Two Rehoboth restaurants get compliance permit approvals

Two Rehoboth Beach restaurants took a step forward with permit-of-compliance approvals by city commissioners during a meeting Feb. 20.

The votes began with an amended permit of compliance hearing for Bob Frankis, who has owned businesses at 105 S. Boardwalk since the early 1990s when he and his brother opened Playland Arcade. Most recently, in 2024, Frankis renovated the arcade space, which is located below the restaurant Above the Dunes, and turned it into a restaurant called Baja Bob’s. The restaurant’s original permit of compliance was granted at the time.

Frankis was at the Feb. 20 meeting because he was requesting a slight change in how the seats are arranged in the restaurant. That change required commissioner approval to amend his original permit of compliance. As part of the renovation, when the restaurant reopens for the season, it will be called The Dunes.

Following Frankis’ approval, commissioners turned their attention to Christene Minnick and her Sea Hag Champagne Lounge, which will be located in a small beach cottage on Baltimore Avenue that was built in 1928. The building was most recently home to The Ruff Life.

There was no public comment on either application. Both were approved unanimously. In advance of the vote, Corey Shinko, director of the city’s planning, zoning and development department, said both applications met the required obligations.