By Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald
The coolest spot in town has just entered an exhilarating new chapter.
The Nomad Bar, affectionately known to many as downtown Wilmington’s “Cheers,” is still flipping on its neon “OPEN” sign, still booking lively nights of musical variety, and still welcoming the community to pull up a chair at its expansive bar. Except now, there are (somewhat) new faces at the helm who promise not only to uphold the bar’s legendary vibe but even amp it up.
Rachel Lindeman and Jaimie Watts took over The Nomad in May of this year, purchasing the bar from original owners Linda and Dave Vandever, who opened the spot in 2011. An official “Passing of the Torch” celebration was held on Saturday, May 10, marked by a ribbon cutting ceremony and live performance by the Jonathan Whitney Quartet.
Many may wonder how the bar came by its moniker. “I recently asked Linda about the name,” said Watts. “She shared that Dave traveled often for work — he lived a nomadic lifestyle in many ways. When they were opening the bar, he felt a natural connection to the people in the community who would become our patrons — kindred spirits with the same adventurous soul.”
Creating a Music & Community “Home”
Dave Vandever owned the building at 905 N. Orange Street since the 1970s. The space has been many things over its history, including a Subway sandwich shop, Deerhead Hot Dogs, and Pirate BBQ. The couple spent more than a year renovating the space, complementing its exposed brick with gleaming wood finishes and warm lighting.
They also created a buzz of inviting anonymity, foregoing large outdoor signage for a singular “OPEN” sign in the window next to a massive yet nondescript metal door. The Nomad quickly became an “if you know, you know” kind of place and one that drew a broad swath of the community.
The bar established itself as a prominent hub for live music — most notably jazz, but also a rich mix of blues, rock, reggae, funk, and rockabilly — with a standard “no?cover” policy and a popular jazz jam. Local musicians like “Big Cat” Tony Smith and Darnell Miller and The Souldaires have regularly appeared on the schedule, along with acts including The Full Carbon Get Up, Rocket 88, Too Tall Slim & The Guilty Pleasures, Philly Ska Jazz Quartet, Aziza Nailah, and more.
The Nomad’s bartenders also have become almost as well-known as the bands who play there, expertly recalling regulars’ drink preferences and welcoming first-timers with warmth and enthusiasm.
But moreover, The Nomad also became a space where truly everyone is welcome, and everyone adopted as their “place.”
Passing the Torch but Honoring the Vibe
“The Nomad has always felt like a second home to me,” said Watts. The staff and regulars have become a second family. It’s a place where you’re never a stranger. It’s a community. It’s where people become friends, where art is created, and where everyone is welcome.”
Lindeman adds, “Truthfully, I had never been to The Nomad until I considered buying it. The first time I went in, I knew it was a hidden Wilmington treasure. Now that I’ve been ‘adopted’ by the Nomad community, I realize just how special it is.”
Watts notes that the staff, patrons, musicians — everyone brings love and a welcoming energy. “This is something that is not easily replicated. We are lucky,” she said.
Lindeman echoes that sentiment. “The staff know most everyone and their drinks. I’ll ask someone if I can help, and I’m often met with ‘Billy knows what I get.’ And the fact that we never charge a cover and have live music ensures that a fun night out is accessible to everyone.”
Lindeman and Watts weren’t necessarily in the market for bar ownership at first. “My day job is commercial real estate financing, and a friend asked [about] a loan on The Nomad,” Lindeman recalled. “He ended up not [acquiring the loan], but the opportunity stayed in the back of my mind.” Lindeman said she was interested in moving forward but realized she couldn’t run the bar on her own without a hospitality background.
Enter her friend, Jaimie Watts, longtime Nomad bartender and patron.
“When I was bartending, Linda and I would often talk about my dream of one day becoming the next owner and carrying on the legacy she and Dave built,” said Watts. “When the bar went up for sale, the moment it truly felt possible was when Rachel reached out to ask if I’d be interested in partnering.”
“I knew Jaimie loved The Nomad and had worked there, so she was naturally the person I called to say, ‘Want to do this?’” said Lindeman. “Once she said yes, it started to feel real.”
Nomad regular Hope Rose is excited about Lindeman and Watts taking the helm. “They’ve kept the vibe while adding and tweaking, like remaining open through August,” she said. “The ‘usual suspects’ are still around with an influx of a younger crowd. The music hasn’t missed a beat. The Cheers-like atmosphere still exists, and I still connect with those I’ve met there. And the staff helps to continue the story Linda and Dave created.”
Looking Ahead, Making New Memories
Although some of the players have changed, the new proprietors assure us that “Nomad will still be Nomad.”
We’re staying true to what makes this place special,” Watts notes. “That said, you’ll notice a few fresh touches, like new beverage options and more special events, such as the wine tasting we hosted in July. We’ve also introduced a monthly nonprofit giving opportunity, so we can support the community we love so much.”
Both women recognize that hands-down, the Nomad’s greatest assets are its people. “We’re grateful for those dedicated staff who show up every day and the talented musicians who share their gifts with us and the community,” Watts said.
“Our staff love this bar like it’s their own, and we’re incredibly lucky to have them,” Lindeman added.
Like any other hospitality business, they face typical industry challenges — rising costs, growing competition, regulatory requirements, capital expenses. “But through it all, we remain committed to honoring and continuing the incredible legacy built by Dave, Linda, and Harry [Spencer, Nomad’s original artistic director, who passed away in May of 2018],” Watts said.
There will surely be many highlights ahead, but both say that their favorite memory thus far was their Passing of the Torch party. “Just before it started, Jaimie and I took a minute in the back to just center ourselves and get ready to begin our new adventure,” Lindeman recalled. “It was just a really nice, quiet moment before we went into the excitement of that night.”
What might be their “limitless” ambitions for the bar? “This is something Jaimie and I have talked about,” said Lindeman. “We’d love to add to the Nomad brand and create a larger space — in addition to the small bar area — to have larger-scale events to support the arts in Wilmington.”
So how can fans and friends — old and new — continue to support this beloved arts and culture spot?
“Spread the word to your equally amazing friends,” smiles Watts. “Keep coming back. And as always, tip your bartenders and musicians generously.
Above: New owners Rachel Lindeman (l) and Jaimie Watts vow to stay true to the things that make The Nomad special. Photo by Butch Comegys
Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald is the Director of Marketing & Events for the Delaware Symphony Orchestra, as well as the manager of the blog Delaware Arts Info, and the Board Chair of City Theater Company. She is a self-described “cheerleader” for the arts and animal rescue, a die-hard Penn Stater and a doting dog mom. A big fan of The Beatles, Bon Jovi, strong java and red blends, she’s pretty sure that in a parallel universe, she’s a writer for Rolling Stone. She, hubby Scott, and furbaby Eli are proud residents of the City of Wilmington.