Zelky's Beach Arcade Will Close Its Doors After 2025 Season

For four decades, Zelky's Beach Arcade has been a beloved staple of Rehoboth Beach, offering classic, coin-operated fun alongside the sun

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. — For four decades, Zelky’s Beach Arcade has been a beloved staple of Rehoboth Beach, offering classic, coin-operated fun alongside the sun, sand, and saltwater taffy that define the coastal town. This summer, however, the iconic arcade will light up for the last time at its original location.

Zelky’s, at its 5 N Boardwalk location, will close its doors after the 2024 season. The arcade’s original building will be demolished, as the One Rehoboth Avenue mixed-use hotel and retail project will take its place.

"We are in the business of providing fun and memories," said Matt Weiner, general manager of the arcade, who has been familiar with the sights and sounds of Zelky’s all his life. "I feel very sad. I love the nostalgic charm that this building holds. I mean, I'm standing on almost 100-year-old bowling alley floors."

Though the original location will close, the Zelky’s Arcade at the Tanger Outlets will remain open and continue offering fun for families like John and Chelsea Paczek, who brought their son for some birthday fun.

"It’s weird because it’s like taking a piece of history away," said John Paczek. "It’s a staple of the boardwalk."

The arcade’s south-end location on the boardwalk will also continue serving up pixel paradise as Zelky’s looks toward a future without its north-end presence.

Weiner remains hopeful it will only be one season, as there are plans to build a new and improved Zelky's in its place.

"It’s only going to lead to our ability to improve the Zelky’s experience," said Weiner.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the original Zelky’s, and the arcade is planning special events to celebrate the milestone, including the grand opening of a rooftop mini-golf course at the south-end location and the return of "sno balls" for the summer season.

As Weiner puts it, "It makes you smile when you say it... Zelky’s, it’s better than cheese."

The tokens, tickets, and timeless fun will remain for one final season at the original Zelky’s location, but the arcade’s legacy will continue to shine at its other spots around Rehoboth Beach.