The Pond closes its doors

After more than 40 years in business, The Pond in Rehoboth Beach closed its doors with a final party Sept. 9.

The announcement was made via Facebook post Sept. 4 with the message, “It is with great sadness that we are announcing that The Pond will be closing.”

For its final few days, the restaurant and bar held its last trivia challenge Sept. 7, and its final live music performance by Hot Sauce Band Sept. 8. 

“All of us at The Pond want to thank everyone for all your support over the many years,” the Facebook post continued. “There have been many great times and so many friendships have been made because of chance meetings at The Pond. For that, we are very grateful.”

The closing comes two years after The Pond, formerly known as Frogg Pond Tavern, moved from its downtown Rehoboth location to the former TGI Fridays space at The Shops at Sea Coast Plaza. 

The Pond was first opened in 1982 by Lee and Eileen Smutz on South First Street in Rehoboth and operated there until 2021, when it moved out to the highway. At the time, owner Pete Borsari said the move was because the majority of its customers reside in the neighborhoods off Route 1 and the shopping center offered a large parking lot and plenty of free parking. The new restaurant also included a stage and expanded dance floor. 

The Pond management did not respond to additional requests for comment.