A new entertainment and dining concept is coming to Wilmington.
The Buccini/Pollin Group, Inc. (BPG) is bringing Wilma’s, a new concept at 902 N. Market St., to the city this fall. The 5,700 square-foot space, formerly occupied by Ernest & Scott Taproom, will be transformed into a duckpin bowling alley and pinball arcade with a food and drink menu, the company announced.
Wilma’s will become the place for “boisterous games & dangerously good times” in downtown Wilmington, BPG said.
“Downtown residents and visitors alike have continually requested more things to do in Wilmington that are not solely focused on food and alcohol,” said Rich Snyder, BPG Director of Food & Beverage in a news release. “While we certainly support the thriving culinary scene in Wilmington, we believe Wilma’s will strike the perfect balance between recreation and dining, no pun intended.”
Ernest & Scott Taproom closed to the public on Jan. 10. Gift cards and Groupon vouchers will be honored at Chelsea Tavern, located at 821 N. Market St. Both restaurants are operated by Joe Van Horn of Open Doors Hospitality Group, who purchased the restaurants after the sudden passing of founder Scott Morrison in 2016.
“I am proud to have kept Morrison’s legacy alive at Ernest & Scotts,” Van Horn said in a news release. “He saw the promise of Market Street very early on, and I know he would have been proud to see the growth that Downtown Wilmington has experienced recently. Wilma’s is a welcome addition to Market Street as our neighborhood continues to progress into the next decade.”
Chelsea Tavern will continue to host Ernest & Scott’s favored events, like the Cinco de Mayo Block Party and seasonal Cigar Dinners, while also ramping up its own event calendar in 2020 in honor of the restaurant’s 10th anniversary on Market Street.
An updated food menu and changes to the interior and exterior of Chelsea Tavern are also on the horizon for 2020.
“We are excited to announce these new offerings at Chelsea as we enter into our tenth year on Market Street, and we look forward to another ten to come alongside our new neighbors,” Van Horn said in a news release.
