Beloved Turtle Beach Cafe Wants To Stay, Landlords Give Them The Boot

The Turtle Beach Cafe’s lease will not be renewed despite good business and tons of community support. (Photo from Turtle Beach Cafe Facebook)

BETHANY BEACH – Circumstances surrounding the closing of a successful cafe in Bethany Beach seem shrouded in mystery despite a flood of community support.

As of Oct. 31, nearly 2,700 people have signed a petition to save the Turtle Beach Cafe on the Bethany Beach Boardwalk.

There’s also 55 comments on the petition, all in support of the cafe, and many sharing what it means to them personally, their family, and the beach community.

The restaurant has been open for 12 years, and on social media, the owners stated that the landlords are not renewing their lease.

“We have not been given a clear reason as to why, although we have our speculations,” a Facebook post states. “At the end of the day, the decision lies in their hands.”

The post made it clear the business has been thriving, and they aren’t getting the boot due to a lack of customers or for a failure to meet their lease obligations.

Turtle Beach’s owners made it clear on social media and the petition that they are not looking for donations, but rather the community to share their message, since they are not looking to leave.

“YOU made this journey possible,” the owners stated. “You chose to support small business owners in this small beach town, allowing us to flourish for twelve remarkable years. You stood by us during the trials of Covid. You helped us branch out from being a seasonal business to staying open year round. You helped us create jobs for countless local youths, many working their first job. YOU are the essence of this vibrant community, and the thought of leaving brings us profound sorrow. Our hearts are utterly shattered. And now we need your help.”

The owners declined an interview request from Delaware Live.

One business in the same strip of shops declined to comment on the situation, and two others failed to return calls this week.

Yelp reviews of the restaurant are generally very positive and among the nearly 200 comments on the Facebook post, visitors said such things as the place is their go-to coffee spot, that it’s a must-visit if in the area, and that their hearts are broken due to its closure.

The lease is officially ending Dec. 31 at their location in the Blue Surf Condos.