OVER 35 YEARS
From a former horse alley to a grocery store, then into a small bar—half the size it is today—followed by the remodeling of the upstairs space, dubbed The Clubhouse, and eventually Kyle (Jeff and Joanne’s son) convincing Joanne to add a kitchen and shift the entire dynamic of the space.
The Backstretch has been—and still is—many things to many people: a place to unwind after work or a hard exam, a go-to date night, a family gathering spot, or simply somewhere you can always return to and have it feel like home.
A place rooted in history, made meaningful by community
A SEASONAL MENU WITH QUALITY, EDGY FOOD
We recognize the need for a great bite to eat alongside a well-crafted cocktail. While our space is limited, our standards are not—we’ll never be satisfied unless we’re serving real food. To us, “real” means high-quality dishes at reasonable prices. Everything is made from scratch, and we’re always bringing in the latest food trends, finished with our own unique twist.
Scratch-made, seasonally inspired.
CHEF/OWNERS JOANNE & KYLE MEYER
Jeff and Joanne Meyer purchased the business in August 1990. After Jeff’s passing, their son Kyle became more involved in the family business. Kyle and Joanne have been cooking together since he first learned how to use fractions, and their years of shared experience have shaped their deep expertise in the food industry. Joanne collects cookbooks and loves reading them for inspiration, always looking for new ideas to tweak and make her own
A seat at Joanne & Kyle’s kitchen table
HISTORY
1900s
It all started prior to the 1900’s when this area of Delaware was known as horse’s alley.
In the early 1900’s the space was occupied and used as a grocery store.
1946
Up until 1946, Bianchi’s Bar & Grill called the space home before moving to the location that is now Amato’s Pizza down the street.
After Bianchi’s moved in 1946, Buttsy’s Bar & Grill occupied the space.
1970s
Donny Holly opened Holly’s Place
1980
Holly’s Place changed ownership and was then called Jack’s Place
1982
Jack’s Place transitioned into The Backstretch bar and was owned by Steve Millisor.
1990
Finally, on August 1, 1990 The Backstretch became home to today’s owners, the Meyer’s.
