08/02/2025
✨ SAGOS on the river Announcement:
Letter from the Owner-
It is no secret to those who know me that I never set out to run a restaurant. My family owned small family-style restaurants for many years in Columbus County, NC and I did not have the desire to continue that legacy. But sometimes, partnerships don’t work out, and you step in and do what needs to be done.
While my heart and background are rooted in healthcare, I’ve discovered a deep love for restoring old buildings and being a very small part of the effort to bring new life to our beautiful downtown – first with Harbor Centre and then with Waterworks.
I’ve been incredibly grateful for the encouragement and support from friends, family and business colleagues throughout this journey. The general public – and especially online critics- often don’t understand the immense pressure of owning a small business. While owning your own business can afford some freedoms and can be extremely gratifying, it also comes with stress, sleepless nights, time away from family, and often caring for others before yourself! Critics who have never met me, who don’t know the history, and who haven’t experienced the physical and mental toll and financial risk of owning a business or restoring a property and trying to serve the public, can be quick to judge from the sidelines. It’s easy to comment; it’s FAR harder to build something.
With this all being said, I will be closing Sagos on the River as a restaurant on Sunday, August 3 at 7pm!
While some may view the closing of this chapter as a failure, I see it as part of a much larger story: a restoration project that brought life, knowledge, growth, wisdom and experience to me and so many others who are or became tenants, friends and business owners through both of these projects – Waterworks and Harbor Centre.
I want to thank those who offered sound advice and encouragement – people who have actually walked in the shoes of business owners and investors. Your support has made all the difference.
While the restaurant chapter is coming to a close for me, I am THRILLED that something brand new and exciting is on the horizon for this space and the Waterworks Building! In the meantime, we will be making the most of this gorgeous waterfront venue by offering it as a rental space for private events – parties, dinners, meetings and more. You can email us at [email protected] for details or call the office of DRCG Properties at 252-562-6593. You’re welcome to bring in your own food or caterer, and we will continue offering bar and bartending services. The space will be available through August and September.
❤️ To the staff – past and present – thank you for everything you did or have done to help bring life and warmth back to this stunning location! I am grateful to have met and worked with each of you during your time here at Sagos and wish you nothing but blessings!
I will forever be an advocate for small businesses and for those brave enough to take risks, follow their vision and pour their heart into something they believe in.
Here’s to happy ending AND brand new beginnings!!! CHEERS!!! 🥂
- Dana Rabon
