Fins Ale House to open where Smitty McGee’s closed on Route 54

Fins Ale House is stepping into some big (maybe green and pointed?) shoes. 

After longtime local favorite Smitty McGee’s announced its closure on Saturday, Fins Hospitality Group – which includes Fins Ale House and Raw Bar, Big Oyster Brewery and Claws Seafood House – revealed its plans for the beloved establishment.

The hospitality group will be opening its sixth restaurant at this iconic spot on Route 54 near Fenwick Island.

Owner Jeff Hamer said the group purchased Smitty McGee’s lease and fit out, or the way the restaurant is laid out. But the business and its name still belongs to the restaurant’s owner Dawn McGee. 

He said he recognizes how special it is to move into Smitty McGee’s where so many loyal customers have made lasting memories.

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“It’s an opportunity that we really cherish to be able to go down there and move in where an institution was for some 30 [plus] years,” Hamer said. “Hopefully we can bring over some loyal Smitty McGee’s fans to the Fins Ale House brand and they’ll become Fins Ale House fans.”

The 260-seat restaurant will be a Fins Ale House and Raw Bar, adding to three other existing locations in Rehoboth and Bethany Beach. A favorite among seafood fanatics, Fins Ale House has become popular for its fresh oysters, fish boards featuring as many as eight different types of fish, as well as signature sauces.

When people walk into the restaurant, which Hamer said he hopes to open by mid or late April, they will recognize the layout of Smitty McGee’s with a bar on one side and a big dining area on the other.

Fins is doing some minor demolition and renovations right now, such as replacing the flooring or repainting. The major delay, Hamer said, will be waiting on the transfer of the liquor license.

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With many people still looking for outdoor dining options, Hamer said the new restaurant will also feature a more formal outdoor patio with 30 to 40 seats.

Customers can look forward to frequent happy hour specials – including lots of wings, which will hopefully make some Smitty McGee’s fans smile – and some of their favorite craft beers from the related Big Oyster Brewing in Lewes.

Fins Ale House had been looking to move into the Fenwick area on Route 54, but with limited options for commercial development in that area, Hamer said the best move was to purchase another business’ lease and fit out.