WILMINGTON, DE (DNTV): Mayor Mike Purzycki today joined Lounge at Eighth owner Derron Lee, members of City Council (Chris Johnson, Bregetta Fields, Yolanda McCoy, and Vincent White), representatives of West Side Grows Together and Cornerstone West CDC, City officials, other invited guests and members of the public for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 801 North Union Street to officially welcome the new business to Wilmington’s West Side community.
Lounge at Eighth is the latest small business to join the growing Union Street commercial corridor.
In celebrating the opening, Mayor Purzycki said that cities thrive on small businesses and individuals who use their entrepreneurial skills to build something new. “Lounge at Eighth brings a special energy and even more jobs to the growing West Side family,” said the Mayor. “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Derron and his enthusiasm and his energy to our City. I wish Derron and his team all the success in the world as they begin this journey and I’m confident that Lounge at Eighth will be a fine addition to the many eating and drinking establishments up and down Union Street.”
Derron Lee, an experienced entrepreneur and owner of Lounge at Eighth, says visitors to the new establishment at the corner of 8th and Union streets can enjoy great food, music, and hookah.
“We’re really excited to be officially welcomed to the West Side,” said Lee. “We’ve created an atmosphere that offers an outstanding dining experience; an outlet for entertainment and relaxation; and an environment that encourages a sense of community through social gatherings and networking. We are looking forward to serving and adding new value and diversity to Union Street. With much gratitude, thank you for all of the support and warm welcome!”
Union Street, a major focus of the West Side Revitalization Plan and the Citywide Comprehensive Plan, is slated for incremental streetscape enhancements, grant programs and technical support for small businesses owners. These efforts, led by Cornerstone West CDC with the support of the Mayor’s Office, will build momentum and new jobs in the community. “Small businesses are indispensable to Wilmington’s economic health and well-being,” said Mayor Purzycki, “and we are always happy to welcome enthusiastic and enterprising small business owners to the City, especially into our many diverse neighborhoods. The West Side continues to grow and thrive, emblematic of the many good things happening all around our City each and every day. Union Street, in particular, has all the potential in the world and it’s going to continue to grow. This is the place”
