Rehoboth Ale House welcomes new owners

Rehoboth Ale House will reopen in May with a new look and new owners.

Dewey Beach-based restaurateurs Adam Newman and Kyle McLaughlin have taken over the 15 Wilmington Ave. space from Dough Roller and are updating the interior.

“We were looking to try something new,” Newman said.

He said besides cosmetic changes, meant to upscale the space, the new Rehoboth Ale House will have more craft beer taps and cocktail selections. Newman described the new vision for Rehoboth Ale House as American, high-quality gastro-bar food.

“Something easy, but something more than just bar food,” Newman said.

McLaughlin said Rehoboth Ale House would have a mix of craft beer, with an emphasis on finding stuff that no one else has, along with simple, domestic beers. He said burgers and sandwiches would still be a featured part of the menu, but he wants the restaurant to offer more than just sports bar food.

Gone will be the Keno games and the tiki bar look, but some things will remain the same. McLaughlin said he plans to keep all the TVs and have NFL Sunday Ticket for access to all the NFL games. Sports betting will also stay, and Newman said there would be specials on game days.

Newman and McLaughlin said the stage would also remain, with three or four acoustic acts per week during the summer.

Rehoboth Ale House opened in 2009, taking over for the former Ram’s Head, and has gone through a series of owners while retaining the name.

As for whether they were nervous as opening day comes near, Newman said, “I think that’s the ride you take with this, is nervousness. Who knows what will happen. It’s the adrenaline rush that I like. I think we’re going to do great here.”

“We came in to this and saw a great opportunity,” McLaughlin said. “The location is great. We’re excited.”