The original Retro Cafe was started in 2002 and was located next door to the current location at 10 Wilmington Avenue in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

Jim and Thom became the owners in October 2005 -- and with the help of family and friends, we opened the doors on October 27 just in time for the Seawitch Festival . . . We wanted to take advantage of the smallness and charm of the location . . . so Retro became a sit-down casual dining restaurant, featuring unique and special breakfast and lunch items. The space was small and cozy. Jim created a wonderful and fun menu . . . the idea was that eating should be enjoyable, delicious and not expensive.

The new Retro experience caught on quickly -- especially for the specialty pancakes . . . such as Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes and Bananas Foster Pancakes. People began to know Retro as the "little place with the dalmation on the porch." The dalmation is Sophie and often she would come and sit on the front porch and greet the guests. Great co-workers joined with Jim, the daily manager of Retro, to make a good experience even better . . . Mario in the front of the house and Przemyslaw and Sean in the kitchen.

One of the great features of being a restaurant in a community like Rehoboth Beach is that you get to see lots of locals and visitors all year round . . . and to celebrate the seasons and holidays together . . . Christmas with Santa . . . Mardi Gras . . . springtime blooming . . . and support local charities such as Sussex County AIDS Council (SCAC) . . . and simply celebrate good living, good friendship, good times together and good food!

When our neighbors decided to move their business to another part of Rehoboth Beach, we thought this was a great opportunity for Retro to expand . . . not only in space but also in its menu and service. So while we thought about it, guests kept telling us "move next door!" -- and so we did.

Retro Cafe at 12 Wilmington served its last meals there on Father's Day 2007 and was opened at our new location at 10 Wilmington that Thursday! It seems everyone was involved in some way to help make the move happen -- friends and staff. The interior was repainted to match the colors of the old Retro . . . fiestaware on the tables . . . the old Rehoboth Beach postcards and prints were displayed . . .

The new Retro Cafe and Grille opened on June 21, 2007 -- and the new location allowed us to expand the menu to include new items as well as beer, wine and cocktails. Oh there were the headaches -- we were learning new systems, with new staff, new space . . . but guests were so patient and supportive. And now we have new menu specials, new treats, new and expanded staff, and new friends!