Downtown Visions released the Downtown Wilmington App, a one stop shop for all the happenings in Downtown Wilmington, DE.
Shop small this holiday season and support your favorite Downtown Wilmington DE retailers! Several establishments are even offering FREE shipping for all online purchases made through the end of the year. Simply shop online at the following local businesses between 11/1/20 and 12/31/20, and they’ll ship your purchases anywhere within the United States for free:
Every small purchase makes a big difference!
It’s no secret that 2020 has been a tough year for small business owners across the nation. Between the pandemic shutdown and civil unrest, local businesses have faced unprecedented challenges. While some have sadly been forced to close their doors for good, many have overcome these obstacles by adjusting their business models to provide even more online options for customers.
In Downtown Wilmington DE, not only have our favorite small businesses reopened, but we are pleased to welcome several new businesses to the neighborhood as well!
Milk & Honey will open its 2nd cafe & gallery in Wilmington on Market Street in the space formerly occupied by LOMA Coffee. The doors are set to open sometime in October!
Rosenfeld's, a traditional, kosher-style deli, is set to open its 4th location on September 30th in Downtown Wilmington next to Washington Street Ale House!
Dorcea, an inviting American bistro with lots of local beers on tap, opened in the former Domain Hudson space in April in the middle of the pandemic. They use the best ingredients and provide a great atmosphere for dining on Washington Street!
Live in an icon! 101 dupont place apartments draws from the elegance of yesterday paired with the conveniences of today to create the first luxury living experience within the iconic Dupont Building in downtown Wilmington, DE.
Influenced by the flavors of North Africa and Provençe, Le Cavalier is a neo-brasserie inside the Hotel Du Pont offering thoughtfully sourced French classics and inventive riffs on French staples paired with natural wines designed to complement the fare.
It's been one year since shovels were put to dirt and the start of the Rodney Square's renovation truly began. Not only is the fountain operational, but there's also new grass, new lighting in place, and new, replanted flower beds around the Square. There's still more to come, but we're excited about the changes we've seen.
After being closed since March, DECO food hall finally reopened for indoor/outdoor dining on September 14th. In response to the pandemic, the food hall also introduced new “DECO On The Go” offerings, including all-in-one take-out and delivery.
On August 22, Dr. Jay celebrated the reopening of the Academy for Peace and the residency of local artist 7God. His art is dedicated to mental health awareness and on display for all to see at 203 N. Market Street!
After being closed for months, owner Sam Patel reopened the Convenient Store on August 21 with a number of renovations. The Convenient Store keeps the neighborhood happy, selling snack foods, candy, beverages and other goods. It’s also a Delaware State Lottery Retailer, Sports Lottery retailer, and Keno Lottery.
Al’s Sporting Goods has been a part of the Downtown Wilmington community for 85 years. Despite heavy looting during the protests, Al’s remained committed to the community and reopened on July 20th with unwavering support from customers. See Al’s first for all your athletic and fashion needs in Downtown Wilmington.
The Queen Theater reopened on June 24th with enhancements and a renewed focus on local entertainment. The brand new Knight’s Bar and terrace, located just off the main entrance, offers live, local music every Wednesday through Saturday night.
We rely on our local businesses to create thriving neighborhoods for our residents and visitors every day. Now more than ever before, we need to help our small businesses get through this time of crisis. Please help our support these businesses, and their staff, by:
purchasing gift cards
following them on social media
spreading the word about their offers
posting a positive review
It’s that time of year again! Delaware Today has announced its annual Best of Delaware winners. Readers and editors throughout the state have nominated and voted for their favorite Delaware Businesses, and over 18 establishments in our very own Downtown Wilmington community have won!
So please join us in congratulating these well-deserving businesses! It’s no secret that 2020 has been a tough year for the small business owners here in Downtown Wilmington, but with support from their loyal customers, they can and will survive this storm. The magazine said it best: “As the world opens back up and we ease into new habits, your support for the work of our Best of Delaware winners and their peers will be more important than ever.”
Celebrate these winners during the 2020 Best of Delaware Week, July 23–Aug. 1, and support their hard work by visiting their in-store location, ordering take out, or purchasing a gift card!
Reader’s Choice
Breakfast Place - Drip Cafe
Craft Cocktails - Torbert Street Social
Downtown Wilmington Restaurant - Chelsea Tavern
1/2 off ALL wood-fired hand-crafted pizzas and 20% off all draft beers when you mention Best of DE!
Food Truck - Mojo Loco
French Cuisine - La Fia
Japanese Cuisine - Mikimotos Asian Grill & Sushi Bar
Vegan/Vegetarian-Friendly - Green Box Kitchen
Live Music Venue - The Queen
Men’s Business Attire - Wright & Simon
Men’s Formal Attire - Collars ‘n Cuffs
10% discount on all Tuxedo Rentals and a 20% discount on all in store merchandise when you mention Best of DE!
Tattoo Artist/Shop - Poppycock Tattoo
10% off the new Poppycock Tattoo webstore using code BESTOFDE!
Editor’s Picks
After-Work Happy Hour - Tonic Seafood & Steak
Order a Happy Hour Cocktail Flight & Appetizer Sampler for $20 during Best of Delaware Week!
Bang-For-Your-Buck Happy Hour - Stitch House Brewery
Best-Kept ‘Secret’ - Torbert Street Social
Calamari - Bardea Food & Drink
CBD Cocktail - Bardea Food & Drink
Cozy Coffee House - Brew HaHa!
Enter promo code BestofDE for 10% off of your order!
Fast, Casual Takeout - El Diablo Burritos
Fried Chicken - The Chicken Spot
Receive a free piece of their famous homemade corn bread with every purchase during Best of Delaware Week!
Hippest Hangout - Makers Alley
Pizza Toppings - Chelsea Tavern
Riverfront Winners
American Restaurant - Big Fish Grill
Brewpub - Iron Hill Brewery
Crab Cakes - Banks Seafood Kitchen & Raw Bar
Seafood Restaurant - Banks Seafood Kitchen & Raw Bar
Thai - Ubon Thai Kitchen & Bar
Water-View Dining - Iron Hill Brewery
Wilmington Riverfront Restaurant - Iron Hill Brewery
Community Theater - Delaware Theatre Company
Pet Groomer - Riverfront Pets
Pet Store - Riverfront Pets
Toy Store - Delaware Children’s Museum Store
Beer Garden - Constitution Yards Beer Garden
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!
Learn more about the history of the business and the “Simon Legacy” on their website wrightandsimon.com.
Updated: May 12, 2020
Small businesses are important to the economic and social fabric of our society, and we all play a part in their survival. Now more than ever they need our support. That is why we are asking you to #ShopSmall with your favorite Downtown retailer or small business online or support them by purchasing a gift card today!
Your support is greatly appreciated.
A.R. Morris: Open 24/7 online or to schedule an in-store appointment email admin@armorrisjewelers.com
Al’s Sporting Goods: Custom sublimated masks available for order online.
Collars n Cuffs: Wedding specials and tuxedo sales.
Crazy Discount: Offering curbside pickup Monday-Saturday from 9am-6pm.
Discount Plus: Offering curbside pickup Monday–Saturday from 9am – 6pm.
DLS Discovery: Open and continuing to service small businesses in and around the Wilmington area with their print needs. Use this 20% off event reprint coupon for all your marketing needs!
DTLR: Shop for the latest gear at DTLR.com
The Grand Opera House & The Playhouse on Rodney Square: Purchase a gift certificate for future performances for you or as a gift! Help keep the arts & theater alive in Downtown https://bit.ly/2WAUMje
LaFate Gallery: Curbside pickup is available on Tuesday-Saturday from 11am-4pm. Purchase original folk art & limited edition prints online at www.lafategallery.com. Starting June 5th take 50% off of limited edition prints and 25% off original paintings.
Miller’s Check Cashing: Offering curbside pickup Monday–Friday from 9:30am – 3pm.
Morgan’s of Delaware: Shop online and save 20% off all orders placed through May 30th!
Rainbow: Take an extra 10% off on anything! No code needed
Spaceboy Clothing: Custom “made-to-order” masks now available!
Sneaker City: Open for curbside pickup Monday-Saturday from 12pm-4pm.
Wright & Simon: While closed to the public, we are still conducting business on the phone at (302) 658-7345 and via email len@wrightandsimon.com. We have custom shirt fabric options if you feel like shopping from home. If I have your measurements on file, you can call me to place an order, and I can have it shipped to you. You can also purchase a gift certificate.
