Downtown Rehoboth Businesses We are Saying Bye to in 2021, and Which Ones are Moving In

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del.-  Many businesses are saying goodbye, others are saying hello. Come this summer, downtown Rehoboth Beach will look very different compared to last season.

A new year full of new changes and new businesses. Nicola Pizza announced last year that it's moving to Lewes. It was a surprise to many people when Dolle's announced it's closing its doors for good. Escape Reality, the virtual reality business on Rehoboth Avenue, closed permanently. 

Mug & Spoon is leaving Rehoboth Avenue, and moving a street over to Baltimore Avenue. 

"Just so we can expand and have a little more fun with our menu. We wanted the ability to become a more full service spot," said owner Aileen Hearn.

She says the pandemic played a part in many businesses needing more space. 

 "It's gotten really busy over there. We have a lot better space on Baltimore Avenue right now. We have the potential for a lot of outdoor dining. There's the big parking lot at City Hall right down the street so that's really nice," said Hearn. One of the most recent businesses to announce it's relocating is The Pond. After 40 years it's moving to Coastal Highway. Like many businesses, it's looking for more space for outdoor dining, takeout, and delivery. While some are moving out, others are moving in. Right down the street from the current The Pond location, Dalmata Italiano opened up. "I love the community that we have downtown. We are all inclusive and it's a beautiful place to be," said owner, Megan Kee. Kee has three businesses in downtown Rehoboth Beach and doesn't plan on leaving an time soon. "I believe that the closer you are to the beach, the safer you are with the economy. Things are cyclical. People come and go it's always been historic here," said Kee. Dalmata Italiano is now open for pickup and delivery. The Pond and Dolle's will be out of downtown the end of January. Mug & Spoon hopes to have its new location up and running by the summer.