New microbrewery and taproom approved for Kent County, near Smyrna

The 2-acre project includes a microbrewery, taproom serving food and drinks, and two retail spaces.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Kent County Planning Commission has approved a proposal for a new microbrewery and taproom near Smyrna, Delaware. The 2-acre project will include a 4,253-square-foot microbrewery, a 3,103-square-foot taproom serving food and drinks, and two 2,273-square-foot retail spaces. The property is located outside Smyrna town limits on Route 13 South, just north of the Brenford Road stoplight, next to the Hedgerow Hollow mobile home park.

Why it matters

This project represents a new business and economic development opportunity for Kent County, providing a unique destination for craft beer enthusiasts and local residents. It also highlights the continued growth and evolution of the craft brewing industry in Delaware, which has seen both openings and closures of breweries in recent years.

The details

The planning commission approved the preliminary site plan 6-0 without any debate. The property is zoned for general business use, which allows for a microbrewery and retail spaces. The project includes plans for a comfortable and welcoming taproom, a focus on unique food menu items, and potential for live music and events. The two retail spaces will be leased to other tenants. The project team has backgrounds in brewing and restaurants.

  • The Kent County Planning Commission voted in favor of the proposal on February 12, 2026.
  • The applicant now needs approvals from the Delaware Department of Transportation, Kent Conservation District, and the State Fire Marshal's Office before requesting final plan approval from the county planning staff.
  • The final plan must be certified within 24 months of the preliminary plan approval, and construction must begin within 18 months of the final plan approval.

The players

Kent County Planning Commission

The regional planning commission that voted 6-0 to approve the preliminary site plan for the microbrewery and taproom project.

Shiv Shanker Inc.

The owner of the 2-acre property where the microbrewery and taproom project is proposed.

Kartik Patel

The representative for Shiv Shanker Inc. who presented the project proposal to the planning commission.

Denise Kaercher

A planning commissioner who made the motion in favor of approving the application, citing that the site is zoned for the proposed uses and the application is compliant with the comprehensive plan.

Zeke Ottemiller

The marketing chair for the Delaware Brewers Guild, a nonprofit advocating for Delaware craft breweries.

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What they’re saying

“The site is zoned BG, general business, in which a microbrewery and retail are permitted by right … and the application is compliant with the comprehensive plan.”

— Denise Kaercher, Planning Commissioner (delawareonline.com)

“We plan to provide a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere in the taproom. We are planning to focus heavily on our unique menu to complement our drinks.”

— Kartik Patel, Representative for Shiv Shanker Inc. (delawareonline.com)

“The businesses that constantly adapt and innovate will continue to be successful.”

— Kartik Patel, Representative for Shiv Shanker Inc. (delawareonline.com)

What’s next

With the approval from the planning commission, the applicant now needs approvals from the Delaware Department of Transportation, Kent Conservation District, and the State Fire Marshal's Office before requesting final plan approval from the county planning staff. The final plan must be certified within 24 months of the preliminary plan approval, and construction must begin within 18 months of the final plan approval.

The takeaway

This new microbrewery and taproom project near Smyrna represents an opportunity for economic development and growth in Kent County's craft beer industry, which has seen both openings and closures of breweries in recent years. The project's focus on creating a comfortable and unique dining and drinking experience, as well as its compliance with local zoning and planning requirements, suggest it could be a successful addition to the community.