Hank’s Place was back in business July 15 at Route 1 and Creek Road in Chadds Ford, and this past weekend, customers lined up for a visit, writes Jen Samuel for The Daily Local, as printed in the Daily Times.
Every seat was filled, and a line stretched outside along its new three-story ramp.
Flowers and congratulatory notes from supporters found their way to the inside counter.
The old restaurant, on wetlands bordering Brandywine Creek, was destroyed in flood waters from Hurricane Ida and was razed.
The new restaurant includes flood-proof features, such as raising the building 10 feet, installing innovative mechanicals on the roof, and designing a lower level beneath the restaurant with breakaway walls and flood vents if floodwaters reach the property again.
Hank’s is owned by Delaware County natives Kathryn and Anthony Young under their business venture, Blue Door Hospitality. The couple frequented Hank’s Place growing up when it had another owner.
“Chadds Ford is Chadds Ford because of Hank’s Place, in our opinion. This is the hub of Chadds Ford, the hub of the village,” Anthony said. “We wanted to see that it continued for generations to come and not turn into a bank location or something like that.”
Read more about Hank’s Place reopening in the Daily Times.
