Waterfront Property Sold for Over $1.5 Million
A local pizzeria operator acquires the former Smoke on the Water site, marking a shift for Wilmington restaurant spaces.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Girls with Dough Pizzeria & Pub has acquired the former Smoke on the Water property at 3704 Watercraft Ferry Ave. for more than $1.5 million. The deal follows the permanent closure of the decade-old restaurant on October 28, 2026.
Why it matters
The transition of prime waterfront assets in Wilmington signals ongoing turnover in the local hospitality sector. As established venues exit, property acquisition costs for operators continue to reflect the high valuation of riverfront commercial real estate.
The transaction involved a sale price exceeding $1.5 million for the waterfront site. This purchase ends the nearly 10-year run of the previous tenant at the location.
The players
Girls with Dough Pizzeria & Pub
A food service operator currently based in Marina Village.
Tammy Tilghman
The owner of Girls with Dough Pizzeria & Pub who orchestrated the property acquisition.
Smoke on the Water
A former waterfront restaurant that operated at the site for nearly 10 years.
The details
The property, located in the Riverlights community, was purchased by Tammy Tilghman, owner of Girls with Dough Pizzeria & Pub, from the developers. Following the closure, the former owners of Smoke on the Water are shifting their focus to the existing Rumcow restaurant, where they intend to expand service hours to include lunch and brunch and launch a new Burger Street concept.
Timeline
October 28, 2026: Smoke on the Water restaurant closed permanently.
October 2026: The property sale to Girls with Dough was finalized.
Coming weeks: New owner expected to announce plans for the property.
Market Landscape
This acquisition follows the established trend of commercial consolidation throughout the Riverlights waterfront area. It marks a significant shift as the local hospitality market transitions away from decade-old restaurant concepts toward new ownership models.
Operators in the area should track how the shift from established, long-term restaurant tenancies to newer, expanding concepts impacts lease rates and competition for waterfront real estate. Future strategic planning should account for these asset sales as potential benchmarks for entry into the local market.
The takeaway
Real estate turnover often serves as a signal for broader shifts in a neighborhood's dining landscape. Operators should monitor property transfer filings in high-traffic corridors to anticipate upcoming competitive changes in their specific market segment.
Further reading
For more on local venue shifts, see Wilmington Openings & Closings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Starnewsonline.
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