New signs are in the windows of the former Lewes Daily Market at 420 E. Savannah Road.

The iconic convenience store is closed for renovations and will reopen with a new name: Market 1631.

Rich Garrett, Children’s Beach House executive director, is one of the new owners. Garrett’s brother, Jack, will manage the store.

Garrett said the business is receiving a much-needed update.

“We’re redoing flooring, shelving, display cases. It will have much the same look, only updated,” Garrett said.

Garrett said they plan to open a commercial kitchen at the Daily Market. He said it will be an extension of Greater Good Catering, the nonprofit that benefits Children’s Beach House. Greater Good’s main facility is located at Children’s Beach House.

Garrett said Greater Good will make prepared meals available for grab-and-go options.

“People can come in and get meatloaf for five or a filet for four, with some sides,” he said. “We saw economic potential to sell Greater Good’s product as prepared foods.”

Paula Baker, Greater Good’s culinary director, will run the kitchen.

Garrett said Market 1631 will also sell fresh-baked goods, fresh hoagies and, eventually, pizza.

He said even though there are a lot of changes, they want to stick to the Daily Market tradition. Yes, that will include the Delaware Lottery.

“We will have the lottery. It had been removed the from the store, so we are in the process of getting approval,” he said. “We want to create a community space and keep the loyal customers.”

Garrett said they still need to get a commercial kitchen license and a business permit from the city.

He said they will reopen before Memorial Day, possibly as soon as mid-April.

Lemon Tree closing 

Two doors down from Daily Market, Terry Thomas is getting ready to close the Lemon Tree for good.

Thomas has owned the iconic breakfast and lunch spot for 19 years, but she has worked there for 33 years.

“I’m retiring. It’s time to get off my feet,” she said.

Elaine and Dale Pease have been regulars for years. They used to live right behind the restaurant.

“We come on Fridays for hot dogs and cake,” Dale said, as the couple enjoyed a late breakfast.

Kenny Reed has also been a longtime customer.

“It’s been a great place to come in, have some quiet time and a cup off coffee, and no one bothers you. I sit back in the corner,” Reed said.

Thomas said she’ll take home some of the pictures from the walls, memories that have accumulated over the decades. But, she said, the customers will leave her with the best memories.

Thomas has made the Lemon Tree a family affair. In the winter, she and her daughter, Allie Thomas, kept the place running, cooking, serving and doing the dishes. Thomas’ nephew joined them to work in the summer.

Both women have been working there for half of their lives.

Thomas said their biggest seller was always the cheesesteaks. 

“They’re reasonable, and they’re really good,” she said.

She said she will miss one item that’s not on the menu, but is priceless.

“We adjust prices for people – they won’t do that anywhere,” she said. “We feed homeless people when they come in and we know they can’t afford it. We always did that from Day 1 when I worked here.”

Thomas said the Lemon Tree’s final day will be Thursday, March 19. 

“We’ll literally cleanup, walk out and that’s it,” Thomas said.

The space will not be empty for long.

A new owner plans to quickly move in, renovate and reopen as Saltwater Bagels this spring.