10 New Restaurants Open or Coming to Delaware

From Chicago-style hot dogs to Southern comfort food, Delaware's dining scene is expanding.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 9:05am

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Several new restaurants are opening across Delaware, including a pretzel shop, a Chicago-style hot dog joint, a Southern comfort food restaurant, and more. The state remains the best in the U.S. for tipping, with an average of 21.8% in 2025.

Why it matters

The new restaurant openings are good news for Delaware's hospitality industry, which has faced challenges in recent years. The diverse array of cuisines and dining experiences will provide more options for residents and visitors alike, contributing to the state's vibrant food culture.

The details

The owners of Nick's Pizza Parlor & Bar in Brandywine Hundred are opening a takeout "pretzel factory" near Prices Corner. Helen's Sausage House is opening a third location in Lewes, while Wendy's is taking over the former Arby's site in Talleyville. Chicago native Mike Aldridge is bringing his hot dog cart to the Dover Mall food court. Bill and Kim Newsom have opened Dixie's Down Home Cooking, a Southern-inspired restaurant, in downtown Smyrna. Currito, a healthy bowls and salads fast-casual restaurant, is opening next to Del Pez Mexican Gastropub in Newark. Rehoboth Beach is getting new spots like Gather Alfajores bakery and the upcoming Kaja, an authentic Asian restaurant.

  • Nick's Pretzel Factory is opening by the end of March 2026.
  • Helen's Sausage House's Lewes location will open this fall.
  • Wendy's is taking over the former Arby's site in Talleyville, but an exact opening date is unknown.
  • Mike Aldridge opened his Chicago-style hot dog restaurant in the Dover Mall food court in December.
  • Dixie's Down Home Cooking in Smyrna opened on March 11, 2026.

The players

Nick Vouras

Best known for his artisanal pizzas at Nick's Pizza Parlor & Bar, and is opening a pretzel shop.

Clifford J. Murphy III

Grandson of Helen Achenbach and now runs Helen's Sausage House.

Zack Hunter

Nephew of Clifford J. Murphy III and will run the new Lewes location of Helen's Sausage House.

Mike Aldridge

Originally from Chicago, he opened a Chicago-style hot dog restaurant in the Dover Mall food court.

Bill and Kim Newsom

Husband and wife who have decades of experience in the restaurant business and have opened Dixie's Down Home Cooking in Smyrna.

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What they’re saying

“First you start with Vienna Beef hot dogs that we ship in from Chicago. They're in a natural casing which gives it more snap when you bite into it. It's served on a poppy seed roll with mustard, onions, relish, tomatoes, peppers and a pickle.”

— Mike Aldridge

“There's nothing like that around here. I think it will be a great addition to downtown Rehoboth, especially Baltimore Avenue.”

— Christine Minnick, Owner, The Sea Hag Champagne Lounge

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Delaware's diverse and expanding restaurant scene is providing more dining options for residents and visitors, from classic comfort foods to innovative global cuisines, while also supporting the state's thriving hospitality industry.