Grey Fox Grille & Public House Brings Upscale American Cuisine to Dover

Dover’s downtown dining scene just got a big boost. Grey Fox Grille & Public House opened this fall and is offering upscale American cuisine in a beautifully restored Victorian home (140 S. State St., 734-1234, www.greyfoxgrille.com) that formerly housed W.T. Smithers. Two of the restaurant’s partners—Diana Welch and her son Ryan Weber—are familiar faces. They run Golden Fleece Tavern on Loockerman Street, owned Dover Newsstand and Cafe, and also have a rehab business, R & D Trading Co. The team joined with longtime friends James “JD” and Carolyn Davidson for their newest venture. Two head chefs—Gilberto Santana and Damien Stephens—oversee the various menus. They rely on local purveyors like Haass’ Family Butcher Shop. “Our goal is to serve 85 percent local,” Welch says. You’ll also find 16 craft brews on tap, beer by the bottle, specialty cocktails and wine at a handsome oak-and-pine bar. The dining room seats 139 with additional patio seating. “Not only did we save this great building,” Welch says. “We have brought back a thriving business to the downtown again.”