WILSON'S MILLS - Last week's election could open restaurant doors in Wilson's Mills. Voters approved on-premise beer and wine for restaurants and bars, though by press time Monday, the Board of Elections had not yet made the count official.

The wine vote passed 86-77, while the beer vote was 85-79. But six provisional ballots remained to be certified, leaving the door open for a reversal of the beer vote upon the final tally yesterday afternoon. Please check theherald-nc.com for an update.

Growth hopes

Before the vote, businesses in Wilson's Mills could only sell beer and wine for off-premise use. Town leaders put on-premise sales on the ballots with hopes of drawing restaurants and boosting economic growth.

"We really wanted to do this so we can encourage some of the upscale restaurants to come into town," said Leighanna Worley, town administrator. The town's position on U.S. 70 could be an asset, she said.

Sharon Duren, an assistant manager at the local Handy Mart, agreed. "You're in a good location," she said. "You're in between Goldsboro and Raleigh; a lot of people drive [by.]"

Personally, Duren favors a new bar or club. "Are you going to open a bar? Do you need a manager?" she asked a reporter.

Town officials aren't so eager for a nightclub or bar. Worley and most council members would prefer an eatery, and they said strict town ordinances would keep bars in check.

Peter Wilson, the town's outgoing mayor, said on-premise sales would lay the groundwork for growth. "I think our citizens are sending a message that Wilson's Mills is poised for the next economic wave that is coming to Johnston [County,]" Wilson wrote in an e-mail.

"There is not an upscale restaurant on the Highway 70 corridor from Goldsboro to Raleigh," added Wilson, now a councilman who won reelection last week.

From the looks of it, Wilson's Mills might be thirsty enough to support a new business.

"Beer is our biggest seller just about in the store, besides cigarettes," Duren said.