Have you visited these LGBTQ-owned businesses yet? Adobe Stock | Chalermphon
From a teahouse in New Castle to a bed-and-breakfast in Rehoboth Beach, these seven businesses celebrate diversity in Delaware.
The first Pride parades 53 years ago commemorated the Stonewall riots and pushed for LGBTQ rights. Today, you don’t need to wait for Pride Month (June) to celebrate diversity. Many LGBTQ-owned businesses provide products and services to Delawareans from all walks of life. Here are seven favorites.
Mercury Café & Teahouse
Mixologist Dwayne Foster and husband Aaron Vederman, a tea enthusiast, opened this vegetarian café in December 2021. The cocktails, lattes, teas and sandwiches have made it a destination for out-of-towners. Locals come for coffee, tea and conversation.
New Castle; themercurynewcastle.com
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Hamilton’s on Main
Anthony Brooks manages the front of the house while Jeremiah Brooks works his magic in the Main Street restaurant’s kitchen. The second-floor banquet space is steadily booked for baby and bridal showers.
Newark; hamiltonsonmain.com
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Gidget’s Gadgets
Kids of all ages—including adults who are young at heart—will get a kick out of Steve Fallon’s colorful retro emporium. You’ll find vinyl records, vintage barware, candies and toys.
Rehoboth Beach; gidgetsgadgetsrehoboth.com
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The Blue Hen
Chef Julia Robinson and wife Heather Sharp helped open The Blue Hen in downtown Rehoboth. When the owners decided to sell, they became the proprietors. The restaurant in the Avenue Inn building is buzzing at happy hour, and the fire pit is a popular gathering spot. Try the lobster toast, fried chicken and steak tartare.
Rehoboth Beach; thebluehenrehoboth.com
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Stephan & Co. Salon & Spa
Stephan and Michael Maybroda created a restful retreat on Route 1 near Rehoboth. The salon offers hair, nail and skin services, including sugar hair removal and diabetic pedicures. Stephan trained at the Vidal Sassoon Academy.
Rehoboth Beach; stephanandcosalon.com
Blue Blaze Associates
Marketing experts Sandy Taccone and Wendy Scott founded their company in 2001 and happily celebrated their marriage in 2014. Their team provides branding, website design and development, content strategy, and marketing campaigns to businesses and nonprofits.
blueblazeassociates.com
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Rehoboth Guest House
The downtown bed-and-breakfast has operated as an inn for more than 100 years. Frank Colonnello and Garrett Wood purchased it in 2013 and brought Tom Kelch on board as the innkeeper. The following year, the Victorian B&B won a commercial preservation and renovation award. In addition to the inn, there is a five-bedroom home and an oceanfront condo for rent.
Rehoboth Beach; rehobothguesthouse.com
Related: Your 2023 Guide to Pride Month Events in Delaware
