Morehead City is abuzz with a unique, competitive, and humorous “sign war.” The war was initiated by local businesses Dank Burrito and Ioanni’s Grill & Bar and has become a regional sensation. Not only are residents amused, but the war has also drawn visitors’ attention to the area, and the local business community has embraced the friendly competition.
The fun began when Clarke Merrell, owner of Dank Burrito, noticed a ‘happy birthday Jeff’ sign at Ioanni’s Grill & Bar that had remained posted for approximately 26 days. Noting the extended celebration, Merrell publicly called out Ioanni’s Grill & Bar. This seemingly innocent move ignited a rivalry that was christened ‘the sign war. ‘
Sam Turnage, the proprietor of Ioannis Grille, retorted humorously, implying that his bustling business merely had more work to handle than Dank Burrito. Implying the high demand for Ioanni’s Grille testified to its popularity and superior quality.
Morehead City’s humorous sign battle creates community unity
This witty exchange was the beginning of a much wider war.
The sign war has since grown to involve over 70 local businesses from diverse industries. The remarkable puns and amusing exchanges on the signs have become attractions, sparking smiles amongst locals and tourists. Online, the sign war has become a viral sensation, gaining local and even international attention. The trend has created a unique sense of community and even inspired an original song authored by a local musician.
Owners Merrell and Turnage believe the sign war has inspired unity in the community amidst recent election-associated tension. The light-hearted exchanges have offered relief, spurred friendly competition, and promoted a sense of camaraderie. The sign war brought joy and unity even though political divides seemed to deepen.
The community tracks the sign war daily through a dedicated Facebook group, documenting each quirky exchange. The group provides a platform for community members to keep up-to-date with the hilarious back-and-forth between the competing businesses, ensuring that everyone can keep pace with the quick-witted exchanges.
