Downtown Food Hall Expands Offerings, Catering Under Local Leadership
The Chancery Market Food Hall & Bar in downtown Wilmington has entered a new chapter under Johnson Commercial Real Estate (JCRE), which has assumed full management, succeeding Hospitality HQ. The 12,000-square-foot destination is expanding catering and private event offerings, growing evening and weekend programming, and continues to feature a diverse lineup of stalls, including Pizza Al Taglio, which joined in January. On-site leadership remains in place as The Chancery maintains its role as a cornerstone for dining, entertainment, and community connection.
— Visit TheChanceryMarket.com
Feast For The Future Fundraiser
The Wilmington Kitchen Collective (WKC) will celebrate its fourth anniversary with its Feast for the Future fundraiser on April 25, from 5–8pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church (1502 W. 13th St., Wilmington). The evening will feature food, drinks, and live entertainment while supporting local culinary entrepreneurs. WKC provides shared kitchen facilities, business development resources, and financial support to help small food businesses launch and grow.
— Visit WilmingtonKitchenCollective.org
New Ownership Brings Expanded Offerings To Local Bakery
Brandywine Bakery, formerly Sweet Somethings (1006 N Union St, Wilmington), recently opened under new ownership, preserving favorite recipes and staff while expanding offerings. The bakery serves breakfast pastries, bread, and now fresh, house-made donuts daily. Owner and head baker Richard Carter, who hails from a family of bakers, said, “I believe baking should feel like a hug you can taste — simple, honest ingredients, careful technique, and a commitment to quality that shines in every bite.” Brandywine Bakery continues its mission of sharing warm, homemade goodness with the Wilmington community.
— Visit BrandywineBakery.net
A Sweeter Sweet Lucy’s Opens
After a short winter refresh, Sweet Lucy’s Ice Cream on Concord Pike is ready to welcome guests back with a sweeter, expanded experience. Owner Meg Hurst — who purchased the shop just three weeks before the pandemic — temporarily closed in January to reimagine the space. The grand reopening is set for Saturday, February 28, just ahead of the shop’s sixth anniversary.
Sweet Lucy’s will still serve customer favorites from Woodside Creamery, Hershey’s, and Hy-Point Dairy, along with additional flavors and vegan options from new partners Hangry Bear Creamery (Kennett Square, Pa.) and Peewee’s Ice Cream (Medford, New Jersey). New flavor creations include Unicorn Toots, Wookie Cookie, and Banana Pudding, plus a signature flavor called Pink Party (light pink cake batter ice cream with marshmallow swirl and rainbow sprinkles). A new in-house bakery adds cupcakes, cookies, elevated desserts, and custom cakes, along with grab-and-go cases stocked with ice cream treats. A vibrant mural by Wilmington artist Francesco Iacono brightens the cheerful, welcoming space Hurst envisioned.
“We can’t wait to fill it back up with ice cream and people,” she says.
— Visit YourNextSugarRush.com
New Speakeasy Experience At ChaddsFord Winery
Chaddsford Winery has launched Noir Noir, a weekly Friday-night speakeasy experience from 6–9pm in its historic wine cellar. Inspired by 1920s–‘30s glamour, the pop-up lounge features art deco décor, themed music, specialty cocktails made with local spirits and Chaddsford wines, and light bites. Guests can enjoy an intimate, low-lit setting and are encouraged — but not required — to dress in era-inspired attire for a unique start to the weekend.
— Visit Chaddsford.com
