Explore the Evolution of Bun’s Restaurant in Downtown Delaware

It’s easy to find Bun’s Restaurant in downtown Delaware. Just look for the neon sign hanging from a tall black arch over West Winter Street. It points the way to a Delaware institution that has served local families in some form since 1864.

The eatery began its life during the Civil War as Hoffman’s Bakery, opened by a family of Bavarian immigrants. In 1889, it expanded to become Hoffman’s Bakery and Ice Cream, which was considered quite the delicacy back then. The full-service restaurant came along in 1922. George Hoffman, who was the founder’s grandson, eventually took over the restaurant. George was nicknamed “Bun” after the bakery business, and as he became associated with the place, it just became known as Bun’s.

“I think he really ran with the name,” says Andy Beougher, who manages the restaurant today. “Back then, there weren’t many restaurants in Delaware. Bun’s was it.”

The Hoffman family owned Bun’s until 1991, and it has been through a series of owners since. A section of the original building was damaged by fire in 2002, and part of that structure is now the patio. The main restaurant sits in the adjacent building, but the Hoffman legacy is well-preserved.

“There’s a great-grandson of the Hoffmans and he has a huge collection of stuff,” Beougher says. “He loves coming in here and talking about it. He shows me old pictures, old menus, newspaper clippings.”

Diners flock to Bun’s for the popular burgers, the hearty meatloaf dinner, and surprisingly, liver and onions. Both the menu and Bun’s continued existence is a source of comfort to regulars.

“The menu’s changed but people associate the restaurant with comfort,” Beougher says. “They like that Bun’s is still around.” 14 W. Winter St., Delaware 43015, 740/363-3731, bunsrestaurantandbar.com

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