Today we’d like to introduce you to Randy & Simone Wilson.
Hi Randy & Simone, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Use to hang out at the local dive bar to shoot pool and opportunity came up to buy the place. It had been run down over the past 20 years and needed some upkeep. at the time they served beer only and mostly pre-frozen foods such as wings and burgers. They had 1 bartender who also served as the cook. Over the next couple of years we cleaned it up, started serving liquor as well as put in a new tap beer system. Started serving fresh (never frozen) foods wth a New Orleans flavor. Added tv’s and promoted as a New Orleans Saints home bar. Added patio exit and seating, within the first 5 years of new ownership Sharky’s made a 180 degree turn into one of the best neighborhood bars in Raleigh. 28 employees, Awards: best wings in Triangle (5 times) Best Neighborhood Bar, Best Sports Bar and Best place to shoot pool. Sharky’s is now renovating their kitchen and will have TWICE the space to bring you more outstanding cuisine. Renovations should be concluded by Mid July, 2026. come see us!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not too smooth since I had never owned a sports bar or restaurant, but we were able to retain one or two of the bartenders and the manager lf 16 years agreed to stay on for the first 6 months. Amanda, who had bartended there for several years agreed to stay on as manager and is still there going on 15 years. Of course when you own a bar EVERYONE has a suggestion, “if this was my bar I would….(fill in the blank)” Some were good ideas, some weren’t. But we continue to improve and strive to own the perfect Neighborhood bar.
We’ve been impressed with Wilco Financial, Inc, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I guess you’d call me the guy with the entrepreneurial spirit. For the last 20 years, I had settled in the financial business of insurance, annuities and estate planning. Reaching close to retirement age and many of my clients older than me, I decided it was time to make a move and the opportunity came up in an area that I had little or no experience, but I chose to “stand on the shoulders” of those that had been there before and it seems to have worked out. Live and learn “they” always say and I’m willing to do that.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Small west Texas town, played football and baseball, star athlete until I got into Jr. High and my maturity slowed down. Funny kid, lots of friends. Prodigy pool player as 15 years old, Had a good upbringing and was introduced to a good work ethic through the Oil fields of west Texas. (if you’ve been watching Landman, that’s where I grew up)
Pricing:
- Alcohol…moderate with specials
- Food..moderate with specials and New Orleans cuisine.
- Pool…great tables, well cared for and low prices
- entry…no door fees EVER
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sharkysnc.com
- Instagram: @sharkysplace
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sharkysplaceraleigh
