In 2011, the first craft beer store, Barley Hopsters, came into Delaware, providing over 500 different types of beer and cider and a range of 100 different wines.

“What attracted me here was population density, a lot of new stuff, a lot of growth up this way and no other real craft here,” said Brian Harpster, owner of Barley Hopsters.  

Chris Wooten, an employee and Delaware resident, talked about the big changes he has seen in Delaware. “It’s definitely not the same. It's bringing people outside of the city into Delaware and that's something that over the course of 5 or 6 years, we have had great influx.” he said.

Harpster attributed a lot of their success to Mainstreet Delaware’s First Friday. “First Friday is awesome. I don't know if we would have made our first two years if it wasn't for First Friday. That was when everybody came to town and we would do double our normal sales.”

The business allows customers to bring in food from other places to enjoy, while sipping on one of their many options. “We’re all one team.  On our breaks we go down to Restoration and have beer there.” said Wooten.

There are more people walking outside now in Delaware, according to Harpster. “When we first opened up we closed around 7 o'clock at night” he said.

And although parking can become an issue, he views it as a great problem to have.

“It's a lot better than 50 open spots.”