Coastal Coolers Brings ’ades and ‘Dirty Sodas’ to Wilmington

Stephanie and Ryan Cominella recently reached a major milestone in their business plan with the opening of Coastal Coolers. Originally from Minnesota, the couple moved south in November to escape the seasonal limitations of their pop-up beverage business and open a year-round soda shop.

The move allowed them to expand their footprint and bring their love of fair-style lemonades, limeades and custom sodas to Wilmington.

Coastal Coolers started as a seasonal pop-up business in Minnesota in 2023 when the then-newlyweds first experimented with selling flavored fresh-squeezed lemonades and limeades at local markets and festivals, but the state’s harsh winters limited their ability to operate year-round.

“We knew we wanted to take our business somewhere that we could sell all year, and we also wanted to live near the beach,” Stephanie Cominella said. “Wilmington became the perfect fit.”

Located at 5214 Market St., Suite 107, Coastal Coolers buildout happened just three weeks – thanks to the help of some close friends who moved to Wilmington from Minnesota around the same time.

The shop specializes in custom sodas, lemonades and limeades, offering a wide variety of flavors and mix-ins from protein to boba. With over 25 flavors, purees and creams to choose from, customers can create endless combinations of drinks. Some of their most popular creations include the Shoreline and Pretty Pink Sky, but they encourage guests to experiment with their own unique blends.

“One of my favorite drinks I’ve made is Sprite with vanilla cream, cotton candy, coconut and vanilla syrup,” Ryan Cominella shared. “It sounds wild, but people who try it love it. I also like lemonade with coconut, pineapple and Sprite.”

In addition to its everyday menu, Coastal Coolers releases seasonal and holiday-themed drinks, with updates posted on its social media channels. Its recent Valentine’s Day menu was a hit, and it is currently crafting festive drinks for St. Patrick’s Day and Easter.

In addition to providing nonalcoholic beverages for all ages, the Cominellas have also created a welcoming and uplifting atmosphere. The coastal-inspired aesthetic features hanging chairs and vibrant colors. The couple plays Christ-centered music and has a prayer request table where guests can leave notes or request prayers for loved ones.

“People are always so surprised and appreciative when they see it,” Stephanie Cominella said. “It’s a special part of what makes Coastal Coolers different.”

The Cominellas’ employees will continue to run their mobile business in Minnesota during the summer months, allowing the couple to build upon the brand recognition they’ve established there. While they have considered launching a mobile unit here, for now they’re focused on the brick-and-mortar location and perhaps a second location.

“We’d love to get out into the community, especially in the summer,” Stephanie Cominella said.

Coastal Coolers is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.