Wilmington, Delaware’s highly anticipated food destination, DECO is now open! Since last January, city dwellers and workers alike have been predicting the chefs and cuisine planned for the $150M renovated space in the lower level of the DuPont building.
More: New food hall opening in DuPont Building later this year
Today, the wait is over. From chicken and waffles to sushi and smoothies, diners will be able to select from eight different culinary features from up and coming chefs across the region.
More: From Bardea to BBQ: Here’s what’s coming to DECO
After an official Press Conference in the new space, the newly announced chefs gathered at the Mill for the first meeting of many as they prepare for opening day.
The project is a joint operation from The Buccini/Pollin Group and Seawall Development Corp., which operates the Baltimore food hall, R. House.
Architectural details like the white marble bar-top re-purposed from the floors of the DuPont building, and the floor to ceiling decorative wooden structure behind the bar made by Chester, Pennsylvania-based American Wood Design, bring a little bit of Wilmington history and sustainability to the space.
More: A sneak peek at DECO, the forthcoming DuPont Building food hall
Seating will be situated throughout the space, at the atrium bar, and along the 10th Street sidewalk during the warmer days. A second-level private event space is planned that will overlook the main bar as well.
The name DECO is an abbreviated version of “Delaware Collective” and will become a place where young and aspiring entrepreneurs can launch new restaurant ideas and guests will be able to visit chef-led kitchens and order directly from each one. Costs for food will range from about $8 to $12.
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In addition to stimulating the food culture in downtown Wilmington, and sparking the heartbeat of a young, vibrant city, the food hall will also bring over 100 job opportunities to the area.
More: Wilmington food hall DECO holding job fair Tuesday, Saturday for 100+ positions
Over the past few years, U.S. food halls have sprung up in major downtown markets such as Los Angeles, New York, Detroit, and Pittsburgh. And more are coming. According to the commercial real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield, there are now more than 100 food halls in the U.S. The figure is expected to grow to 200 by 2019.
Opening night kicked off at 5 p.m. on April 18 with a grand opening party and went until midnight, featuring live music, giveaways, family entertainment, and a photo booth. DECO will be open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bar service weekdays from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. with extended nighttime hours on weekends.
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