Variance request approved for Baja Bob’s on Rehoboth Boardwalk

Baja Bob’s, a new taco stand on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, was granted approval of a variance June 6 that paves the way for the restaurant to serve alcohol.

A variance was needed because city code doesn’t allow two restaurants to serve alcohol in the same building when those restaurants exceed 2,500 square feet. Baja Bob’s is below Above the Dunes at 101 S. Boardwalk. The renovation of the former arcade space into a restaurant meant it was 1,006 square feet over the allowable maximum.

Longtime lessee and restaurant owner Bob Frankis said he moved forward with the major renovation after he met with city officials, who indicated that he could do so without a variance. The city notified him a variance was needed months after the work began, he said.

Board members voted unanimously in favor of the request, but only because he moved forward on the word of the city. Had Frankis been appropriately warned about the need for a variance at the beginning of the process, all members agreed the request would probably have been denied.

Frankis still needs to get a permit of compliance approved by city commissioners. A hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m., Friday, June 21.