The Rehoboth Market not opening in old Lingo Market
For reasons beyond their control, Lindsey and Jason Yeakle will not be opening The Rehoboth Market in the former Lingo Market storefront in Rehoboth Beach.
For most of Rehoboth’s history, there has been a corner market at the intersection of North First Street and Baltimore Avenue. The city was incorporated as Henlopen City in 1891. Its name changed to Rehoboth Beach in 1893. John A. Lingo opened Lingo Market in 1898, and it was operated continuously by members of the family through the 2022 summer season.
Last month, the Yeakles announced they would be opening a new market at the location, with an expected opening sometime in September. However, a post on the business’ Facebook page Sept. 4 announced the Yeakles would no longer be opening a market in the historic location.
“Big update from The Rehoboth Market: due to circumstances beyond our control, we will not be able to open The Rehoboth Market at 30 Baltimore Ave., site of the old Lingo Market. While this is a bump in the road, our commitment hasn’t changed. We are determined to bring The Rehoboth Market to downtown Rehoboth Beach!” reads the post.
“Now we’re on the hunt for a new home, and we’d love your help. If you know of any available spaces downtown that might be a fit, please reach out via direct message or email. Your tips could make all the difference. Thank you for continuing to cheer us on. We’re so grateful for this community and can’t wait to open our doors in the right space soon.”
When reached for comment Sept. 10, Lindsey explained the circumstances.
“Unfortunately, bringing the building up to current health department and city codes for a food service establishment would have required changes that compromised its historic character and charm,” said Lindsey. “None of us were comfortable with that, so we mutually agreed it would be best to seek a different location for our market in order to preserve the history of 30 Baltimore Avenue.”
Lindsey also said they’ve had a few people reach out to us with possible locations and they’re going through those to flush out the best fit for the market.
“We are hoping that we’ll have a location update in the very near future,” said Lindsey.
Chris Flood has been working for the Cape Gazette since early 2014. He currently covers Rehoboth Beach and Henlopen Acres, but has also covered Dewey Beach and the state government. He covers environmental stories, business stories and random stories on subjects he finds interesting, and he also writes a column called Choppin’ Wood that runs every other week. He’s a graduate of the University of Maine and the Landing School of Boat Building & Design.
