This Coastal Connection is sponsored by Baths by Spicer Bros.
REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. — Zelky’s Beach Arcade is celebrating four decades of being a beloved staple of Rehoboth Beach, offering classic, coin-operated fun alongside the sun, sand and saltwater taffy that define the coastal town. This summer, however, the iconic arcade will light up for the last time at its current and original north-end location before construction begins for a new hotel.
Zelky's, which was originally called Dolle's Arcade, started as a single arcade in 1985 and has since grown into three locations, including on the north end of the boardwalk, the south end of the boardwalk and at the Bayside Tanger Outlets. It's also created a beloved pink elephant mascot and a community of loyal fans who return year after year.
Zelky's original location at the north-end of the boardwalk
Families like John and Chelsea Paczek have brought their son to Zelky's for some birthday fun.
“It’s weird because it’s like taking a piece of history away,” said John Paczek. “It’s a staple of the boardwalk.”
Zelky’s, at its 5 N. Boardwalk location, will temporarily close its doors after the 2025 season. This location will be demolished as the One Rehoboth Avenue mixed-use hotel and retail project gets underway. But don't fret - the other two Zelky's locations will remain open, and the north boardwalk location will return after construction.
“We are in the business of providing fun and memories,” said Matt Weiner, the arcade's general manager. Weiner has been familiar with the sights and sounds of Zelky’s all his life; Zelky's is a family business, originally opened by Weiner's father, Chuck. "I feel very sad. I love the nostalgic charm that this building holds. I mean, I'm standing on almost 100-year-old bowling alley floors."
Though the exact original north boardwalk location will close temporarily at the end of the 2025 summer, the Zelky's Arcade at the Tanger Outlets will remain open and continue offering fun until a north-end boardwalk location returns. The arcade's south-end location on the boardwalk will also continue serving up pixel paradise. Weiner remains hopeful it will only be one season without a north-end location though, as there are plans to build a new Zelky's in the original 5 N. Boardwalk location.
“It’s only going to lead to our ability to improve the Zelky’s experience,” said Weiner.
With this year marking the 40th anniversary of the original Zelky’s, the arcade is planning special events to celebrate the milestone, including the grand opening of a rooftop mini-golf course at the south-end location, exclusive merchandise and the return of sno-balls icy treats for the summer season.
Zelky's old front from 1989
As Weiner puts it, “It makes you smile when you say it... Zelky’s, it’s better than cheese.”