Comical sign war erupts in North Carolina beach town

In a scenic beach town in North Carolina, a humorous sign war has erupted among local restaurants, beginning with a prolonged birthday message from Ioanni's Grill & Bar. Owner Sam Turnage displayed 'Happy Birthday Jeff' for nearly 26 days, prompting neighboring restaurant Dank Burrito's owner, Clarke Merrell, to retaliate with a sign urging Ioanni's to change theirs. This playful exchange escalated, with both restaurants trading witty remarks that drew in other local businesses. As the sign war gained momentum, over 70 establishments, including auto shops, churches, and fitness studios, joined in on the fun, creating a sense of community amidst the lighthearted rivalry. The signs featured clever puns and humorous jabs, showcasing the creativity of the local business owners. For instance, fishing store EJW Outdoors and Dank Burrito engaged in a playful back-and-forth about tacos and guacamole. The sign war has not only entertained residents but also fostered a sense of unity in the community, especially as tensions rise with the upcoming election. Local resident Ashton Blackmon expressed joy in witnessing the camaraderie and laughter that the sign war has brought to the nearly 10,000-strong community. As the humorous feud continues, some locals are calling for a truce, highlighting the positive impact of the sign war in bringing people together. The creation of a Facebook group dedicated to documenting the signs further emphasizes the community's enthusiasm for this lighthearted competition.