SELBYVILLE, Del. - Construction is underway on a new brewery along Route 54, but its name has some residents doing a double take.
Fenwick Island Brewing, a new brewpub from Southern Delaware Brewing, is taking shape in Selbyville, despite its name suggesting a location farther east in Fenwick Island.
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The more than 4,000-square-foot brewery is being developed through a partnership between Southern Delaware Brewing and Carl M. Freeman Companies. The new location is expected to offer food, craft beer, and a gathering space for residents and visitors.
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The brewery is expected to serve as a destination for people looking to unwind after a round of golf or gather before concerts at the newly renovated Freeman Arts Pavilion.
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However, the brewery's name has sparked some conversation among locals about the area's overlapping community identities.
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"We're a mile down the road, and we're Frankford, yet Selbyville's right here. So it's interesting the way they have zoned it," says Katie Young.
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Another acknowledged that while some people have questioned the name, it ultimately comes down to a business decision.
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"There are a few people out here like, oh, you can't name it this, but it's a business," Selbyville neighbor Janine Hample says.
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Despite the confusion, some neighbors are welcoming the new addition.
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Katie Young, who lives nearby, says she is excited about having a brewery close to home but worries about the potential impact on traffic and parking.
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"I love the idea; it's so close to where we live. Although I will say parking and traffic is going to be a major problem," Young says.
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The pavilion and nearby Bayside Resort are also located in Selbyville, despite their close association with the Fenwick Island area.
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Other businesses and landmarks along Route 54 use the name "West Fenwick," including West Fenwick Boulevard near the Food Lion off Lighthouse Road. Those locations also fall within Selbyville.
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For some residents, the distinction between the communities is less important than the potential for new business.
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"I'm thrilled; the more business, the better," Hample says.
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Hample tells CoastTV that the communities are closely connected, regardless of where municipal boundaries fall.
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"I'm happy to be part of Selbyville," Hample says. "We are kind of close to Fenwick Island, so is it really that big a deal?"
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While the Fenwick Island Brewery name may continue to raise questions, residents appear more focused on what the new business could bring to the area.
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Once the doors open, the confusion over the name might just be settled over a cold beer.
