As reported earlier, restaurants can now operate at 60 percent occupancy. Restaurants with a lot of booths may stick with the 50 percent figure and some establishments are waiting for Phase III, which will be more or less a return to normal.
The big news is that dining spots and taverns can open up their bar areas. Social distancing is still required for non-family members.
Conversations with the guy at the next stool will be a little more difficult. but many will welcome the change.
Dover Downs adds slots with Jerry Longo’s to reopen
With occupancy rates up to 60 percent of capacity, Dover Downs is opening 166 additional slot machines and extending its hours.
Later this week, the state’s largest hotel l will be open for business and Jerry Longo’s Meatballs and Martinis at Dover Downs opening.
Dogfish brewpub gets canning line
Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats is adding a canning line at its brewpub in Rehoboth Beach.
The line can handle 1,200 cans per five-barrel batch (50 cases).
Brewings and Eats brews limited edition beers and some brews exclusive to the establishment at the original site of Dogfish Head. The main brewery is in Milton.
Beer is available in eco-friendly four-packs.
Dogfish Head, now owned by Boston Beer Co., is marking its 25th birthday.
SoDel kicks off lobster promotion
SoDel Concepts’ dozen restaurants in Coastal Sussex County will feature a lobster dish to mark the start of summer.
“Lobster is so versatile that it can complement all our concepts, from Italian to Mexican,” said Chef Doug Ruley, vice president of culinary operations. “Of course, it’s a natural for our seafood restaurants, including NorthEast Seafood Kitchen, which was inspired by the cuisine in the Maine area.
Items range from the whole lobster to lobster tacos at Papa Grande’s and pizza with lobster at Crust & Craft.
For more information, visit sodelconcepts.com.
Lefty’s adding in a drive-in theater option.
Lefty’s Alley & Eats is getting into the drive-in theater business in the new reality.
The bowling, dining and game center near Lewes had a wall in its parking area that provided a good place for summer movie watchers when it reopens on June 22.
Temporary drive-ins have been popping up around the country after virtually disappearing due to changing economics.
The few drive-ins that remain have been doing a booming business and some in mothballs could be revived if the trend continues.
Meanwhile in New Castle
In Old New Castle, Jessop’s Tavern has reopened as the stare move to the 60 percent occupancy period. Jessop’s. menu pays homage to New Castle’s colonial roots, but also offers a selection of Belgian beer.
Nearby Nora Lee’s French Quarter Bistro opened earlier and is adding patio dining. Nora Lee’s is known for backened fare that includes steaks.
