NC-13 Small Business Spotlight: The Garden State Grill

Restaurants are not just a place to eat. They are a place for families, friends, and communities to gather, getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. That getaway is much sweeter when it features delicious, made from scratch meals and exceptional service.

From ribeyes to boardwalk fries, The Garden State Grill in Lillington aims to deliver original, flavorful meals in a welcoming and relaxed environment.

Founder Ben Lipetz set out to satisfy the cravings of locals and visitors alike by providing “fine dining flavors and laid-back vibes” while making every guest feel valued and comfortable. The restaurant is proudly veteran-owned and operate

Ben says their success stems from his and his staff’s desire to serve the community just as much as it comes from their mouthwatering menu.

“I want to be a positive influence on the community and help others prosper. With a community-first and teamwork mindset, I can keep a staff full of good people employed and they in turn build a great customer experience,” Ben said.  “We’re selective about our staffing because we want to ensure that everyone on our team is just as passionate about serving our customers as they are with serving great food with amazing hospitality.”

Like most restaurants, The Grill’s wait staff receives tips for their customer service and will benefit greatly from the No Tax on Tips provision of the One Big Beautiful Bill. When asked about the policy’s impact on his employees, Ben highlighted their anticipation of a hopeful tax season.

“My wait staff is excited. They’re actually looking forward to doing their taxes this year because they know they’ll get a huge refund at a time when they usually get hit with a big bill.”

If you’re in the area and looking for a great meal, Ben has plenty of recommendations from the scratch-kitchen menu.

“We’re famous for our boardwalk fries which are topped with a pot roast infused gravy and covered with melted mozzarella and provolone cheese,” Ben said when asked about the best item on the menu. “As a scratch kitchen with a chef-driven menu, we are constantly sourcing the freshest and best ingredients that we can find. We know that people want a good quality, home-cooked meal, in an inviting and friendly atmosphere. That’s where we excel.” 

The NC-13 Small Business Spotlight is designed to highlight wonderful small businesses and people serving our district. If you know of a great place to feature, please reach out to Congressman Knott’s communications team at quinn.slaven@mail.house.gov.