7 New Businesses Opened in Downtown Wilmington DE Over the Summer!

The past few years on Market street have seen a surge of economic development with the opening of new restaurants, apartment communities, and more. The growth of businesses in Downtown Wilmington, DE has yet to slow down with 7 new establishments opening over this past summer (and 3 more just around the corner). Read up on the newest group of businesses that have chosen to call Wilmington home!

Open For Business

Girard & Faire | 216 W 9th St

Girard & Faire kicked off the summer of development in Downtown Wilmington with not one, but two new establishments. First up, Girard Craft & Cork opened in April bringing an upscale liquor store to Girard Street (hence the name) with a keen focus on domestic and imported wines. Sneak through the back of the shop, and you enter Faire Market & Cafe - a gourmet grocery store and made to order counter serving delicious breakfast and lunch options.

King Creative & Studio Nurture | 727 N Market St

Earlier this summer, co-owners of King Creative, Christopher Bruce and Dan Pierce, launched their newly formed Video Production House with a fully functioning Recording Studio at the corner of 8th and Market streets. This is the first of its kind in Wilmington with both a full-scale video production house and an audio recording studio. Above King Creative is also the brand new Studio Nurture offering yoga and meditation classes.

3 Kings Customs | 7 W 4th St

Offering fully customized products, from t-shirts and apparel to dog tags and coffee mugs, 3 Kings Customs can now be your one stop shop for promotional items just around the corner from Market!

Torbert Street Social | 305 Torbert St

Torbert Street Social, the newest venture by Big Fish Restaurant Group, brings a speakeasy-style bar and restaurant feel to Downtown Wilmington in a refurbished 19th century horse stable. Offering a nostalgic sense of class and history, Torbert Street Social brings together a fusion of elusiveness and complexity, serving only the finest spirits ans cocktails. offers a sophisticated cocktail lounge and patio. If you’re looking to disappear for a delicious bite to eat and a uniquely crafted cocktail, come in and see for yourself.

WHYY-TV | 605 N Market St

WHYY-TV has moved its newsroom from the Seventh and Orange streets location in Wilmington to Market Street! Serving the Philadelphia area, WHYY-TV covers local news and features many programs, including interviews with area politicians, shows from PBS and more, all seeking to inform and educate the community. This move puts the studio at the heart of the art and business scene in the city.

Coming Soon

Makers Alley | 804 N Orange St

Although not quite open just yet, Makers Alley is a brand new bar and restaurant coming soon to Downtown Wilmington - 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. We can’t wait to see how they have transformed the 19th-century carpenter’s shop into a 21st-century hangout space!

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. We are excited to see what his newest venture will bring to Downtown Wilmington!

El Diablo | 837 N Market St

The opening of this hometown favorite on Market Street has been highly anticipated even since their exterior signage went up last winter. Rumor has it that construction is nearing completion, and El Diablo will soon be opening their doors to satisfy lunch-goers with fast-casual Mexican options.

18 Downtown Wilmington DE Businesses Win Delaware Today's Best of Delaware Awards!

Delaware Today has released their 2019 Best of Delaware winners and a number of Downtown Wilmington DE businesses have made the list! Both readers and editors have spoken and voted for their favorite local establishments in a variety of categories, ranging from Food & Drink to Retail & Services. The following Downtown Wilmington businesses were awarded their rightful place at number one and we couldn’t agree more!

Reader’s Choice Awards

• Breakfast Place - Drip Cafe

  • Now with a location in Wilmington at 1201 N Market Street!

• Candy/Chocolate Shop - Govatos

• Coffee Shop - Brew Haha!

• Cooking Class - Delaware Technical Community College

• Food Truck - Mojo Loco

  • Also awarded best food truck in Delaware by Food Network!

• French Cuisine - The Green Room at Hotel DuPont

• Japanese Cuisine & Sushi - Mikimotos

• Live Music Venue & Gala Fundraising Festival - The Grand Opera House

• Men’s Business Attire - Wright & Simon

• Men’s Formal Attire - Collars ‘n Cuffs

• Tattoo Artist/Shop - Poppycock Tattoo

Editor’s Picks

• Happy Hour - Tonic Bar & Grille

• Mouth Watering Instagram Page, Nationally Nominated Restaurant, New Restaurant, & Spot for a Birthday Celebration - Bardea Food & Drink

• Small Plates - La Fia

• Fundraiser - Light Up The Queen Foundation’s Shine a Light

• Local Treasure - Delaware Symphony Orchestra

• Scenic Delaware Photography on Instagram - @Andrew_K__Photography

• Place to See a Drag Show - The Queen

Also, we couldn’t help but mention our neighbors along the Riverfront who deserve some recognition too!

• Reader’s Choice Desserts, Family-Friendly, Lunch Spot, & Best Restaurant in Wilmington - Big Fish Grill

• Reader’s Choice American Restaurant, Brewpub, Outdoor Dining, & Water View Dining, and Editor’s Pick Kid’s Menu - Iron Hill Brewery

• Editor’s Pick Seafood - Banks’ Seafood Kitchen

• Reader’s Choice Thai Cuisine - Ubon Thai Cuisine

• Reader’s Choice Pet Groomer & Pet Store - Riverfront Pets

Stay in the Know in Your City and Join us for an Evening of Conversation!

Downtown Vision’s Executive Director Marty Hageman and City of Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki invite you to an evening of fun and conversation with IN Wilmington Campaign Manager Brianna Hansen and other special guests as we kick off another summer of fun in Downtown Wilmington! Learn more about all of the events happening in your neighborhood this season. There’s so much to look forward to!

All are welcome to join us for our quarterly Meet & Greet on Wednesday, May 22nd, from 5-7 PM at Willingtown Square (weather permitting) at 505 N Market St. Light appetizers and refreshments will be provided. We hope to see you there!

Click Here to register. Registration is requested but not required.

Special thanks to our sponsors: Downtown Visions, NKS Distributors, and Shoprite, and our host Delaware Historical Society.

An Architectual Gem Gets an Equally Impressive Coffee Shop

The I.M. Pei Building at 1105 N. Market Street has been famous for decades due to its nationally recognized architect. The Class A office building now welcomes an equally impressive high-end coffee shop with a design that compliments its surrounding sophistication.

I.M. Coffee is now open within the space and is open to the public. The shop offers craft coffee, organic smoothies and prepared foods. Complimentary Wifi is available within the space.

For the full menu, click here.

Meet Loshawn, Downtown Visions’ Very First Employee!

Now with over 50 employees, and making a major impact within the community, Downtown Visions’ Director of Administration, Loshawn Maxwell, has fond memories of the organization’s humble beginnings and is proud of how far it has come in her 24 years with the company. She and the company have grown up together. Coming from a small town in Maryland, Loshawn overcame her shyness, became more assertive and adapted to the ever-evolving needs of Downtown Visions.

Q. What does your job role encompass at Downtown Visions?

 A.“As the Director of Administration I manage all the administrative and financial responsibilities for the company, as well as, act as a human resource liaison and provide benefits administration.”

 Q. What made you decide to work for Downtown Visions?

A.“I attended Goldey-Beacom College and upon graduation I saw the job post for an Office Assistant.  I applied and interviewed for the position.  The Managing Director of Wilmington 2000 (founding organization of Downtown Visions) thought I would be great for the position and hired me on the spot.  It also didn’t hurt that at the time he sat on the Board of Directors of the College.”

 Q. What is one of your favorite moments within your career at Downtown Visions?

A.“Honestly, the journey to where I am today. I was able to, and continue to grow so much personally and professionally.”

 Q. What project that Downtown Visions was involved in are you most proud of?

A.“Holistically, the mission to create, manage and promote a quality environment for people who live, work and visit Downtown Wilmington. The purpose is what drives me, as it is all for the greater good.  I also enjoyed working on the committee that planned our 20th anniversary celebration.”

 Q.Where do you see Downtown Visions in 5 years?

A.“I see the organization continuing to be the go-to organization, growing our partnerships, having more relationships and building bridges between all of the great people and companies making a difference Downtown. We have seen so much change, and there are so many great people involved.”

 Q. What is your favorite activity or place in Downtown Wilmington?

A.“My favorite activity is walking down Market Street and restaurant hopping, enjoying cocktails at one place, dinner at another.”

Q. What do you like to do outside of work?

A.“I love spending time with family and friends, cooking, traveling. My favorite place to travel is to the Caribbean or anywhere warm.”