Local Flavor Lands on Campus

Two new additions are bringing more of Wilmington’s local flavor to the UNCW campus, making the Seahawk dining experience even better.

Boombalatti’s Homemade Ice Cream is scooping up excitement with a new location on the corner of The Shore Dining Hall. Just across campus, another flavorful concept is brewing in Randall Hall — Central Perch, UNCW’s new coffee hub.

Boombalatti’s Homemade Ice Cream ribbon cutting celebration took place on Sept. 4 in celebration of the university’s 78th anniversary. Family owned and operated, each batch of Boombalatti’s ice cream is churned locally using North Carolina grass-fed dairy. The campus location offers a variety of favorites, including vegan options. The menu rotates based on availability and can be accessed via the shop’s socials.

Inspired by the success of Revolve Kitchen, a concept that featured a rotation of local partners and proprietary brands on campus in 2024, Central Perch is designed to blend quality coffee with community connection. It highlights a revolving lineup of local vendors including Social Coffee, Sundays Surf Cafe, Hidden Grounds Coffee, and Cafe Mata. Three of the shops — Social, Sundays and Hidden Grounds — are owned and operated by UNCW alumni.

Students will help choose which vendor earns a permanent spot through surveys and real-time feedback about their experience with each shop. UNCW Business Services plans to announce its selection in the summer of 2026.