For six years, Apron Strings Gourmet Shop and Bistro has held a prominent window at the corner of West King and Market Street, drawing downtown shoppers off the first block of West King and into the front doors of the Hager Arcade. But not in 2010. According to owner Jocelyn Wolff, Apron Strings will be moving to a new location in Wilmington, Delaware next year, effectively closing its doors by the end of this month.
The decision to move was not at all business-related, Wolff told NewsLanc. “Business is actually very good here,” she said, adding, “I’m quite sad that I have to leave.” Wolff explained that her family will be moving to better accommodate her husband’s job, which currently packs an “ugly” commute.
In 2002, Wolff worked for another vendor located in the same mall. But the next year, when she heard that the front space had become available, Wolff decided to set up shop for herself. Apron Strings has since developed into a high-end bistro and cafe, serving breakfast and lunch and boasting “the best salad bar downtown.” The shop has also offered a selection of packaged gourmet food products, kitchen accessories, cookware, and dishes.
A new vendor for the 25 West King storefront has not yet been secured; however, Wolff asserted, “It’s a good location and I can’t imagine it would take long to fill.” Thus far, in the three weeks that the space has been listed, Wolff said, it has already attracted about half a dozen interested parties.
