Summer House in Rehoboth Beach has reopened

Following a three-month-long front-to-back renovation, Summer House in Rehoboth Beach has reopened.

Local restaurateur Regan Derrickson purchased the 40-year-old business from Big Fish owner Eric Sugrue and former Rehoboth Mayor Paul Kuhns earlier this year. Derrickson owns Nalu locations in Dewey Beach and Rehoboth Beach.

“We’re six days in and things are going pretty good,” said Derrickson. “There are some technical things to work out, but otherwise things seem to be going well.”

The new-look Summer House is a little more classy than the old beach bar, but the bones are the same, said Derrickson.

The biggest change is the creation of the Libation Room in the back of the restaurant. Soon, there will be a tapas menu and online reservation available for the space, said Derrickson.

The renovation was completed in short order because, Derrickson said, he got to work on it as soon as possible. The moment he signed a contract, he was in the building taking measurements and making orders, so as soon as the change in ownership was official, things were ready to go, he said.

“I’ve been in the restaurant business for 15 years and around business my whole life,” he said about the quick turnaround. “I had everything in storage, and we were on site seven days a week to answer questions from the general contractor.”

It’s a tremendous honor to take over the downtown staple, said Derrickson, adding that he used to work there as a kid. 

“It’s a huge responsibility,” said Derrickson. “Everyone that comes in here has a story. We’ve tried to pay homage to the good old days.”

The Summer House, 228 Rehoboth Ave., is open 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m., seven days a week.

Regan said the DJ booth has been brought back and his staff knows they will not be closing early.

“After 9 p.m., the options in town are limited, but we’ll absolutely be open,” he said.