Delaware’s business landscape is constantly evolving, and 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for new ventures. From innovative restaurants to major retail expansions, these upcoming businesses will bring fresh opportunities and experiences to the First State. Here’s a look at what’s coming soon!
Lefty’s Takes Over Newark in Fall 2025!
Get ready, Newark! Lefty’s Alley and Eats, the ultimate destination for delicious food, fun games, and unforgettable experiences, is opening its doors right in your neighborhood in Fall 2025.
What to Expect at Lefty’s Newark
- Food and Fun: A menu packed with mouth-watering options, along with exciting games to keep you entertained.
- Games for All: From bowling lanes to ax throwing, TopGolf simulators, and more, Lefty’s has something for everyone.
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy a stage for live music and great vibes, making it the perfect spot for a night out.
The new Lefty’s location promises to bring even more excitement to Newark, so stay tuned for more details and get ready for an epic experience in Fall 2025!
Surf Bagel – Popular Beach Bagel Shop Expands to Middletown
Location: Middletown, DE
Expected Opening: Spring 2025
Surf Bagel, a beloved staple of the Delaware beaches, is bringing its famous bagels to Middletown in Spring 2025. This marks the brand’s first location in New Castle County, expanding its reach beyond coastal Delaware.
“We are stoked to bring Surf Bagel to Middletown,” said Matt Patton, president of Surf Bagel. “The community is full of awesome schools, businesses, and lots of people who want the best bagels around. We can’t wait to become a part of it.”
The new Surf Bagel will take over a **7,400-square-foot** space in the Dove Run Shopping Center, right off Route 299. The location was previously home to Friendly’s, which closed in August 2023 after 12 years of business. While Middletown is new territory for the brand, many residents are already familiar with Surf Bagel from their visits to the Delaware beaches.
For those looking to be part of the team, **Surf Bagel Middletown is hiring for all positions**. Interested applicants can apply online.
Brooklyn Boulevard – Women’s Boutique Opening in Rehoboth Beach
Location: Rehoboth Beach, DE
Expected Opening: Spring 2025 (Targeting Mother’s Day)
Brooklyn Boulevard, a mid-luxury women’s clothing boutique, is set to open this spring on Rehoboth Avenue in the former Pelican Loft location. Owned by Katie Reilly, a retail entrepreneur with a strong social media presence, the boutique will offer timeless, high-quality clothing priced between $80 and $150, along with jewelry and gift items.
Reilly, who previously ran a mobile boutique in Nashville, has built a loyal online following through TikTok and Instagram. She is currently renovating the storefront and plans to open by Mother’s Day 2025, pending permits.
Dill Dinkers Pickleball Club Opening in Newport
Location: Newport, DE
Expected Opening: February 2025
Dill Dinkers, a premier indoor pickleball facility, is set to open its first Delaware location in Newport this February. Conveniently located near Banning Regional Park, the club will offer 10 ProCushion courts, including seven Championship-sized courts, three Standard-sized courts, and two with PlaySight technology.
The facility will feature a private event room, a pro shop, a ball machine, and a high-tech reservation system powered by CourtReserve. Players of all skill levels can enjoy clinics, lessons, leagues, and open play, while businesses will have opportunities for advertising and private event rentals.
Owned by Jim Cassady, a former pharmaceutical executive, the club aims to create a fun and welcoming environment for local pickleball enthusiasts. “My goal is to spread the joy of pickleball while ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all,” Cassady said.
Dill Dinkers also partners with professional players Collin Johns and Martina Kochli and offers top-tier equipment through JOOLA and Pickleball Central.
Bubbakoo’s Burritos Opens in Dover
Location: Dover, DE
Opening Date: December 19, 2024
Bubbakoo’s Burritos has expanded its presence in Delaware with a new location in Dover, operated by Neel Patel and Nick Patel. This marks the brand’s second Delaware location, bringing its signature Mexican-fusion menu to local residents.
Known for its fresh, customizable entrees, Bubbakoo’s will offer fan-favorite dishes like the Papi Hibachi burrito, Nashville burrito, and Burritodilla, alongside made-to-order bowls, tacos, and quesadillas.
“Our Dover location is a key part of Bubbakoo’s growth in 2024,” said Bill Hart, co-founder. “We’re excited to bring our unique dining experience to Dover, offering locals a place to gather over delicious food.”
Since its founding in 2008, Bubbakoo’s Burritos has grown from Jersey Shore roots into a popular nationwide brand, known for its welcoming atmosphere and high-quality ingredients.
Smoothie King Expands with Record-Breaking Store Openings
Smoothie King, the world’s largest smoothie brand, has reported its highest number of store openings in six years, with 28 new locations across 16 states in Q3 2024. The brand also secured 38 new store commitments, demonstrating continued growth and franchisee confidence.
Key Expansion Highlights:
- Opened new stores in Delaware and New Hampshire, marking entry into two new states.
- Launched a flagship location at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
- Expanded in Austin, TX with its first new store in three years.
- Opened two new Colorado stores as part of a larger state expansion.
- Introduced Coconut Bowls to its Smoothie Bowl lineup.
Smoothie King continues its Clean Blends initiative, focusing on whole fruits and vegetables while removing artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, and added sugars.
With nearly 1,200 locations nationwide, the brand remains a leader in the health-focused fast-casual market. It has earned multiple industry accolades, including Entrepreneur’s 2024 Top Brands for Multi-Unit Owners and a Top 50 Fast-Food Chain ranking by QSR Magazine.
Premiere Indoor Pickleball Coming to Newark in 2025
Pickleball enthusiasts in Delaware have exciting news! The Picklr, North America’s fastest-growing indoor pickleball franchise, will be opening a state-of-the-art indoor pickleball facility at The Grove shopping center in Newark by Spring 2025.
What to Expect from The Picklr in Newark
- 12 Courts: The facility will boast 12 courts, including two championship-sized courts, designed with high-quality, outdoor-style surfacing, all within the comfort of an indoor venue.
- Pro Shop: A full pro shop will provide everything players need to enhance their game.
- Private Event Space: The venue will also feature a private event space, perfect for hosting tournaments and other gatherings.
As demand for pickleball continues to surge, The Picklr’s Newark location will be a much-needed addition. Delaware, already home to over 20 courts, will soon welcome a premier indoor facility, making it even easier for locals to enjoy the sport year-round.
What Makes The Picklr Stand Out?
- Player-First Focus: The Picklr is committed to offering an optimal environment for all players, from beginners to advanced pros.
- All-Inclusive Memberships: Members enjoy free court reservations, access to clinics, participation in leagues, and more. One price gives access to a range of services, making it a top choice for pickleball lovers.
Nifty Fifty’s Diner
Nifty Fifty’s Diner is a 1950s-style diner offering a nostalgic dining experience with a menu featuring fresh, ground burgers, hand-cut fries, and over 100 soda flavors. The diner is set to open in the former KFC space near Wawa, bringing its retro charm and extensive menu to the area.
Cold Stone Creamery
- Location: 141 Grove Ln, # 2, Newark, DE 19711
- Store Status: Coming Soon
Cold Stone Creamery, has been serving premium, hand-crafted ice cream for over 30 years. Known for its signature Ice Cream Creations™, each treat is made fresh on a frozen granite stone, with options for custom toppings like candy, fruits, cakes, or nuts. Along with ice cream, they offer cakes, shakes, and smoothies made from high-quality ingredients.
