New 302 Social restaurant hopes to be Rehoboth Beach's gathering spot

Shannon Marvel McNaught, Delaware News Journal
·1 min read

The owners of 302 Social in Rehoboth Beach want their new restaurant to be not just an eatery, but a gathering place.

"We want a great vibe, good atmosphere, a welcoming staff," co-owner Marcos Lopez said.

Overlooking downtown Rehoboth Beach, 302 Local's second-floor spot in First Street Station is prime real estate. Despite that, past restaurants, such as Hooters and Cooter Brown's, have had relatively short tenures there.

"We want to establish ourselves as a staple of the community," Lopez said. "We really want to create an experience where people just feel at home."

Co-owners and operators Lopez and Brandon Tolan met working together at Fager's Island in Ocean City, Maryland, where both grew to love the hospitality industry. Two years ago, they opened 410 Social in Berlin, Maryland. With partner Albert Gjoni, the three formed MBA Hospitality Group.

"Berlin has the charm and the historic aspect. We wanted to raise our families there," Lopez said. "Rehoboth obviously has the tourist aspect, but we always enjoyed coming up here. It's homey."

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302 Social's menu is mainly burgers, sandwiches and tacos, but Lopez said they'll bring more entrees into the mix as they get established. Right now, entrees include fish, crabcakes, steaks and shrimp. Also available are salads and a seafood-heavy appetizer list.

"We meld together all sorts of cuisine," Lopez said. "We're not crazy about labels."

In Rehoboth Beach, 302 Social Eatery & Barroom is taking over the location at 70 Rehoboth Ave. previously occupied by Cooter Brown's restaurant. May 16, 2024
In Rehoboth Beach, 302 Social Eatery & Barroom is taking over the location at 70 Rehoboth Ave. previously occupied by Cooter Brown's restaurant. May 16, 2024

Nearly all menu items are priced in the teens.

For now, 302 Social's hours are noon to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, but Lopez expects to extend hours in the coming weeks, as well as bring on nightly specials.

See the menu at 302socialrehoboth.com.

Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on southern Delaware and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Twitter @MarvelMcNaught.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: What to know about the newest Rehoboth Beach restaurant, 302 Social