- Above the Canal
- Posts
- Brew Works North Opens with Games, Beer, and No Children
Brew Works North Opens with Games, Beer, and No Children
Brew Works North is open, Wilmington gets Philly's Angelo’s Pizzeria, new law protects pets.
Above the Canal
July 24, 2025
☀️ Rise and Shine, 302. Hope today gives you an easy win early.
Your 302 Rundown:
Brew Works North Hits Marsh Road
Angelo’s Hoagies Hit Wilmington
Delaware Lists Animal Abusers
Let’s get to it
NEWS YOU CAN USE
🎯 Brew Works North is for grown-ups who play
Wilmington Brew Works just opened Brew Works North in Brandywine Hundred, taking over the old Bellefonte Brewing space on Marsh Road. But this isn’t your typical taproom. It’s adults-only and packed with fun: cornhole, darts, pool, Skee-ball, even a basketball shootout.
It’s their grown-up answer to beer hall vibes, perfect for date nights or kicking back with friends. No kitchen, but plenty of food truck visits, plus BYO bites from neighbors like 322 BBQ or El Diablo Burritos.
Oh, and a new state law had to pass just to make this happen. Worth it? Absolutely.
🐾 Delaware cracks down on animal abusers
A new bill is set to create a statewide Animal Abuser Database, making it easier to keep pets out of the wrong hands. The public list, managed by the Office of Animal Welfare, will post names, photos, and convictions of adults found guilty of animal abuse — with timeframes based on the offense.
Shelters will be legally barred from adopting pets to anyone on the list, and abusers can only request early removal if they prove they’ve changed. The bill just needs the governor’s signature to become law.
This one’s a big win for furry friends across the First State.
🐾 Low-cost pet clinic coming to Claymont
Faithful Friends Animal Society is bringing its mobile vet RV to the Claymont Community Center Tuesday, July 29 from 10 AM to 3 PM for a low-cost vaccine clinic. Rabies shots are just $25, flea meds start at $12, and they’re offering microchips for $30.
Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome if there’s space. Just bring a carrier for cats and a muzzle if your dog needs one.
If your pet’s overdue for a checkup, this is an easy, affordable way to catch up.
IN BUSINESS
🥖 Angelo’s Pizzeria lands in Wilmington
The rumors are true: Angelo’s Pizzeria is opening in Wilmington! Starting in September, you can grab one of their famous cheesesteaks or hoagies at DE.CO Food Hall. Just don’t ask for pizza. They’re skipping it here since another vendor’s already got that covered.
The rolls? Still the real deal. Fresh-baked in Conshohocken and delivered twice a day. And with help from the Bardea team, everything’s being made the right way.
If you’ve ever waited in that South Philly line, you know this is big.
⚡ Proposed data center could use more power than all DE homes
A private-equity-backed data center proposed for Delaware City could use more electricity than all of Delaware’s homes combined. The $10 billion project from Starwood Digital Ventures would span 580 acres and draw enough power to run up to 1 million homes. Delaware only has about 449,000.
The potential tech and job boost (225+ full-time roles) is big, but so is the strain on an already stressed energy grid. Lawmakers and locals are raising questions ahead of a public town hall this Thursday.
It’s a high-wattage gamble. Whether Delaware’s ready is still up for debate.
🏦 Louviers + Del-One = a credit union power couple
Two of Delaware’s homegrown credit unions are joining forces. Louviers and Del-One just got the green light from the feds to move forward with their merger — now it’s up to Louviers members to vote yes. If all goes smoothly, the deal should close this fall.
Together, they’d serve nearly 100,000 members with a combined $940 million in assets. Translation? Bigger reach, better services, and more perks for customers — especially in New Castle County.
If you're a member, keep an eye out for that vote. This could be a win-win.
🚀 EDGE 2.0 is ready to fund your big idea
Delaware just launched EDGE 2.0, a turbocharged version of its popular grant competition for small businesses. There’s $1.15 million up for grabs, and it’s now easier to apply, with flexible funding, more finalists, and a live pitch showdown to win. Think Shark Tank, First State style.
Entrepreneur and STEM tracks are still in play — but now with bigger prizes and bonus perks like marketing help and business support baked in. Applications open August 8.
If you’ve got a bold idea and fewer than 15 employees, this is your chance to make it happen.
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
🏡 Property tax payment plans in the works
Feeling the pinch from New Castle County’s property reassessment? You’re not alone, and County Council is looking to ease the hit. At their latest meeting, they proposed a payment plan option for property taxes that would waive late fees for those enrolled.
The reassessment itself was revenue neutral, but individual bills have shifted — some up, some down — especially with school districts like Christina and Appoquinimink tacking on increases.
Council votes August 5. It’s not a perfect fix, but for many, spreading payments out could be a much-needed breather.
⚖️ Delaware hires Meta’s lawyers to defend corporate law
Delaware’s pulling in the big guns — the state just hired Meta’s former attorneys to defend SB 21, a hotly debated corporate law now facing a Supreme Court challenge. Wachtell Lipton, known for billion-dollar battles, is handling the case for a surprisingly modest $100K flat fee.
SB 21 makes it harder for shareholders to sue execs or access company records, and critics say it favors big business over everyday investors. But with Meta and others eyeing the exit, Delaware’s betting that keeping corporate America happy keeps the lights on.
A high-stakes move for a state built on business.
THE HAPPENINGS
Thursday
Sculpture Garden Happy Hours: Caribbean Night lights up the Delaware Art Museum with island vibes, live music, and vibrant culture. Enjoy Caya Sol Reggae Soul Band, Evolution Sound, food trucks, and festive fun from 5–7:30 PM on Thursday, July 24 at the Delaware Art Museum Sculpture Garden, 2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington.
Sip & Stroll @ Brandywine Zoo features live tunes from the Max & Denise Trio and Southern-style eats from Dixie’s Down Home Cooking. Enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly evening with animals, drinks, and music from 5–7:30 PM on Thursday, July 24 at Brandywine Zoo, 1001 North Park Drive, Wilmington.
City Sounds Block Party with Spokey Speaky brings the reggae vibes to Wilmington this week with a high-energy outdoor set. Grab your friends and enjoy free live music and summer fun from 5–8 PM on Thursday, July 24 on the 1300 block of Stockton Street (outside Dorcea).
Flatland Drive at Bellevue Bandshell brings rich harmonies and skillful instrumentation to this week’s Summer Concert Series. Enjoy an evening of authentic bluegrass starting at 6:30 PM on Thursday, July 24 at Bellevue State Park, 800 Carr Rd, Wilmington.
Summer Concert Series: Blues Reincarnation Project kicks off another great night of free music at Glasgow Park. Bring a chair and grab dinner from the farmers market before the show starts at 6:30 PM on Thursday, July 24 at Glasgow Park, 2275 Pulaski Highway, Newark.
Friday
Friday Night Lights at Riverwalk Mini Golf is a glow-in-the-dark mini golf party with a live DJ, glowing golf balls, and fun accessories included. Join the after-dark fun for $15 from 9–10:30 PM on Friday, July 25 at Riverwalk Mini Golf, Wilmington—advance registration required!
Free Drone Light Show lights up the Wilmington sky with over 170 synchronized drones creating stunning patterns and colors. Don’t miss this short but spectacular display from 9:30–9:45 PM on Friday, July 25 at Riverwalk Mini Golf, Wilmington.
Saturday
Newark’s Food & Brew Festival is back for its 21st year, offering a lively day of craft beer and delicious food pairings at 10 of downtown’s favorite spots. Grab a tasting mug, stroll Main Street, and enjoy pay-as-you-go specials and sidewalk sales. Saturday, 12–7 PM, downtown Newark.
The Squirrels Play Chapel Street! The Forgetful Squirrels become the first improv troupe to perform on Chapel Street Players’ brand-new stage. Get ready for a night of laughs and completely unscripted fun at 7:30 PM on Saturday, July 26 at Chapel Street Players, 643 Creek View Rd, Newark.
Sunday
The-Core at Bellevue Bandshell pays tribute to the legendary Eric Clapton with hits from Cream, Blind Faith, Derek and The Dominoes, and his solo career. Catch this guitar-driven performance at 6:30 PM on Sunday, July 27 at Bellevue State Park, 800 Carr Rd, Wilmington.
FORECAST AT A GLANCE
Thursday
90 🌡️ 74 | 🌤️ | 2 % | 💨 SSW 11 mph
Friday
97 🌡️ 75 | 🌤️ | 24 % | 💨 WSW 10 mph
💧🌡️ Water temperature = 81ºF
Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach
THE NOT SO SHORTLIST
Now on Their Own Pages
Quick favor? It helps more than you think 🙏
We’ve been getting a lot of love lately (thank you!). But here’s a little behind-the-scenes truth: when you click on things in this newsletter—links, polls, even the little “Read more” button—it tells the internet powers-that-be that Above the Canal is something people care about.
So if you like what you’re reading, tap below and let us know. It’s a small gesture that helps this whole local thing keep growing.
Poll: |
💬 Help us grow. Leave a review
If this newsletter makes your week better, the best way to support it is with a quick Facebook review. It helps more neighbors discover it — and keeps it going strong.
👉 Leave a quick review here: Facebook
APPRECIATE YA!
Appreciate you reading. You know who else might like this? The person you thought of just now.
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up
Want your business featured in Above the Canal? Partner with us!
Interested in promoting your music? Feature your band!
Got a live show or event I missed? Just hit reply and let me know!
If Above the Canal adds value to your day, consider supporting it.
Reply