REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. – Two iconic food staples in Rehoboth Beach — Jam Bistro and the North End Grotto’s — are officially gone, marking the end of an era for locals and longtime beachgoers.
"It's unbelievable to see it all come down," said Janet Lawrence, a longtime visitor.
City Documents
In place of the old Jam Bistro, developers have proposed a new hotel project called The Atlantic Crown Hotel. As of now, the project remains on hold pending a revised proposal.
Demolition site
Just a few hundred feet away, demolition is also underway at the former site of the North End Grotto’s. Lifelong visitors Janet and Richard Lawrence shared their memories of the local favorite.
"Ever since they opened, we would come to the beach here and eat Grotto Pizza every week," said Janet. Despite the demolition, the couple remains hopeful. "I know they're going to rebuild, and I'm sure it'll be beautiful."
Michael Meibaum, owner of the demolition company managing the project, reassured the public that Rehoboth's iconic boardwalk character will be preserved.
"The Grotto’s will be coming back, Zelkys will be coming back," Meibaum said. "They’ll have all the shops on the first floor and a hotel above."
As Rehoboth Beach continues to evolve, locals are watching closely as the charm of the past is cleared to make room for a modern future in what’s long been known as the Nation’s Summer Capital.