Starboard's Shark Tank Pub open in Dewey Beach
If the off-season feels a little different in Dewey Beach this year, there’s good reason: For the first time in 55 years, part of the Starboard is open for business.
Though the summertime crowds left months ago, weekends are still lively in Starboard VIP room – dubbed the Shark Tank Pub – which will remain open until the flagship bar reopens in March.
Starboard owner Steve Montgomery said he opened the Shark Tank partly in response to inquiries and partly because his staff was willing, able and available to keep the ship afloat this year.
"I'm a big cheerleader for the town of Dewey Beach," Montgomery said. "I'm hoping that having another big venue like the Starboard open will bring more people to Dewey."
The Shark Tank was bustling on a recent Sunday morning with bikers and weekend visitors from Delaware and out-of-state. Potomac, Md., resident Lisa Harwood stopped in and was surprised to see the summertime haunt open this time of year.
“I’m thrilled! I love their breakfast,” Harwood said.
The Shark Tank is cozier than the larger summer venue, Montgomery said. Although the air is still perfumed with the scent of fresh squeezed oranges and the drinks keep flowing, there is more emphasis on the menu at the Shark Tank.
“The whole basis for the Shark Tank was the food,” Montgomery said. ”We have got a really talented kitchen staff. It gives us a chance to really show off our food.”
In addition to visitors from out-of-state, the pub's laid-back vibe is bringing locals back, said manager Keith Kirk.
Already looking ahead to the summer season, Montgomery said reopening the Starboard for St. Patrick’s Day weekend in March should be a breeze this year because only a section of the bar was closed down for the winter.
“Starboard opening weekend is the busiest weekend of the year,” he said. “The reality is when they come down in March, they come down for the Starboard opening – there’s no beach. That’s what drives local business.”
The Starboard Shark Tank is open from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m., Thursdays and Fridays and opens at 9 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
