Del’s Grill Celebrates 60 Years of Boardwalk Memories on the Ocean City Boardwalk

For many, a trip to the Ocean City boardwalk means a stop at Del’s Grill. This year, the iconic eatery is celebrating its 60th anniversary. It’s a moment of celebration for not just the business but for the generations who have passed through its doors.

Del’s has been a fixture on the boardwalk since it first opened in 1965. Its roots go even deeper. The original store opened in Audubon, New Jersey, in 1954, and quickly became the main hangout for locals.  One of the owners came to Ocean City and purchased the location between 9th and 10th street on the boardwalk, and it has been the home of Del’s ever since. The shop was eventually taken over by Joe Del Sordo, who ran the grill for an impressive 38 years.

The first $1 and $5 bills given to the restaurant. The $5 is from 1950, and $1 is for 1963

Today, the grill is run by Tracey Rooney. Tracey has been at Del’s for 33 years. She took over ten years ago. While ownership has changed hands over the years, Del’s has always stayed within the family. “It’s always been in the family,” Tracy says. “Nobody else has ever had it outside of the family.”

That family atmosphere is evident in everything they do. “All family or friends that work here,” Tracey notes. This close-knit crew creates a welcoming environment that keeps customers coming back year after year, and those customers become like family. “The cherish the relationships I have from my time at Del’s,”  Tracey says. “I send them Christmas cards…I see them more than my own family.”

This photo was taken in front of the original store in Audubon. The woman in the middle still comes back to the Ocean City location every year, now with her grandchildren.

Tracey credits the restaurant’s longevity and success to the magic of Ocean City boardwalk. “It’s the combination of the beach, the ocean, and the people that makes working on the boardwalk so special,” says Tracey. “We are very blessed to be here.”

After a busy summer, the crew at Del’s is looking forward to the quieter days of the off-season. “September is awesome and it’s beautiful here,” Tracey says. “That’s actually my favorite time of year. It’s a time to take a breath and appreciate the place we are so  to fortunate to call home.”

Here’s to 60 years and many more to come!