Dogfish Head has announced plans for a seafood restaurant at the former Finbar site in Rehoboth Beach.
The restaurant had been closed for a couple of years after Dogfish principals acquired the Irish-themed restaurant bar next door to its Brewings and Eats brewpub.
The new restaurant will be known as Chesapeake & Maine. The seafood restaurant will take its inspiration from Dogfish Head founder and president Sam Calagione’s summers spent in Dogfish Head, Maine and his connection to the Chesapeake region.
The restaurant is slated to open its doors February 2016.
Chesapeake & Maine’s maritime themed space is being designed by Dogfish Head and Otto Architects, Jenkintown, PA. It features porthole windows and oyster shell chandeliers.
The menu will consist of sustainably sourced seafood directly from Maine and the Chesapeake Bay with a unique take on classic New England dishes such as Maine lobster Bolognese and a seafood charcuterie, according to a release.
“We’re excited to combine our love for our two favorite maritime regions in the world into one restaurant concept,” Calagione stated. “We have had a blast drinking many beers and eating many oysters with the fisherman from both regions with whom we will be working closely at Chesapeake & Maine.”
Word of a new restaurant spread as the company sought a liquor license that would cover its Dogfish Head Brewings and Eats restaurant next door and the new establishment.
An overhaul of the Brewings and Eats complex was finally able to go forward with the project this year after a battle with a city board over whether it was covered by previously imposed size restrictions for dining establishments as well as parking and other issues.
The limits were typically grandfathered in for existing restaurants, and an outcry from Dogfish Fans and some residents caused the board to reverse its decision.
Dogfish Head has grown into one of the 15 largest craft breweries after opening in 1995 at the Brewings and Eats location.
The 200+ employee company has a restaurant/brewery/distillery in Rehoboth Beach, a beer-themed inn on the harbor in Lewes and a brewery/distillery in Milton, Delaware. Dogfish Head currently sells beer in 31 states.
