lobsteer Inn: Sign comes down, memories go on

November 17, 2025

With all the development that has occurred in Moore County over the years, several restaurants and businesses that lifelong residents of the area continue to remember and talk about have been forced to close their doors due to economic changes. Whether it was famous people who sat and ate in those restaurants or couples sharing a special meal on an important date, everyone has a story to tell about one of those places, told from time to time.

One of these local restaurants recently had its memories brought back to the surface for anyone who had eaten there or simply driven by it on a daily basis.

Utility workers clearing brush in the town of Vass for a new development uncovered an old billboard that had been completely hidden by thick brush. The Lobsteer Inn, once located in the building that now houses Spartan Blades in Southern Pines, was suddenly the talk of the town, now that people could see the sign again, and memories came flooding back.

After the sign was exposed, word of it spread on social media like wildfire. Several people commented on Facebook posts, recalling their special memories of the restaurant.

One resident who posted about the sign thought it would be a good idea to help find the owners and return a piece of their iconic restaurant to them. As a full-time local utility worker myself and a reporter for Sandhills Sentinel, I was in Vass to see the sign shortly after it was uncovered. I knew that, due to its location, it would be at risk of damage or even destruction if workers operating equipment tried to continue working around it, and I decided to help get it back to the owners for safekeeping.

I decided to post online to see if I could find the owners. It only took a few hours for social media to “do its thing,” and it wasn’t long until owner Barbie Gibson reached out about the sign.

Moore County resident Gaston Lynch, who owns a local landscaping business, retrieved the sign for the Gibsons and delivered it home, and I was there to capture the moment.

Michael and Barbie Gibson, along with their daughter, were ecstatic to see the sign in person again.

Gaston Lynch (left) and Michael Gibson (right) pose with a piece of the sign.

I sat down with the Gibsons and listened to their story. Michael Gibson worked at the restaurant under former owner Harry Whitney, who opened it in 1969 before moving on into the health field. In 2006, Harry decided it was time to hang up his apron and reached out to Michael for his interest in taking ownership of the restaurant.

Due to the restaurant’s excellent location right on U.S. Highway 1, it was on the main stretch from Raleigh to Rockingham. From famous NASCAR drivers to famed golfers and sports stars, and even the weekly diners, Michael recounted the numerous faces that walked through the doors of the once-iconic restaurant.

When asked what items they were famous for serving, their answer was spot-on with what readers on Facebook had said: the salad bar! Not just your ordinary salad bar with a few select items, it was like a meal of its own. The prime rib was also a big hit, along with fresh seafood and even pasta dishes, so there was a little something for everyone’s taste buds.

Numerous local businesses reserved the restaurant for their Christmas parties every year. Michael was the chef, and Barbie was a hostess and bartender, along with several servers. They recalled their young daughter zooming through the restaurant on her scooter. They also recalled several paintings hanging on the walls that were by an artist from Greensboro.

When asked what he missed the most, Michael didn’t have to think about it at all. It was simply the customers.

As with many former businesses and restaurants in Moore County over the years, the economy can be a huge struggle. Unfortunately, in January 2013, the Gibsons were forced to close the doors for the last time. The building sat vacant until Spartan Blades took ownership.

Even as some places are forced to close or move on, the memories we have will continue to linger around and bring a smile every once in a while.