Nomad Bar to hold celebration and ribbon cutting under new ownership

To mark the transition, Nomad Bar will host a “Passing of the Torch” party on Saturday, May 10. (Photo by Eriel Suarez on Unsplash)

WILMINGTON — A familiar name in Wilmington’s nightlife scene is entering a new chapter as longtime Nomad Bar owners Dave and Linda pass the reins to local entrepreneurs Jaimie Watts and Rachel Lindeman.

After 14 years of hosting live music and building community at its 905 N. Orange Street location, Nomad Bar is transitioning ownership. The venue, known for its cozy atmosphere and eclectic performances, has become a fixture in the city’s cultural life since opening in 2011.

The new owners are no strangers to the local arts and civic scene. Watts, who once worked behind the bar at Nomad, called the opportunity “like coming home.”

“Nomad is where I fell in love with Wilmington’s music scene—as a patron, then as a bartender, and now, unbelievably, as an owner,” Watts said.

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Watts and Lindeman first met through the Leadership Delaware program, which brings together rising leaders from across the state. Their shared enthusiasm for small business, music, and community engagement sparked both a friendship and a business partnership.

“Jaimie and I are both committed to building community, and Nomad is such a natural extension of that,” Lindeman said. “We’re excited to honor what Dave, Linda, and Harry created, while also bringing in new energy and ideas.”

To mark the transition, Nomad Bar will host a “Passing of the Torch” party on Saturday, May 10. The public event will include a ribbon cutting at 6:15 p.m., followed by live music from the Jonathan Whitney Quartet at 9 p.m.

Since its founding, Nomad Bar has been a popular spot for musicians, artists, and locals drawn to its jazz offerings and neighborhood feel. Watts and Lindeman say their aim is to build on that legacy while expanding Nomad’s role as a cultural hub.

Claudia Estrada

Claudia is a Philadelphia-based journalist and reporter passionate about storytelling that informs and engages the community. Claudia, a proud Temple University graduate, has built a career covering impactful stories and creating compelling content across digital and print media platforms. With a strong background in writing, editing, and research, Claudia has worked on various topics, from local news to in-depth features, always striving to deliver meaningful and accurate reporting.