Broadkill Store continues rich tradition
Broadkill Beach is one of Delaware’s hidden gems. It’s the perfect escape for locals and visitors to enjoy a scenic beach day without the hustle of the bigger beaches.
The Broadkill Store, which reopened under new owners in May, has finished renovations and added new features such as a walkup ice cream window, coffee bar and pizza oven.
The store has a rich history that dates back to the Civil War era.
Co-owner and store manager Lisa Conte and Ed Hilligoss, along with eight other owners, bought the store in February. Broadkill Store has grown to a total of 28 employees, owners included.
“There’s no other store to go to in Broadkill,” said Conte. “Someone could have purchased the property and did whatever they wanted to it but we kept it as the Broadkill Store.”
Conte said the owners are aiming to uphold the store’s traditions and value in the community.
“The most challenging part of this business has been making sure we’re doing it right and making sure that people are happy,” she said.
“We wanted to make the community proud because we’re proud of this place and we love to show the community that we love this place as much as they do.
“We’ve had a lot of positive feedback about what we’ve done with the store,” said Hilligoss.
The Broadkill Store is open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. until Labor Day weekend.
The store includes a gift shop which sells memorabilia items such as T-shirts, magnets, wine glasses, and even beach toys. There is also a grocery section that sells beach basics such as sunscreen, snacks and fresh produce. Most of what the store sells is made on-site or delivered fresh daily.
“Now that the renters are here, our pizza is starting to become a popular item. People did not realize we had pizza because it’s a brand new addition and we roll the homemade dough on site,” said Conte.
The deli menu has a variety of subs and sandwiches, breakfast items, burgers and cheesesteaks made to order.
To keep things fresh there are daily specials offered throughout the week. Conte said the most popular items are the homemade doughnuts (available on weekends only) and fresh sticky buns on Tuesdays.
“We had a man drive all the way from Rehoboth who heard about us just to try our doughnuts,” said Conte.
As part of the store’s updates, they have added various social media accounts, including Snapchat, Instagram and a Facebook page which has allowed Conte to keep in touch with local customers.
“I hope we’re making our community proud,” said Conte. “We love Broadkill Beach so much. I hope that every year we can add on new additions and features to the store.”
The Broadkill Store is located at 2 S. Bayshore Dr., Milton. For information, call 302-684-4809.
