Dogfish Head gets approved for expansion

Officials with Rehoboth Beach have approved a 1,500 square foot expansion for craft brewing company, Dogfish Head.

This expansion will include an outdoor courtyard and a stage for live concerts, but the approval for this didn’t come easily.

Rehoboth Beach has a 5,000 square foot size cap on restaurants. Dogfish Head’s lawyer argued that the distillery shouldn’t be counted as a restaurant.

Apparently, that distinction didn’t sit well with some commissioners. However, it was ultimately approved.

The brewing company thinks these additions with bring a major boost to the local economy.

Nick Benz, the Dogfish CEO says, “For every dollar spent in the community, that rolls through every trades group, and all the folks that actually make the construction and the fit of a restaurant possible. We’re putting about four million dollars into this project to bring a brand new brewing and eats to Rehoboth Avenue.”

Officials say construction on the property in Rehoboth should begin in October. The entire project is predicted to be completed by mid 2017.