BMIE Market 28604
Watauga County, North Carolina · ZCTA boundaries as of 2020
Profile
| Population (current estimate) | 7,869 2020–2024 ACS 5-year estimate ±741 · American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates · ACS 5-Year 2024 (2020-2024) ZCTA · B01003_001E · on 2020 boundaries · retrieved 2026-09-05 |
|---|---|
| Households | 3,236 2020–2024 ACS 5-year estimate ±281 · American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates · ACS 5-Year 2024 (2020-2024) ZCTA · B11001_001E · on 2020 boundaries · retrieved 2026-09-05 |
| Population, 2010 Census count | 6,249 2010 Census count · Decennial Census · Census Gazetteer ZCTA 2010 · POP10 · on 2010 boundaries · retrieved 2026-09-04 |
| Housing units | 9,051 2010 Census count · Decennial Census · Census Gazetteer ZCTA 2010 · HU10 · on 2010 boundaries · retrieved 2026-09-04 |
| Median household income | $76,319 2020–2024 ACS 5-year estimate ±17,302 · American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates · ACS 5-Year 2024 (2020-2024) ZCTA · B19013_001E · on 2020 boundaries · retrieved 2026-09-05 |
| Median age | 45.2 2020–2024 ACS 5-year estimate ±5 · American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates · ACS 5-Year 2024 (2020-2024) ZCTA · B01002_001E · on 2020 boundaries · retrieved 2026-09-05 |
| Median gross rent | $991 2020–2024 ACS 5-year estimate ±102 · American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates · ACS 5-Year 2024 (2020-2024) ZCTA · B25064_001E · on 2020 boundaries · retrieved 2026-09-05 |
| Median home value | $383,800 2020–2024 ACS 5-year estimate ±35,611 · American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates · ACS 5-Year 2024 (2020-2024) ZCTA · B25077_001E · on 2020 boundaries · retrieved 2026-09-05 |
| Land area | 68.7 sq mi Census Gazetteer 2020 |
| Restaurants | 28 2023 · U.S. Census Bureau, ZIP Code Business Patterns 2023 detail (NAICS2022) · by USPS ZIP 28604 |
| Restaurants per 10,000 residents | 41.6 DERIVED: 2010 restaurants (ZIP) ÷ 2010 Census population (ZCTA) · different years, stated as such |
| Restaurant growth, 5-year | -6.7% DERIVED: 2018 → 2023, ZIP Code Business Patterns restaurants |
| Restaurant growth, 10-year | +0.0% DERIVED: 2013 → 2023, ZIP Code Business Patterns restaurants |
| Restaurant growth, 20-year | -9.7% DERIVED: 2003 → 2023, ZIP Code Business Patterns restaurants |
| Restaurant growth, Longest on file | +7.7% DERIVED: 1994 → 2023, ZIP Code Business Patterns restaurants |
| Projected restaurants, 2028 | 31 (range 26–36) FORECAST · linear trend v1 fitted to 2013–2023 (11 points, +0.3 per year, r² 0.13) · 80% range · confidence Low · momentum, not a guarantee |
| Projected population, 5 years ahead | Needs more ACS years on file |
| BMIE Market Score | 46 / 100 MODELED · bmie_market_score v1 · confidence High · why? |
| Consumer Market Score | 63 / 100 MODELED · consumer_market_score v1 · confidence High · why? |
| Restaurant Opportunity Score | 41 / 100 MODELED · restaurant_opportunity_score v1 · confidence High · why? |
| Market Momentum Score | 25 / 100 MODELED · market_momentum_score v1 · confidence High · why? |
Map
Boundary: U.S. Census Bureau cartographic file, 1:500k, 2020 vintage. Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors.Trends
Historical lines are published counts. Dashed lines are derived: a least-squares trend through the last decade, extended as a FORECAST with its 80% range. Momentum, not a guarantee.
Restaurants by year, with trend and projection
ZIP Code Business Patterns, USPS ZIP 28604. Projection: linear trend v1, fitted 2013–2023, +0.3 restaurants per year, r² 0.13, confidence Low.Growth index (first year on file = 100)
Each category relative to its own first published count. Full/limited split is unavailable under SIC (before 1998).Mix of the food-service market
Share of all food-service establishments. "Other" = snack bars, caterers, contractors, mobile.Population and restaurants per 10,000 residents
Population points: 2010 Census count and ACS 5-year estimates on file (more vintages load over time). Density uses the population point within two years of each restaurant count. Population projection appears once three or more ACS years are loaded.Restaurant growth vs. North Carolina and U.S. averages
Averages are the mean growth across all ZCTAs with the figure (state n = 688, U.S. n = 24,852). DERIVED from ZIP Code Business Patterns.Why these scores?
Each score is a weighted average of national percentile ranks (0 = lowest of all ZCTAs with that figure, 100 = highest). Weights are set in the model registry, not in code, and every score carries its model version.
BMIE Market Score: 46 (High confidence)
| Component | Value | Rank | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Market Score | 63.3 | 63 | 40% | +25.3 |
| Restaurant Opportunity Score | 41.0 | 41 | 35% | +14.4 |
| Market Momentum Score | 24.6 | 25 | 25% | +6.1 |
Consumer Market Score: 63 (High confidence)
| Component | Value | Rank | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population (ACS) | 7,869 | 67 | 40% | +26.9 |
| Median household income (ACS) | 76,319 | 57 | 40% | +22.9 |
| Households (ACS) | 3,236 | 68 | 20% | +13.6 |
Restaurant Opportunity Score: 41 (High confidence)
| Component | Value | Rank | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-year restaurant growth | 0 | 35 | 35% | +12.3 |
| Restaurants per 10,000 residents (lower = more room) | 35.6 | 16 | 25% | +3.9 |
| Population (ACS) | 7,869 | 67 | 20% | +13.4 |
| Median household income (ACS) | 76,319 | 57 | 20% | +11.4 |
Market Momentum Score: 25 (High confidence)
| Component | Value | Rank | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-year restaurant growth | -6.7 | 21 | 50% | +10.7 |
| 10-year restaurant growth | 0 | 35 | 30% | +10.5 |
| 20-year restaurant growth | -9.7 | 17 | 20% | +3.4 |
A high score is a statistical position among all U.S. ZCTAs, not a prediction that a restaurant will succeed.
Restaurants on file (84)
By cuisine
American 16 · Coffee 15 · Mexican 6 · Sandwiches 6 · Asian 4 · Bakery 4 · BBQ 4 · Cajun, Creole, Southern 4 · Dessert 3 · Ice cream / frozen desserts 3 · Italian 3 · Pizza 3 · Seafood 3 · Burgers 2 · Japanese 2 · Spanish / tapas 2 · Steakhouse 2 · Tea / bubble tea 2 · Chinese 1 · Healthy / salads / bowls 1 · Hot dogs 1 · Latin American (other) 1 · Southwestern / Tex-Mex 1 · Sushi 1 · Thai 1 · Vietnamese 1
By type
Restaurant (service type not stated) 50 · Bar 16 · Café 11 · Coffee shop 11 · Quick service 8 · Bakery 5 · Dessert 5 · Casual dining 4 · Specialty food shop 3 · Winery / distillery / taproom 3 · Brewery / taproom 2 · Food truck 2 · Juice, smoothie, tea 2 · Other 2 · Buffet 1 · Catering 1 · Fast casual 1
| Name | Type | Cuisine | Address | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 343 Designs Banner Elk | Restaurant (service type not stated) | Mexican | 486 Main St W Ste 3 | open |
| 5506' Restaurant and Bar | Restaurant (service type not stated) · Brewery / taproom · Bar · Casual dining | 1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy | open | |
| A Bean Above the Rest | Coffee shop | Coffee | 191 Main St W | open |
| Alpen Restaurant and Bar | Restaurant (service type not stated) · Bar | American | 606 Beech Mountain Pkwy | open |
| Artisanal | Restaurant (service type not stated) | American | 4501 Tynecastle Hwy | open |
| Artisanal Restaurant | Restaurant (service type not stated) | American | 1200 Dobbins Rd | open |
| Banner Elk Brewing Company Llc | Restaurant (service type not stated) | 567 Main St E | open | |
| Banner Elk Cafe | Café · Restaurant (service type not stated) | Coffee · American | 324 Shawneehaw Ave | open |
| Banner Elk Lodge & Cafe | Café · Restaurant (service type not stated) | Coffee · American | 116 Rock Spring Cir | open |
| Banner Elk Winery | Winery / distillery / taproom | 60 Deer Run | open | |
| Bayou Smokehouse & Grill | Restaurant (service type not stated) | BBQ · American · Cajun, Creole, Southern | 130 Main St E | open |
| Be Scooped | Dessert · Coffee shop | Ice cream / frozen desserts · Dessert · Coffee | 144 Azalea Cir | open |
| Beech Mountain Resort Cafeteria | Buffet | 606 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain, NC 28604, United States | open | |
| Bella's | Restaurant (service type not stated) | Italian · Burgers | 3585 Tynecastle Hwy | open |
| Blind Elk Tap Room | Bar | Spanish / tapas | 397 Shawneehaw Ave S | open |
| Blue Ridge Cannery & Crepe Cafe | Café | Coffee | 608 Beech Mountain Pkwy | open |
| Bodega Banner Elk | Restaurant (service type not stated) · Bar | 430 Penny Ln | open | |
| Bullwinkels | Restaurant (service type not stated) | Pizza · Italian | 606 Beech Mountain Pkwy | open |
| Caddyshack Cafe | Café · Restaurant (service type not stated) · Coffee shop | Coffee | 1054 Sugar Mountain Dr | open |
| Cam Ranh Bay | Restaurant (service type not stated) | Vietnamese · Japanese · Asian | 110 High Country Sq | open |
| China House Restaurant China House | Restaurant (service type not stated) | Chinese · Asian | 3581 Tynecastle Hwy | open |
| Dilly's Cuban Cafe & Candle Shop | Restaurant (service type not stated) | 3045 Tynecastle Hwy | open | |
| Dog Bakery & Pet Boutique | Bakery | Bakery | open | |
| Drg Realty, Inc | Restaurant (service type not stated) | 134 Main St W | open | |
| Dunkin' Donuts | Coffee shop · Restaurant (service type not stated) · Dessert · Bakery | Coffee · Dessert | 10656 NC Highway 105 S | open |
| Dunn's Deli | Other | Sandwiches | 134 Main St W | open |
| Einstein Bros. Bagels | Bakery · Restaurant (service type not stated) | Bakery | 191 Main St W | open |
| Elk River Club Equestrian | Bar | 691 Equestrian Dr | open | |
| Epic Chophouse Eagles Nest Epic Chophouse | Restaurant (service type not stated) | Steakhouse · American | 139 Great Camp Trl | open |
| Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria | Restaurant (service type not stated) | Pizza · Italian | 402 Beech Mountain Pkwy | open |
| Famous Fast Eddies | Quick service · Restaurant (service type not stated) | BBQ · Hot dogs | 1005 Beech Mountain Pkwy | open |
| First Chair Coffee Shop | Coffee shop · Café | Coffee | 1103 Beech Mountain Pkwy | open |
| First Fruits Açaí | Restaurant (service type not stated) | 397 Shawneehaw Ave | open | |
| Fred & Larry's Coffee | Coffee shop · Restaurant (service type not stated) · Café | Coffee | 3591 Tynecastle Hwy | open |
| Freds Backside Deli | Specialty food shop · Restaurant (service type not stated) · Quick service | Sandwiches | 501 Beech Mountain Pkwy | open |
| Gadabouts Catering | Restaurant (service type not stated) · Catering | 1615 Tynecastle Hwy | open | |
| Grandfather Vineyard & Winery | Winery / distillery / taproom | 225 Vineyard Ln | open | |
| Ham Shoppe | Other | Sandwiches | 124 Broadstone Rd | open |
| High Country Taproom & Dog Bar | Bar | 110 Sugar Mountain Dr | open | |
| Highlanders Grill And Tavern | Casual dining · Bar · Restaurant (service type not stated) | American | 4527 Tynecastle Hwy | open |
| Holy Smokes BBQ | Restaurant (service type not stated) | BBQ · Cajun, Creole, Southern · American | 3363 Beech Mountain Pkwy | open |
| Kettell Beerworks | Brewery / taproom · Bar | 567 Main St E | open | |
| Los Arcoiris | Restaurant (service type not stated) | Mexican | 431 Beech Mountain Pkwy | open |
| LP on Main | Restaurant (service type not stated) | American · Cajun, Creole, Southern | 171 Main St E | open |
| Lucky Pickle Southern Deli | Fast casual · Restaurant (service type not stated) · Quick service · Specialty food shop | Healthy / salads / bowls · Sandwiches | 2931 Broadstone Rd | open |
| McDonald's McDonald's | Quick service · Restaurant (service type not stated) | Burgers | 3980 N Caroline Nc 105 | open |
| Mi Jalisco Mexican Grill | Restaurant (service type not stated) | Mexican | 608 Beech Mountain Pkwy | open |
| Mint to Be | Dessert | Ice cream / frozen desserts | 144 Azalea Way | open |
| Mountain Dog and Friends | Café · Coffee shop | Coffee | 126 Taylor Rd | open |
| Mountain Grounds Coffee & Tea Co. | Coffee shop · Juice, smoothie, tea · Café | Coffee · Tea / bubble tea | 3990 NC-105 | open |
| Nguyens Asian Grill | Restaurant (service type not stated) | Asian | 2015 Tynecastle Hwy Ste.B | open |
| Papa's Pizza | Restaurant (service type not stated) | Pizza | 3045 Tynecastle Hwy | open |
| Pb&j Hospitality Group Llc | Restaurant (service type not stated) | 488 Main St W | open | |
| Puerto Nuevo Puerto Nuevo Mexican and Seafood Restaurant | Restaurant (service type not stated) | Mexican · Seafood · Latin American (other) | 2120 Tynecastle Hwy | open |
| Quiznos | Quick service | 4004 Nc Highway 105 S Ste 8 | open | |
| Red Door Candy Store "Your Sugar Spot" | Dessert | 358 Shawneehaw Ave | open | |
| Red Door Wedding Loft & Gathering Venue | Bar | 538 Shawneehaw Ave | open | |
| Reid's Cafe and Raw Bar | Café | Seafood · Coffee · American | 4004 NC-105 | open |
| Stonewalls Iii, Inc. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan | Restaurant (service type not stated) | 344 Shawneehaw Ave | open | |
| Stonewalls Restaurant | Restaurant (service type not stated) | Steakhouse · Seafood · American | 344 Shawneehaw Ave S | open |
| Subway Subway | Quick service · Restaurant (service type not stated) | Sandwiches | 3579 Tynecastle Hwy | open |
| Sugar Cream Ice Cream Parlor | Dessert | Ice cream / frozen desserts · Dessert | 3390 Tynecastle Hwy | open |
| Sugar Creek | Bakery | Bakery | open | |
| Sugar Mountain Last Run Lounge | Bar | 512 580 Slope Vw Rd | open | |
| Sushi Club | Restaurant (service type not stated) | Japanese · Sushi | 140 Azalea Cir Ste 108 | open |
| The Alpen | Bar | American | 700 S Beech Mountain Pkwy | open |
| The Barra | Bar · Restaurant (service type not stated) | 140 Azalea Cir Ste 108 | open | |
| The Corner Palate | Restaurant (service type not stated) | 115 Shawneehaw Ave | open | |
| The Mountainsté Chalet | Bar | 112 Fairway Dr | open | |
| The Painted Fish Cafe & Beer Bar | Restaurant (service type not stated) | American | 2941 Tynecastle Hwy | open |
| The Pedalin' Pig | Restaurant (service type not stated) | BBQ · Cajun, Creole, Southern · American | 4235 NC-105 | open |
| The Yum Yum Cafe | Café · Coffee shop | Coffee · American | 3440 Tynecastle Hwy | open |
| Third Eye Coffee | Coffee shop · Food truck · Café | Coffee | 112 Bark Park Wy | open |
| Tienda Mexicana El Tarasco | Restaurant (service type not stated) | Mexican | 9872nchighway105south\n\n | open |
| Town Tavern of Banner Elk | Bar · Casual dining | 330 Main St E | open | |
| Uncle Lee's Restaurant | Restaurant (service type not stated) | Asian · Thai | 488 Main St W | open |
| Valle Crucis Lavender House | Coffee shop · Juice, smoothie, tea | Coffee · Tea / bubble tea | 175 Frank Mast Rd | open |
| Valle de Bravo Mexican Grill | Restaurant (service type not stated) | Southwestern / Tex-Mex · Mexican | 4501 Tynecastle Hwy | open |
| Villa and Winery Blueberry Farm | Winery / distillery / taproom | 60 Deer Run | open | |
| What the Cluck Truck | Quick service · Restaurant (service type not stated) · Food truck | 344 Shawnee Rd | open | |
| Whistle Pig Pub | Bar · Casual dining | 502 Beech Mountain Pkwy | open | |
| Williams Deli and Bakery | Restaurant (service type not stated) · Bakery · Quick service · Specialty food shop | Bakery · Sandwiches | 101 High Country Square #28 | open |
| Zuzda | Bar | Spanish / tapas | 502 Main St E | open |
| Mile High Tavern | Restaurant (service type not stated) | 1003 Beech Mountain Pkwy | closed |
Restaurant establishments over time
| Year | All food service | Restaurants | Full-service | Limited-service | Snack & beverage | Bars | Industry codes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 26 | 26 | — | — | — | — | SIC1987 |
| 1995 | 23 | 22 | — | — | — | 1 | SIC1987 |
| 1996 | 21 | 20 | — | — | — | 1 | SIC1987 |
| 1997 | 31 | 30 | — | — | — | 1 | SIC1987 |
| 1998 | 32 | 30 | 21 | 8 | — | 1 | NAICS1997 |
| 1999 | 28 | 26 | 21 | 4 | — | 1 | NAICS1997 |
| 2000 | 30 | 27 | 20 | 6 | — | 1 | NAICS1997 |
| 2001 | 26 | 24 | 19 | 4 | — | 1 | NAICS1997 |
| 2002 | 30 | 29 | 21 | 7 | — | 1 | NAICS1997 |
| 2003 | 34 | 31 | 23 | 7 | 1 | — | NAICS2002 |
| 2004 | 34 | 32 | 23 | 7 | 2 | — | NAICS2002 |
| 2005 | 32 | 30 | 22 | 6 | 2 | — | NAICS2002 |
| 2006 | 33 | 31 | 24 | 6 | 1 | — | NAICS2002 |
| 2007 | 27 | 25 | 18 | 7 | — | — | NAICS2002 |
| 2008 | 28 | 26 | 18 | 7 | 1 | — | NAICS2007 |
| 2009 | 25 | 23 | 18 | 5 | — | — | NAICS2007 |
| 2010 | 30 | 26 | 20 | 6 | — | 1 | NAICS2007 |
| 2011 | 33 | 30 | 24 | 6 | — | 1 | NAICS2007 |
| 2012 | 33 | 30 | 25 | 5 | — | 2 | NAICS2012 |
| 2013 | 31 | 28 | 22 | 6 | — | 2 | NAICS2012 |
| 2014 | 28 | 26 | 22 | 3 | 1 | — | NAICS2012 |
| 2015 | 29 | 27 | 18 | 7 | 2 | 1 | NAICS2012 |
| 2016 | 29 | 27 | 19 | 6 | 2 | 1 | NAICS2012 |
| 2017 | 27 | 25 | 18 | 6 | — | — | NAICS2017 |
| 2018 | 31 | 30 | 24 | 6 | — | — | NAICS2017 |
| 2019 | 34 | 33 | 25 | 5 | 3 | — | NAICS2017 |
| 2020 | 27 | 26 | 19 | 5 | — | — | NAICS2017 |
| 2021 | 29 | 27 | 20 | 4 | 3 | — | NAICS2017 |
| 2022 | 37 | 32 | 22 | 6 | 4 | — | NAICS2022 |
| 2023 | 32 | 28 | 20 | 5 | 3 | — | NAICS2022 |
Nearby markets (within 5 miles)
None within 5 miles.