We Are Crafters of Fine Food and Authentic Experiences

Our mission: to redefine the art of hospitality by creating exceptional experiences that inspire and delight our guests. We are dedicated to surpassing expectations, fostering real connections, and crafting unforgettable moments while celebrating our amazing teams who work incessantly to achieve 100% guest satisfaction.

The 81 Hospitality Team

Black and white photo of Clarke Merrell, Owner and Executive Chef wearing a chef's coat, sitting at a table.


  • Clarke Merrell is a celebrated chef and restaurateur whose creativity and passion have made him a cornerstone of Eastern North Carolina’s culinary scene. As the visionary behind 81 Hospitality Group, Clarke has built a reputation for crafting unforgettable dining experiences that blend bold flavors with distinctive atmospheres.

    Born into the restaurant world, Clarke’s journey began in 1988 when his parents took over DJ Shooters in Atlantic Beach. This early immersion sparked a lifelong love for the culinary arts, setting him on a path to become a chef. He honed his craft at the prestigious Florida Culinary Institute. After graduating, Clarke worked alongside renowned culinary talents, refining his techniques and developing a signature style that fuses innovation with tradition.

    Today, Clarke owns and operates an impressive portfolio of North Carolina establishments, including Dank Burrito, Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria, Social Q Smokehouse, Prime Bistro & Wine Bar, Beaufort Olive Oil Company, and Merrell Estate & Gardens. Dank Burrito has evolved into a thriving franchise, with locations expanding across the Southeast from North Carolina to Florida. Each venue reflects Clarke’s meticulous attention to detail—whether it’s the custom coppertop bar at Circa 81, the hand-cut wood paneling at Prime Bistro, or the vibrant graffiti art at Dank Burrito.

    Clarke’s commitment to culinary excellence and immersive dining experiences has earned him widespread acclaim as one of North Carolina’s most respected chefs and entrepreneurs. His establishments are not just restaurants but destinations where guests savor exceptional food and unforgettable moments.

Black and white photo of Liza Merrell, Co-Owner and Director of Hospitality smiling with arms crossed, wearing a turtleneck sweater and a necklace.

  • Liza was born in Des Moines, Iowa and then moved to Raleigh in 1996. Since she was born, Liza and her family spent every summer and many holidays in Atlantic Beach, as her mother is from Eastern NC. Liza attended Leesville Road High School and went on to Washington, D.C. where she attended The George Washington University and majored in Women’s Studies and Political Science. Liza was very active on campus and held a variety of leadership roles in GWU student activities. She was a member of Sigma Kappa sorority, where she served as Executive Vice President. While in college Liza worked on-campus at GWU, for a law firm, and at Springboard Enterprises, as a research intern.

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    Liza started working in restaurants as a high school job at the age of 15. During college summer break she also worked as a waitress in Atlantic Beach. She and her husband, Clarke, met in 2002 while Liza worked at Shooters restaurant and bar in Atlantic Beach, which was owned by the Merrell family. Liza and Clarke started dating in 2003 and were married in 2009.

     

    After graduating from GWU Liza worked at the Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) in the Research Triangle Park, where she was the senior manager for all industry conferences. She then moved to RegEd in August 2006 as an Implementation Project Manager and worked as a remote employee with them until July of 2022.

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    Liza manages the front-of-house hiring, staffing and reservations for Circa 81. She coordinates all special events and caterings for both on and off-site events and Merrell Estate & Gardens. She also oversees marketing materials and websites for the businesses.

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    Liza and Clarke have two children. Liza is an active partner of One Harbor Church and has served on the Kids Ministry team. She is passionate about serving children in our community and served as a Guardian ad Litem for several years in Wake County. Liza served on the Home and School Association (HASA) Board for St. Egbert Catholic School. She is a former Advisory Board member for Sigma Kappa (Gamma Phi chapter) at NCSU. Liza loves to travel and spend her days off out on the water or at the beach.