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The Gate House, The Buttery in Lewes under new ownership

August 18, 2016

Wilson Gates and Brenden Shaw of Lower Shore Restaurant Group purchased The Buttery and merged The Gate House of Lewes with the restaurant group July 7.

The Buttery, 102 Second St., had served the community for over 23 years under the ownership of John Donato and Twain Gonzales. Gates and Shaw are thrilled at the opportunity to continue the legacy of such an iconic restaurant and merge The Gate House of Lewes under the division of LSRG.

Planned renovations at The Buttery include updates to the bar and dining area and to the second- and third-floor offices.

The Gate House building at 109 W. Market Street is also owned and maintained by the Gates family. The second floor has a one-bedroom rental unit and the addition of another rental suite is being considered.

LSRG will provide both restaurants the growth and expansion needed to keep up with all that is happening in Lewes.

“More and more people are moving to the Cape Region of Delaware, and we see an amazing opportunity to provide a dining experience in both of our restaurants that make you feel like you’re part of our family,” Gates and Shaw said in a press release.

Wilson Gates is a Culinary Institute of America grad. He has since owned and operated five restaurants, traveled the world and pulls from each experience every day to provide a new way of creating dishes. He could not be more excited about this new endeavor.

“A new challenge ... a new venture ... a new way to make more people smile and enjoy,” Gates said.

Gates and Shaw are known in the kitchen for creating and experimenting with local and fresh products, providing their clients with delicious food from beginning to end. As the seasons change, so will both menus to ensure the freshest product possible. Many of the amazing staples, such as Gretchen’s famous brussels sprouts, Hudson Valley duck, hand-cut truffle fries, New Zealand lamb and the Buttery lobster roll still remain on the menus. LSRG will continue to support farmers throughout Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia and utilize the bakery at The Buttery for all breads, desserts and specialty cakes between both places.

Brenden Shaw has worked in corporate America since graduating from Ursinus College, but he has always had a passion for the culinary arts. Shaw said, “After leaving the corporate world and following a passion I've had for so many years, I feel alive again. Every day we get to produce amazing fresh food and share it with our clients who become part of our family as soon as they step foot into either restaurant. What could be better than that?”

LSRG is also expanding its wine and craft beer lists over the next few weeks. Gates will continue to hand select and cultivate his wine list, while Shaw will focus on craft beers from around the world as well as install a draft system at The Gate House.

On any given night, you will see the Gates’ and the Shaws between both locations.

“We are vested for the long haul and pride ourselves on a warm welcome, a family friendly environment and the type of restaurants where you’ll always be surprised by something new and exciting on the menu,” Gates and Shaw said. “We look forward to all that is in store and sharing an experience with you soon!”

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