Dewey Grotto demolished; work on new site underway

Only a small corner of the former Grotto Pizza in Dewey Beach remained April 4, as workers cleared the site to prepare for a new three-story, 15,000-square-foot mixed-use structure in its place.

In December, restaurant officials received unanimous approval to construct a building comprising four townhouse units and four retail spaces on the site of the former restaurant at the corner of Route 1 and Read Avenue. Retail space will be on the ground floor, with townhouses above. 

A new Grotto Pizza restaurant is under construction on the opposite corner, which was previously home to Grotto’s arcade. Officials had planned for a summer 2023 opening for the new restaurant, but little progress has been made so far. Restaurant officials could not be reached for an update on the restaurant’s progress.