Wright & Simon Celebrates 85th Anniversary!

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In March, Wright & Simon celebrated their 85th Anniversary! Though the celebration did not go as planned due to the corornavirus pandemic, friends from the Wilmington Police Downtown & Riverfront Unit still found a way to honor this incredible milestone by presenting the owner, Len Simon, with this plaque.

J. Louis Simon, Morris M. Simon, and James H. Wright founded the store in 1935 at 109 West Ninth Street before moving to their new store at the present location of 911 North Market Street.

Through the years, Wright & Simon has maintained the maximum standards of quality, character, and fitting. They look forward to continuing to serve their loyal patrons and also to give new generations of patrons the pleasant surprise of learning a new concept of satisfaction in clothing purchases, available only where quality, character, and perfect fitting come together.

Having shifted from selling off the rack to offering ‘made to measure’ wears, Wright & Simon has withstood the test of time on Market Street. With a legacy like this, nothing is going to prevent Simon from keeping the tradition alive, not event COVID-19.

After 85 years in business, Simon is eager to get back to business serving his loyal customers. "I'm ready to go!" said Simon to ABC News after learning of Carney’s plan to ease restrictions on businesses. "When I first got the news I was somewhat re-energized and feel good about it. It's a start." (Read the full story here.)

CBS Philly also interviewed Simon regarding business during the health crisis, but as the story noted, “no one is dabbling in double-breasted blazers” right now.

Come June 1st, Simon will be ready to open his doors and provide finely crafted men’s clothing once again and our Downtown community will be there to support him. Please join us in congratulating Wright & Simon on the momentous occasion and continue to #ShopSmall now and always!

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Learn more about the history of the business and the “Simon Legacy” on their website wrightandsimon.com.

Chelsea Tavern Turns 10!

Please join us in wishing Chelsea Tavern a happy birthday on Saturday, March 14th, as the restaurant celebrates its 10th year on Market Street!

Head to Chelsea Tavern for its 10th-anniversary celebration on Saturday, March 14th! The festivities will include live entertainment, $10 food specials, $5 drink specials, and so much more. Past employees are even invited to take advantage of their employee discount for a final time.

Over the past 10 years, Chelsea Tavern has been the literal and figurative heart of Market Street for residents and visitors alike. Whether its been a bite to eat before a show at The Grand Opera House, a late night drink at the bar, or a savory Sunday brunch, Chelsea Tavern has continued to satisfy hungry restaurant-goers with its extensive beer menu and interpretive comfort food. As a 3-time winner of the Delaware Burger Battle, diners have come to expect delicious burgers paired with perfection to one of the 31 beers on tap at Chelsea until the wee hours of the morning.

At the beginning of the year, Chelsea Tavern also announced an enhanced event calendar in honor of the anniversary - and the restaurant stayed true to its promise. The upcoming calendar is jampacked with events, such as: 

• Brewery of the Month Pairing Dinners – Next up Dogfish Head on Thursday, March 26th

• March Draftness - Discount draft beers during all Men’s NCAA basketball games.

• Monthly Cigar Dinners – May through September, 2020

• Cinco de Mayo Block Party - Date TBD

• Downtown Brew Fest – Saturday, August 9th, 2020

• Weekly Geeks Who Drink Trivia & Flight Club on Tuesday Nights

In addition to ramping up the events calendar, Chelsea Tavern underwent a number of renovations this past year to prepare for the momentous occasion. The new and improved Chelsea Tavern features updated flooring, wall coverings, and lighting within the dining room. The bar also got a refresh with a new bar top equipped with USB outlets for smartphones. Additionally, overlooking the new outdoor plaza next door is the best covered outdoor seating area downtown, with new patio furniture and upgraded landscaping.

See the renovations for yourself and stop in to wish Chelsea Tavern a happy anniversary this month!

Brand New Pop-Up Holiday Village Coming To Market Street!

A brand new pop-up Holiday Village is coming to Market Street to help us kick off the Christmas Season in Downtown Wilmington DE!

When: Saturday | November 30th | 11am-5pm

Where: Willingtown Square | 505 N Market Street

Head to Willingtown Square following the Wilmington Jaycees Christmas Parade on Saturday, November 30th, to check out Wilmington’s first Holiday Village. The market, open from 11AM to 5PM, will feature local vendors, live carolers, delicious treats, and so much more! We hear that Santa will even be making a special appearance while in town for children to share their Christmas wishes.

The Holiday Village festivities include:

• Unique handmade gifts from local vendors

• Live holiday classics performed by Hotsy Totsy Gals

• FREE book giveaway from Wilmington Public Library

  • While supplies last for children under 10 years old

• K9 demonstration from the Wilmington Police Department at 12:30PM

• “Touch A Truck” with the Wilmington Fire Department at 1PM

• Showings of The Snowman inside the Delaware Historical Society

• Appearance from Santa

• Face painting & sand art activities

• Small Business Saturday “Shop Small” giveaways

The pop-up Holiday Village will conclude with the lighting of Willingtown Square in an incredible holiday display at 5PM! Following the lighting, the Holiday Light Display will be open to the public 7 days a week from dusk until 9 pm starting through February 2020.

As a reminder, street parking is FREE on weekends in Downtown Wilmington DE as well as in Colonial Surface Lots. View a map of all parking options here.

Special thanks to the Holiday Village sponsors The Delaware Historical Society, Downtown Visions, Wilmington Alliance, and IN Wilmington!

Downtown Wilmington Continues to Grow with 7 New Businesses

Downtown Wilmington DE is bursting at the seams with new bars, restaurants, and businesses! After a busy summer with 7 brand new establishments opening in our neighborhood, we are pleased to welcome 7 more new businesses that opened this fall. Check out our newest neighbors below and be sure to give them a warm welcome to Downtown Wilmington!

Blitzen | 220 W 9th St

Blitzen is a brand new, pop-up holiday themed bar coming to 220 W 9th Street, run by the team behind Stitch House Brewery & Faire Market & Cafe. The bar, tastefully decked out in tinsel and string lights, will be open Wednesday-Saturday through the end of the year.

El Diablo Burritos | 837 N Market St

Image Credit: Town Square Delaware

The popular northern Delaware fast-casual eatery debuted their highly-anticipated Downtown location at 837 Market St on October 29! You can enjoy all of your favorite burrito and taco options here with the addition of a brand new breakfast menu, available exclusively on Market Street. If it’s anything like their other locations, you can expect to see lines out the door during the lunch rush…

The Chicken Spot | 204 W 10th St

The Chicken Spot is a brand new eatery taking over the location formerly occupied by Benjamin’s On 10th. The menu will feature different varieties of - you guessed it - chicken. The owner, Venu Gaddamidi, also manages Veritas Wine & Craft Beer and Ciro Food & Drink down on the Riverfront. The Chicken Spot officially opens its doors on Monday, November 11, at 11AM!

Makers Alley | 804 N Orange St

Image Credit: Moonloop Photo

Makers Alley is a brand new bar tucked away off Shipley Street in a transformed 19th-century carpenter’s shop - complete with a classic Airstream travel trailer turned food truck. Self-proclaimed as a joint for bites, sips, and outdoor vibes, discovered off the beaten path, Makers Alley is perfect addition to our Downtown bar scene allowing for a casual drink and bite to eat.

Green Box Kitchen | 400 N Market St

Brought to you by the founders and friends of Wilmington Green Box, Green Box Kitchen is a fast-casual vegan restaurant and juice bar that serves hand-crafted salads, smoothies, açaí bowls, cold pressed juices, grain bowls, and other fresh foods that are incredibly delicious and always 100% plant based. Their mission is to nourish the community by serving a healthy, approachable, and tasteful plant-based menu, all while rooting their efforts in local philanthropy and social change.  

Wilmington Land Bank | 404 N Market St

The mission of the Wilmington Neighborhood Conservancy Land Bank (WNCLB) is to return vacant, dilapidated, abandoned, and delinquent properties to productive use, while strengthening and revitalizing our neighborhoods and inspiring economic development.

Jet Phynx Flims | 408 N Market St

Image Credit: WITN22

Jet Phynx Films is an independent film company that proudly specializes in entertainment and lifestyle branding, offering digital content such as video production, photography, motion graphics, graphic and sound design, and music production, and boasts a client list that includes Lady Gaga, Kanye West, Coca-Cola, Under Armour, Roc Nation, RCA Records, Atlantic Records, Skechers, Zelle, and Soundcloud among others. Jet Phynx Films strives to offer a space that will help “creatives and executives bring their imagination to life.

15 Places to Dine Outdoors in Downtown Wilmington DE

The sun is shining. The temperatures have risen. What better way to enjoy summer in Downtown Wilmington DE than by dining outdoors at your favorite restaurant? Check out our list of all Downtown restaurants that offer outdoor seating so you know exactly where you can enjoy your meal with a side of sunshine!

1. Cafe Mezzanote - 1007 N Orange St

   Tucked away within Nemours Plaza, the patio at Cafe Mezzanote is the perfect place to dine al fresco if you’re looking for a more quite and intimate dining experience.

2. Tonic Bar & Grille - 111 W 11th St

   The covered patio at Tonic is perfect for enjoying the warm summer weather without the risk of getting a sunburn.

3. I.M. Coffee - 1105 N Market St

   First, stop in the I.M. Pei building for freshly brewed beverages, delicious pastries, and made-to-order sandwiches. Then, head outdoors to enjoy them in the plaza space. There is even live music in the plaza on Fridays during lunchtime!

4. DECO Food Hall - 111 W 10th St

   The newest addition to the downtown dining scene offers traditional outdoor seating as well as a cool breeze indoors with retractable windows that are opened when the weather is nice.

5. Ernest & Scott Taproom - 902 N Market St

   The patio at Ernest & Scott draws downtown diners for casual outdoor dining as well as the occasional event like cigar nights or beer pairing dinners.

6. Stitch House Brewery - 829 N Market St

   Experience all the Market Street has to offer while enjoying your favorite brews from the patio at Stitch House.

7. Chelsea Tavern - 821 N Market St

   Chelsea Tavern has long been a go to place for those wanting to dine outside on Market Street, but the recently renovated Chelsea Plaza now offers even more shaded outdoor seating for restaurant goers.

8. Jimmy Johns - 824 N Market St

   Jimmy Johns is one of the only fast casual places on Market that provides tables outdoors for people to enjoy their grab and go sandwiches.

9. Terra Cafe & Grille - 721 King St

   Just off King Street, Terra has a handful of outdoor tables in the back of the restaurant that allow you to enjoy your favorite Greek food without the noise and interruption from street traffic.

10. Cavanaugh’s - 703 N Market St

    You know it’s summertime on Market once Cavanaugh’s starts to set up their lunchtime outdoor seating in front on the restaurant.

11. Bardea - 620 N Market St

    The outdoor cafe tables, enclosed by beautiful planters, provide the same upscale dining experience you’d expect at Bardea simply with a side of fresh air.

12. La Fia - 421 N Market St

    Surrounded by gorgeous overflowing flower pots, the outdoor dining at La Fia provides a mini retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Downtown Wilmington.

13. Chicky’s Pizza Pub - 201 N Market St

    What could be better than a hot slice of pizza, a cold beverage, and a cool breeze? You can enjoy all three (and more) from Chicky’s Pizza Pub!

14. Downtown Farmer’s Market - 10th & Market St

    Although it’s a slightly different set up this year than in the past, you can still eat lunch from your favorite food truck at any of the several picnic and cafe tables on Wednesdays at the Downtown Farmer’s Market.

15. Wilingtown Square - 505 N Market St

    Even if you prefer to pack you lunch, you can enjoy it outdoors at one of the cafe tables, provided by Downtown Visions, in Willingtown Square across from the Delaware Historical Society.