Hammerheads to open Inlet location

A popular watering hole on Route 1 is opening shop in a new, exclusive location.  Hammerheads Dockside will be located on Inlet Road at Delaware Seashore State Park.  “Right on the water,” said co-owner George Bendler.

Bendler opened Hammerheads in Dewey Beach five years ago with co-owners Greg Plummer and Cohen Sade. With indoor and outdoor tables and bar seating, the new location will offer customers a rare opportunity to dine and drink outside while overlooking the marina, Bendler said.

“We’re really excited about it,” he said.  “It’s our first venture.”

Hammerheads Dockside will be a full-service restaurant, opening daily at 7 a.m. for breakfast, Bendler said.  The restaurant will also serve lunch and dinner, focusing on fish tacos and other fresh seafood, he said.

Bendler said the state of Delaware advertised the available space, next Indian River Marina offices.  “We put in a proposal, and they liked what we had to say,” he said.  “The state is excited about us being out there.”

Bendler said he hopes to organize fishing tournaments with the state throughout the summer, starting with small boat tournaments and growing bigger as the events become more popular.  “It’s going to be a building process,” he said.

Bendler said he wants to create the same familiar vibe locals enjoy at the Dewey Beach location.  “You’ll see many of the same faces,” he said. “We’re going to have a lot of music on weekends,” he said.

Hammerheads Dockside will also have a coppertop bar, nearly identical to the bar at the pioneer location, Bendler said.

Hammerheads Dockside will offer free parking for those who travel by land and free transit boat slips for those who travel by sea. Jolly Trolley will also make a stop in front of the new location, Bendler said.

The grand opening is scheduled for Friday, May 17.  For more information, call Hammerheads in Dewey Beach at 302-227-7325.