Two restaurants in Morehead City, NC, are embroiled in a comical sign war that’s spreading throughout the community. The hilarious battle began when Sam Turnage (above right), owner of Ioanni’s Grill & Bar, left “Happy Birthday Jeff” on their marquee for nearly 26 days. Clarke Merrell (above left), owner of neighboring restaurant Dank Burrito, became fed up with looking at the sign and decided to send a message using his own marquee, putting up the message: “Ioanni’s, quit being lazy, change your sign.” That was the beginning of the battle of the boards. Turnage updated his sign, then Merrell responded, and the messages began flying between the two. It’s estimated that over 70 businesses — from auto shops and furniture stores to fitness centers and the local VFW — used their own signs to comment on the feud. Even the local church got in on the action. Other businesses, however, used their signs to call for a truce between the two establishments. The community of nearly 10,000 people became so amused by the sign war that they even created a Facebook group where people can document creative sightings. In the end, both Turnage and Merrell admit that it’s just good fun and they’re glad it’s bringing people together.
