Several restaurants in downtown Wilmington will offer expanded outdoor dining options to allow for more seating at a safe distance this summer.
Dining al fresco in downtown Wilmington just got a little bit better.
On Wednesday, June 10, Curbside Wilmington, a new initiative designed to support local businesses and encourage patrons to return to the city’s downtown this summer was announced by Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki, Downtown Visions and The Committee of 100.
Curbside Wilmington will enable downtown restaurants to expand their outdoor dining into former parking spaces directly in front of their businesses. This allows for more seating while maintaining a safely spaced distance in accordance with Gov. John Carney’s reopening guidelines. Curbside pull-in spots have also been created for downtown businesses and restaurants to create easy pick-up and curbside delivery access.
Free valet parking will also be available.
“We are bringing back the vibrant, exciting heart of the downtown restaurant district, which the COVID-19 pandemic virtually shut down overnight a few months ago,” Purzycki stated in a news release. “While businesses small and large across Wilmington are struggling to adapt to the new environment, we are happy to partner with our friends at Downtown Visions and The Committee of 100 to lend support to businesses trying to meet new challenges.”
Restaurants participating in Curbside Wilmington include: Bardea Food & Drink, Café Mezzanotte, Cavanaugh’s Restaurant, Chelsea Tavern, DiMeo’s Pizza, El Diablo, Farmer & The Cow, Green Box Kitchen, Jimmy John’s, La Fia Bistro, Makers Alley, Stitch House Brewery, Tasties 302 and Tonic Seafood & Steak (formerly Tonic Bar & Grille).
“Downtown Visions is proud to partner with the mayor’s office and The Committee of 100 to help restart our dynamic downtown restaurant scene,” Martin Hageman, executive director of Downtown Visions, said in a news release. “The diverse eateries that run the length of Market Street and surrounding streets are critical to the economic health of our city.”
Downtown Visions will provide additional tables and chairs to restaurants as needed, and custom-made railings created by The Challenge Program will be used for both safety and esthetical purposes.
Free valet service through Gala Valet will be available starting the week of June 10 to allow customers to safely park downtown to dine or shop. The service will be available Tuesday through Saturday from 5-10 p.m. at three locations: the intersections of 5th and Market, 7th and Market, and 9th and Market streets. Downtown residents will also be allowed to park in Colonial Parking lots for free by calling Colonial directly at 651-3600, according to a news release.
