Our Story
An Outer Banks landmark for more than 20 years, our meals are prepared to the standards of quality and consistency you’d expect from a legendary restaurant. We’ve been rated one of the top ten oyster bars in the nation by Coastal Living Magazine [ > Top 10 Oyster Bars ] and been recognized by Esquire Magazine [ > 67 Things Worth a Detour ] for our steamed spiced shrimp.
Awful Arthur’s atmosphere is very casual and family friendly, so don’t hesitate to bring the kids. Kicked back casual is the rule! The style is nautical with the restaurant’s walls lined with brass ships’ bells and other unique treasures. Who would expect less with the Atlantic Ocean only steps from our door? Awful’s features the beach’s only authentic copper-topped oyster bar and be sure to make your way upstairs for the ocean view from our lounge where you’ll find lots of specials and appetizers sure to please.
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Jo Hopkins Whitehead, Owner Born and raised in Virginia Beach, Whitehead moved to the Outer Banks after graduating with a Business Degree from Atlantic Christian College in 1980. Together Whitehead and her soon to be husband, Jay, founded Awful Arthurs Oyster Bar in Kill Devil Hills, NC in 1984. After marrying in 1991, the team of Whitehead and Whitehead expanded their business ventures to include Awful Arthur’s Beach Shop and Bad Barracudas Raw Bar & Grille. As the businesses began to grow, so too did Whitehead’s family after her first child, Katie was born in 1995 and son John in 1999. The new millennium brought with it the untimely passing of her late husband Jay. Whitehead was forced to take the reigns on all three businesses. Her savvy business acumen proved her a natural leader. With her new role came some very difficult decisions. Whitehead opted to sell Bad Barracuda’s in 2005 to focus her attention on Awful Arthur’s Oyster Bar and Beach Shop. Whitehead continues to thrive in her role as the owner of two successful businesses and the mother two well-rounded children. While it hasn’t always been easy, she credits her time working side by side with late husband Jay for the smooth transition. In the spirit of Jay’s legacy, Whitehead continuously gives back to the community she has called home for over 25 years. In addition to charitable donations, Whitehead is the acting Vice President of the Outer Banks Community Foundation and a former board member for the NC Restaurant Association. Going forward, Whitehead will let her instincts and knowledge of the industry set the tone for what’s to come. Her goal is to look back years from now be proud of her accomplishments both personally and professionally. |
