Arena's doubles-down with new locations

Less than 18 months after opening a fourth full-service sandwich shop, the owners of Arena's are looking to expand with not one, but two new locations expected to be open by the start of summer.

Serendipity brought about the opportunity to expand the Arena's Deli and Cafe business models to Milford and Georgetown in 2013, Arena's co-owner Matt Evans said.

"I think we've always wanted to come here, but we never found the right spot," Evans said from new the Milford location overlooking the Mispillion River. "We didn't want to do two locations at once, but it just came along."

Owners said the new Georgetown restaurant, which will be located inside the renovated airport will be a draw, providing residents with the same casual, family-friendly dining they are used to at the beach a bit closer to home.

While the owners were asked to put in a bid for the now-vacant restaurant space at the airport, co-owner Ramsey Schrader said they have been scouting locations in Milford for a prolonged period.

"It will really be the only outdoor, waterfront dining in Milford," he said. "There hasn't been any, and this will be the first."

Since they signed a lease in March, Evans said they have worked hard to get involved with the community. Sitting in on city council meetings and sourcing materials for the new deli directly from local  craftsmen and vendors, the owners of Arena's have been open about their intentions in town.

"I think we are going to add another 75 jobs, at minimum, and we are happy to expand," Evans said. "We are trying to integrate ourselves in and get involved in supporting the towns."

Both locations will offer Arena's standard menu of signature appetizers, specialty and create-your-own sandwiches and salads. Daily specials and local delivery are also on the way, he said.

In Milford, the shopping center and commercial unit where Arena's will operate is getting a facelift before the projected opening in mid-June.

Behind the restaurant space, the beginning phases of building are underway for a patio and firepit overlooking the Mispillion River where Schrader said he hopes to add an outdoor bar and host live music.

So far, he said, Milford seems to be welcoming Arena's arrival with open arms.

"The city has bent over backwards to help us, and everyone has been amazingly accommodating," Schrader said.

For more information, visit Arena's website at www.arenasdeliandbar.com or the website for the Georgetown airport at www.georgetownair.com. To keep up with latest progress, search Arena's Milford on Facebook or follow @arenasdeli on Instagram and Twittter.