Crabby Dick’s in Rehoboth under new ownership

A little more than two decades after it first opened, Crabby Dick’s in Rehoboth Beach began a new era when Michael Murphy and Nick Burke took over as owners in early March.

Crabby Dick’s, well known for its seafood and a marketplace that sells items specializing in double entendres, opened for Memorial Day weekend 2004 on Route 1 just north of the Route 24 intersection.

Murphy and Burke, a Frederica couple engaged to be married, said they’ve been coming to Crabby Dick’s as customers for a long time and don’t plan on fixing what’s not broken.

“We had a dream to own our own business,” said Murphy. “We’re just the younger generation keeping a good thing going.”

Murphy has two decades of corporate restaurant experience – five with Applebee’s and 15 with Olive Garden. Burke has a full-time job, and he also has 15 years of customer service.

The plan, said Burke, is for Murphy to learn the ins and outs of the restaurant and then learn the marketplace. That way they can each do their own thing and stay out of each other's hair, said Burke with a laugh.

About a month into ownership, Murphy and Burke said they’re anxious for the season to begin.

“Even though we kind of know what to expect, we won’t really know until it’s actually begun,” said Murphy.

The new owners said they aren’t changing the menu in any real way. There will be a few specials added to test out ideas, and then they’ll go from there, said Murphy.

Beginning Monday, April 14, the restaurant will be open seven days a week – 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday.

For more information on Crabby Dick’s, 18831 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach, call 302-645-9132, go to crabby-dicks.com or email crabbydicks@gmail.com.