The BlueBird Cafe Coming Soon to Wilmington

Chef Dan Butler, owner of Piccolina Toscana, Toscana to Go, Toscana Catering, Brandywine Prime, and Prime Hospitality Catering announced the imminent opening of a new breakfast and lunch café in one of the most desirable locations at the entry point to downtown Wilmington.

The BlueBird is slated to open later this month (April 2024) at 500 Delaware Avenue. The fast casual café will serve elevated breakfast and lunch with a side of happiness and harmony, as noted in its name. The menu will feature freshly baked breakfast items, like bagels and croissants to accompany Lavazza espresso drinks. Lunch highlights will feature gourmet sandwiches on bread from Tribeca Bakery and healthy bowls of grains and greens as well as crisp salads. The BlueBird will be open weekdays from 6:30am until 3:00pm.

The inspiration for the space is reminiscent of similar cafes in major metropolitan cities, with a mix of modern and rustic elements for an urban, but comfortable experience. The café will feature seating for 60+ inside with an additional 60 seats outside in a newly renovated plaza. A steel and glass dividing wall will separate the entrance from dining areas, where butcher block tabletops will be paired with leather banquettes and booths. These thoughtful design touches and the expertly crafted menu make The Bluebird a great place for both lunch meetings with clients and to multi-task over a cappuccino and an almond croissant.

The BlueBird will cater to nearby offices in Wilmington’s Central Business District with easy, online ordering and convenient group package menus for breakfast, lunch, breakout snacks, and even office entertaining.

“While the workweek may have changed, we see opportunity in presenting a way for our corporate clients to re-build their culture around food and to communicate to their teams that they value their presence,” said Owner, Chef Dan Butler. “There’s been a big pre-opening emphasis on making ordering as seamless as possible for both individual and larger orders to serve this audience.”

The BlueBird Café is a welcome addition to downtown and to 500 Delaware Avenue, which is owned and operated by Buccini Pollin Group. The 15-story glass tower is the premier office building in the city and is home to many well-known tenants including financial institutions and law firms. In recent years, BPG has made a concentrated effort to amenitize its office portfolio to meet the needs of the changing workforce, and 500 Delaware is no exception. Last year, BPG opened a brand-new clubroom and fitness center in the building with a state-of-the-art conferencing center. To add to that, BPG will complete a $700,000 renovation of the outdoor plaza this summer to introduce additional seating, landscaping, and hardscaping that will compliment The BlueBird and create a welcoming courtyard for both the café and office building.

“At BPG, we pride ourselves creating best-in-class projects in the City of Wilmington and throughout the United States. A city cannot thrive without quality food and entertainment options for residents and office tenants to frequent,” said Chris Buccini, Founder of Buccini Pollin Group. “In addition to being a lifelong friend, Dan Butler is one of the premiere chefs and restaurateurs in the region, so we are honored that Dan would partner with BPG on his latest concept. The BlueBird will an incredible addition to 500 Delaware Ave as well as the entire City of Wilmington, and we look forward to its tremendous success with Dan at the helm.”

“I love Wilmington, and I’m thrilled to be able to bring a business that will make my hometown a more enjoyable place to work and live,” said Butler.

Joining Chef Butler at the helm of The BlueBird is longtime Toscana manager, Brian Walsh. In addition to the day-to-day operation of the café, Walsh sees his responsibility as being the contact that customers look for. “My experience in the hospitality industry, especially working with Dan at Toscana, has taught me the importance of treating every guest as a one-on-one relationship. I look forward to meeting and establishing those one-on-one relationships with all the customers at The BlueBird,” said Walsh.