Zogg’s extending Wilmington Avenue location without expanding
Zogg’s Raw Bar & Grill on Wilmington Avenue in Rehoboth Beach is growing, without – technically – expanding.
For the past two decades, brothers Chris and Anthony Jacona have operated the well-known, Caribbean-themed seafood restaurant in the back building at 1 Wilmington Ave. In front of their restaurant, sharing the same address and opening at roughly the same time, was Dave & Skippy’s Gourmet Bagels. After operating the bagel shop for years, the Jacona brothers have decided to shut it down and expand Zogg’s. The catch is, the new Zogg’s and the old Zogg’s will operate as two completely separate entities.
During a permit of compliance hearing before city commissioners Dec. 17, Chris said the original plan was to consolidate the two structures to make one large restaurant. However, he continued, that option became unrealistic after learning consolidation would trigger a requirement for installation of a sprinkler system throughout.
Jacona came to the meeting prepared to have the new restaurant operate under the exact same name as the original, but commissioners had concerns related to the city being able to keep track of two different businesses on the same parcel, under the same name. City Solicitor Glenn Mandalas said there are other restaurants in town operating under the same name – Grotto, Thrashers, Nicola – but they are on separate lots.
In the end, Jacona recognized the possible confusion and said Zogg’s Rum Shack was a name that worked for them because it would help clear up possible confusion, but also allow for brand recognition.
The Rum Shack will continue to grow the Jacona brothers’ Cape Region footprint. They were among the first local restaurateurs to bring their well-known offers to the streets when they began operating the Sea Hogg food truck in 2015. They also own and operate The Wheelhouse along the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal in downtown Lewes and Bushels Crab House & Seafood on Route 1 outside Lewes.
Jacona said he hopes to start renovations the first or second week of January. It should take two to three months to complete, but that’s pending availability of supplies and labor, he said.
According to the permit of compliance application, restaurant hours will be 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., seven days a week.
Winter hours of operation for the original Zogg’s Raw Bar & Grill are noon to 11 p.m., Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday, and noon to midnight, Saturday. The restaurant is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. For more information, go to zoggsbar.com or call 302-227-7660.
