An Air Force veteran’s dream restaurant and bar is almost a reality in Dover, and downtown development leaders are hopeful that his venture will encourage more investment in the area. Donny Legans wanted to open a beer garden that would serve as a community gathering place, much like the one that helped revitalize his former neighborhood in Philadelphia. “That beer garden was not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also motivated other investors to open businesses in that area. I hope to see the same thing happen here,” Legans said. He and his wife purchased a home in Dover because she frequently traveled there while serving in the Air Force Reserves. “We fell in love with the community,” Legans said. They chose the location for their beer garden at the vacant building on 92 N. West St., which was the former site of Southern States. The building is situated just a block north of Division Street. They named their German-style beer garden Rail Haus because it is located near the railroad tracks and “haus” means “house” in German. Legans’ wife spent time in Germany during her active duty in the Air Force. The couple plans to open their establishment in about two weeks. “I feel relieved,” Legans said about completing the project. “It turned out even better than I expected, and we can’t wait to open the doors and welcome everyone.” For the interior, Rail Haus measures around 2,500 square feet and can accommodate approximately 80 people. It features a bar and overhead doors that can be opened for outdoor seating when the weather permits or closed to ensure customer comfort. However, it is the outdoor space that sets the restaurant apart as a beer garden. With nearly 20,000 square feet, customers can enjoy outdoor dining and relaxation with long beer garden-style tables, chairs, three fire pits, a large sand box for kids to play in, and various games for the whole family such as cornhole and bocce. Dogs on leashes are also welcome in the outdoor area. Additionally, the restaurant plans to have live music occasionally and multiple speakers playing background music throughout the extensive yard. Legans intends to offer free fitness classes in partnership with local fitness clubs. “The idea is to work out and then have a drink and chat with friends,” he said. “This would also be a great place for running groups and cycling groups to gather before and after their activities.” Rail Haus will provide a full bar service with a selection of wine, liquor, cocktails, and frozen drinks. However, the main focus will be on German beers and craft beers from Delaware and surrounding states. The menu will consist of bratwurst, burgers, salads, and döners, which is a German dish similar to Greek gyros. Another possibility is a brunch menu, likely on Saturdays, offering a variety of egg dishes and Bloody Mary-inspired drinks. Legans plans to hire around 30 employees initially. Although he and his wife have no experience in running a restaurant, their business partner has operated multiple restaurants, and the manager has worked at the restaurant 33 West in Dover. To fund the renovations at Rail Haus, Legans and his wife sold some of their investment properties in Philadelphia. The entire process has taken nearly three years, from the time they began searching for buildings to purchasing the property and acquiring city approval. They bought the former Southern States building for $110,000, but the total investment in Rail Haus amounts to just over $3 million, according to Legans. Environmental inspections were necessary due to the presence of underground fuel storage tanks. Once the tanks were removed and the necessary inspections were completed, the project received city approval in December, allowing Legans to commence renovations and site work. Demolition began in January, with crews gutting the interior and making improvements to the foundation, roof, siding, and insulation. New appliances, furnishings, and overhead doors were installed, and the parking lot was paved and striped. The final step was the landscaping of the yard. Legans stated that the possibility of grants from state, county, and city programs influenced their decision to invest in downtown Dover, and they are hopeful that their establishment will contribute to its ongoing development.

(Source: https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/2022/02/28/dover-restaurant-rail-haus-southern-states-gathering-space-beer-garden/6879952001/)

Rail Haus, a new year-round beer garden, has opened its doors in downtown Dover, Delaware. The owners, Mark and Julie Legan, had a vision to create a unique space that would attract both locals and visitors from the surrounding region. Little did they know that their decision would be rewarded with over $600,000 in grants.

The first grant they received was a $50,000 EDGE grant from the Delaware Division of Small Business. This grant, which stands for “encouraging development, growth, and expansion,” was intended to support businesses like Rail Haus in their initial stages. The Legans were grateful for this financial boost, as it allowed them to begin implementing their plans for the beer garden.

The second grant came from the state Downtown Development District program. This $311,000 grant was earmarked specifically for revitalizing properties in downtown areas. Rail Haus was the perfect candidate for this funding, as it aimed to transform an underutilized space into a vibrant destination. With this grant, the Legans were able to make significant improvements to the building and create an inviting atmosphere for customers.

But the grants didn’t stop there. The Legans also received $300,000 from the Downtown Dover Partnership’s critical improvements program, funded by the state. This program specifically targeted businesses renovating buildings to comply with fire safety requirements and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Rail Haus was able to make necessary updates, such as installing ramps, accessible restrooms, wider doors, and halls. These improvements not only made the beer garden more inclusive but also created a safer environment for all patrons.

In addition to the grants for building improvements, Rail Haus also received funding for bike racks and trees. The Downtown Dover Partnership recognized the importance of creating a bike-friendly community and worked with the Kent Metropolitan Planning Organization to secure this additional funding. Being located on the Senator Bikeway, Rail Haus is now easily accessible for cyclists looking for a refreshing beer after a ride.

The community has been buzzing with excitement about Rail Haus. Diane Laird, executive director of the Downtown Dover Partnership, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “It is unlike anything we have right here in downtown, and considering it’s Delaware’s only year-round beer garden, it will entice not only Dover residents but also draw those from around the region.” Laird believes that projects like Rail Haus are vital for revitalizing downtown areas, sparking discussions of redevelopment, instilling confidence in other potential investors, and creating new opportunities for housing, retail, and restaurants.

Tina Bradbury, the downtown partnership’s economic development and operations manager, believes that Rail Haus will be a significant economic driver for the area. She states, “With Rail Haus being downtown, this is a definite economic driver as it will attract people from all over as beer enthusiasts are always on the hunt to find new places. With both the Delaware on Tap and DE Brew Trail sites, there will be a built-in stream of people to seek out the Rail Haus and, in turn, downtown Dover.”

The Legans’ attention to detail and consideration for the surrounding community have not gone unnoticed. Ken Anderson, the downtown partnership’s property development director, commended their plans for creating a family-friendly venue. He stated, “That is validated by support from houses of worship and a community center near its location. Their attention to detail and consideration of these surrounding community factors has been top shelf.”

Rail Haus has already proven to be a success, attracting beer enthusiasts from near and far. The Legans’ vision, combined with the support of various grant programs and the Downtown Dover Partnership, has transformed a once-overlooked space into a thriving beer garden that contributes to the revitalization of downtown Dover. This success story serves as an inspiration for other aspiring entrepreneurs and showcases the power of collaboration between business owners, community organizations, and local government in driving economic development.