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.

Cavanaugh's Celebrates 30th Anniversary on Market Street with Major Renovations through Main Street Wilmington!

Join us in celebrating Cavanaugh’s 30th anniversary on Market Street!

One of Market Street’s oldest operating restaurants, Cavanaugh’s has been serving hungry lunch goers made-to-order sandwiches, salads and burgers grilled to perfection since the late 1980s. Now in its 30th year of business, Cavanaugh’s has become a Market Street staple for fast service, efficient menu items, and delicious lunches.

To mark the momentous milestone, Cavanaugh’s underwent a major renovation process to restore this historic building to its former glory with the help of Downtown Visions’ Main Street Wilmington Program and Facade Improvement Program. Through these programs, Downtown Visions staff oversee each individual exterior improvement project from beginning to end as well as provide grants on a matching basis up to $25,000 per façade improvement. With support from Comenity Bank and Bank of America, Downtown Visions was able to award Cavanaugh’s grant funds towards the restoration of the building facades that face Market and Shipley Streets, installation of exterior signage, and a number of interior renovations.

Since 2010 over 72 businesses have benefited from Downtown Visions’ Main Street Wilmington Program, including Bardea, Stitch House Brewery, Residences Inn, and Eat Clean most recently. For more information on the program and how it could help your business or entrepreneurial venture, click here.

Stop in to see the renovations for yourself and ask about the 30th anniversary special - $3 off lunch (any sandwich, salad or entree per person) during the entire month of October!

Stitch House Brewery & Mascots for a Cure Team Up for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

The official knighting ceremony set to launch Gold Ribbon Ale in support of Mascots For A Cure at Stitch House Brewery will take place Thursday, September 5, at 4PM!

Mascots For A Cure provides HOPE, JOY and LOVE to kids and families battling cancer and other serious illnesses by arming them with the COURAGE and STRENGTH they need to take on their FIGHT. By teaming up with Stitch House Brewery, MFAC will be giving patrons an opportunity to help the cause throughout Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September leading up to the Mascots For A Cure 5K, happening on October 12th in Downtown Wilmington.

“We are honored to find such a great partner in Stitch House Brewery to help spread our message and host our 1st annual 5K event on October 12th. The Gold Ribbon Ale represents the Gold Ribbon many of our families wear in honor of their loved ones fighting cancer. We encourage everyone to come to Stitch House to try it in support, donate what they can and sign up for the 5K.” says Mascots For A Cure’s Chief Impact Officer, Christopher Bruce. 

WHEN: Thursday, September 5th, at 4:00 PM - MFAC’s Own Sir BraveHeart, a Knighted Teddy Bear, will join Stitch House Brew Master Andrew Rutherford and Wilmington’s Mayor Mike Purzycki to Officially Knight the first batch of “Gold Ribbon Ale” and kick off Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. 

WHERE: STITCH HOUSE BREWERY - 829 N Market Street Wilmington, DE 19801 

WHY: To celebrate the launch of the “Gold Ribbon Ale” honoring the kids and families battling cancer and raise awareness about the good work Mascots For A Cure is doing to help. 

WHO: All are welcome to attend, raise a glass to help fight childhood cancer and learn more about Mascots For A Cure. 

For more information on Mascots For A Cure, follow them on Facebook @mascotsforacure or visit their website at www.mascotsforacure.org.

Listen to Free Live Music Any Night of the Week in Wilmington

Did you know you can enjoy free live music throughout Wilmington any night of the week? From rhythmic drumming to contemporary covers and everything in between, find out where you can listen to live performers in the City through our day by day itinerary below!

Kick off your week with Sunday morning brunch at the Starbucks on Market St with wonderful acoustic acts.

Check out Live! in the Parks for a relaxing evening of music on Mondays and Wednesdays in Rockford Park & Brandywine Park respectively!

If you’re more interested in making the music than listening to it, then the Rock Lot’s Drumming Circle is for you! Check it out every Tuesday evening.

Enjoy delicious food, creative cocktails and a side of live music during Wilmo Wednesdays at DECO.

Take your lunch outside on Thursday afternoons at Nemours Plaza and break up your day with live music.

Be serenaded by the sweet sounds of street performers on Thursday evenings at various locations along Market Street as part of the Music on Market series.

You can also catch live entertainment on Thursdays evenings down on the Riverfront in Dravo Plaza as part of the Shipyard Summer Concert series.

Start your weekend early and stop by I.M. Coffee during lunch on Fridays for craft coffee and good music.

To round off your week, head to Wilmington’s best kept secret, Nomad Bar, for live jazz music on Saturday nights!

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.