Dogfish Head clashes with Rehoboth Beach over building plans

As a homer this kills me. Towns down there do this crazy stuff all the time without taking into account the amount of money his business and others bring in. I'd hate to see him move out of town over this but I wouldn't blame him if they did. The restaurant always feels over crowded and this plan seems like a great idea to fix that and other issues. Plus the renderings of the building look better than other locations down there.

 

I get the idea of smallish quaint towns wanting to remain smallish and quaint. While I've never been to Rehoboth I'm guessing DFH has been very good for the town for a long time.

 

I'm guessing there's more going on in the "behind the scenes" as that town isn't particularly focused on remaining small and quaint. Not with the number of large hotels right along the beach they allowed developers to put up.

I've only been to Rehoboth twice, but both times it was because of DFH and both times we left money behind at places other than DFH. Also, I know of at least a dozen folks in the greater Philly area who probably would have never have gone there if it weren't for DFH.

 

I didn't convey my thoughts very well. I think Rehoboth should allow them to build a bigger, fancier place. The only reason I can think they wouldn't is to keep things as they are in the city. Read: small. If they're interested in growing and becoming a bigger city why not allow them to open a bigger place? More people employed, more taxes, etc.

 

No, you were fine, your point was clear. I agree they should allow it.

My suggestion was that they are clearly not interested in remaining small if they allow construction of multiple large beach front hotels quite near the "main" tourist area of the town. The fact that they refused to allow the "downtown" expansion of DFH is what makes me think there may be something going on in the background that hasn't surfaced publicly yet.

 

I have no idea what Rehoboth is thinking. I know they have always wanted the partying types to gather in Dewey, but the brewpub is not the biggest night spot. It could be as simple as small town politicians wanting to show they have some power. It would serve them right if DFH moves. They could move to Bethany where we have a beach place and I would visit a lot more.

 

My understanding is that Rehoboth has opposed big "Ocean City" style development in the past.

 

I've been to the Rehoboth location many times. I love DFH and I love the vibe of the restaurant. They really do need to expand. There has been many times when I've gone down there to have lunch or dinner and it is simply too crowded to get in. Sam has done nothing but great things for southern DE, including the towns of Milton (brewery), Lewes (motel) and Rehoboth Beach (restaurant). It's obvious that he's benefitting from all of these ventures but so is the local economy. I say let him expand and both he and Rehoboth Beach will reap the benefits.

 

Sign the petition to allow Dogfish to expand.

https://www.change.org/p/rehoboth-beach-board-approve-dogfish-heads-expansion-plans

 

Small minded, small town people flexing a little political muscle to stay in the dark ages.

Seen it before. To keep it like it always was they'll drive the place in the dirt.

Reading the last related article--a pizza joint was granted a much larger space than what Sam is asking for.

Sad.

 

Way to go Rehoboth. Way to take what is an ideal neighbor and drive them out. You should reward them for being a good neighbor that brings people to town year round.

 

I will be the first to say I never would have visited Delaware if not for Dogfish Head brewery and the brewpub in Rehoboth Beach, and yes, I wound up spending money at other establishments while there too. If there is anything else in Delaware to do or see I would have to research it because I am completely unaware of it. I am quite sure DFH brings countless people to Delaware who otherwise wouldn't have visited.

 

DFH deserves this, everyone please sign the petition now.

 

What @SammyJaxxxx said. I live in a small town and I can't stand the opposition of new ideas to benefit the local area. It doesn't mean selling out or introducing a corporate business, simply locals supporting each other. I'm from nj not Delaware but I love dogfish's brews and I'm bummed to see them face an obstacle like this.

 

Sounds like the town wants X amount of money, and Sam is only willing to give Y.

 

At the start of my craft journey, dogfish was near the top of my favorite breweries list. Lately they're next to irrelevant...I don't give a shit about their beef, just would prefer that they concentrated on making good beer

 

Im with you (lived in dewey). the starboard is allowed to throw block parties where tens of young drunk men and women chase an equally drunk man in a shark costume around dewey, yet sam can't get a couple extra square feet?

 

Most of those cities are dumpy because there are no high quality investments like a large Dogfish Head place. Actual Ocean City, VA being a good example...

 

Sounds like a few of these council members didn't get the right political contribution from Sam.

And for them to say they are worried about DFH becoming a nightclub is absurd.