After some twists and turns along the way, the Mayor and Commissioners of Rehoboth Beach approved plans for an overhaul of Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats at 320 Rehoboth Avenue.
The project hit a snag when the Board of Adjustment turned down the project, citing esthetics, parking and restrictions on the square footage of establishments in the city.
The size change was made in an effort to avoid the large entertainment complexes in Ocean City, MD and other areas.
The decision produced an outcry from some residents as well as the many fans of the brewing company that got its start at the Rehoboth Avenue location in the 1990s.
The building, according to Dogfish officials was badly in need of a makeover and update after a couple of decades of use.
There were also worries of growing not in my backyard sentiment in the beach town after one official commented that the establishment should move to the Route 1 area outside of town. Click here for previous story.
The board later reversed its decision, as it became known that other businesses had been allowed to expand,with exisitng spots were grandfathered by city codes. In many cities and towns, major renovations can end the “grandfathered in” status.
“We’ve enjoyed working with the city of Rehoboth on this plan and are excited to move forward and get shovels in the ground. We’re going to create a world-class, off-centered space that makes our friends and neighbors in coastal Delaware proud.” stated Sam Calagione, Dogfish Head founder and president.
Dogfish Head went on to grow into one of the nation’s 15 largest craft brewers after opening a brewery in Milton. That brewery had grown into a tourist attraction in the county and a year-around driver of a coastal Delaware economy.
Dogfish also operates an inn in nearby Lewes that offers tour packages that include visits to the brewery and restaurant for guests.
