CFCC Graduate Opens Brady's Burgers in Wilmington at 20

Brady O'Brien opens Brady's Burgers in Wilmington after graduating from Cape Fear Community College's Business Administration program in December. The fast-casual restaurant serves smash burgers, with customers selecting toppings as they move through the line.

O'Brien, a Laney High School graduate, developed the concept about 18 months ago while still enrolled at CFCC. "I grew up loving burgers," he said. "I like quick but quality food. I want it to be simple and good."

At 19, O'Brien pitched the concept to investors and secured backing. He attended meetings with established business owners, watched videos, listened to podcasts, and sought advice from former bosses and people outside the food industry.

O'Brien has worked at Jersey Mike's for more than five years and continues there while preparing for the opening. He credits the job with teaching him operations and customer service.

Jerry Coleman at CFCC's Small Business Center provided resources and guidance. The center offers free counseling and more than 80 annual seminars for entrepreneurs and business owners.

O'Brien is building out the restaurant space from a shell, learning construction and permitting requirements along the way. "The most challenging part is realizing I'm going to fail a lot," he said. "I would go to meetings, and sometimes walk out thinking I did not do well in that. But you adjust, switch this, change that, and keep going."

O'Brien wants Brady's Burgers to prioritize community connection. "When people come into the restaurant, I want to know them by first name," he said. "The food matters, but so does the experience."