First State Brewing opening second location in Rehoboth

A vacant restaurant space on southbound Route 1 outside Rehoboth Beach is set to become First State Brewing Company’s second location.

Founded in 2020 by Paul Hester, the Middletown-based tap house and kitchen officially announced it was coming to town Oct. 25 on its Facebook page. However, the painting of the sign on the building throughout the week made the future opening known days beforehand.

Jeff Horne, First State Brewing Company marketing and creative specialist, said there’s not much to share on the new location because they’re still working on construction and refining a lot of the other details.

“We don’t have an opening date at this moment,” said Horne in an email Oct. 29.

The space in The Shops at Sea Coast Plaza has been home to TGI Fridays, which closed in July 2019, and The Pond, which moved from downtown Rehoboth Beach in early 2021 before closing in September 2023.

According to a permit from the Office of the State Fire Marshal hanging in the window of the restaurant, the space is about 6,270 square feet and has an occupant load of 228. 

For more information on First State Brewing Company, go to firststatebrewing.com, call 302-285-9535 or email hello@firststatebrewing.com.