Family is backbone of business at Bonwich Café

A Cape Region family has joined together to serve great food and good prices.

Bonwich Café started serving customers Feb. 29.

Owners Laurie and Scott Shifflett are not new to the culinary world. After graduating with culinary degrees from Baltimore's International School, the pair has worked in hotels, restaurants and even retail. For four years, they owned and operated Savannah Café at the Villages of Five Points.

The economic downturn forced them to close their doors in 2008.

"We were just waiting for the economy to come back," said Laurie Shifflett. "We have been looking around for locations and just hoping something came along."

The Shiffletts found their location in the former Quizno's storefront on Route 1 outside Rehoboth Beach. The well-lighted and open space was a blank canvas when they leased the space last month.

"We had to rebuild from the floors up," Shifflett said. "We like the central location on Route 1 and that people can enter around the back from the traffic light. It's also convenient to the outlets."

Customer favorites have included a chicken parmesan sandwich, burgers, fish and chips, Reubens, homemade soups and freshly-baked desserts. Nachos, hummus, meatloaf sandwiches and a chorizo burger highlight the menu, which starts with breakfast – bagels and breakfast breads.

"We serve American comfort food with quality ingredients," Shifflett said.

The Shiffletts have 10 employees, including their two daughters, Cape graduates Danielle and Jessica. The restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, and a new sign is expected to be delivered in the coming weeks.

Scott manages the recipes and cooking, while Laurie oversees the administrative details. The family has lived in the Rehoboth area since 1991 and hopes to bring both new and old friends into the restaurant.

Bonwich Cafe will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, or to place an order, call 302-727-5642. A website is in the works.