The beach’s most popular bagel spot is coming to New Castle County.
More to the point, Surf Bagel is coming to Middletown. The long-beloved and fast-expanding Lewes-based chain will move into the space at 350 Dove Run Centre Drive that was vacated last month by Friendly’s, Surf Bagel president Matt Patton confirmed this week.
Patton says Surf Bagel had long been scouting for a spot in New Castle County. Middletown, one of the fastest-growing cities in Delaware, was a prime candidate. When they learned that Friendly’s wasn’t renewing their lease on the Dove Run Center space after what franchisees called “years of declining sales,” Surf Bagel began talks with the landlord about coming into the space when it became available.
Restaurant spaces remain in high demand in Middletown, even as several prominent restaurants have closed there this year. In most recent closures at prominent spaces in the Middletown area, locations have filled with new tenants within months of the previous restaurant closing.