Dustin Smith Acquires Wilmington Restaurant Rumcow

The owner of the closing Smoke on the Water has purchased the downtown eatery located on Grace Street.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Dustin Smith Acquires Wilmington Restaurant Rumcow

Live Poll

Do you trust that new ownership can maintain the character of your favorite local restaurants?

Dustin Smith and Diane Smith are acquiring the downtown Wilmington restaurant Rumcow from owners Jennifer and Robert Becker. The transition follows the pending closure of the couple's existing restaurant, Smoke on the Water.

Why it matters

The acquisition allows the Smiths to consolidate their operations while keeping staff employed following the sale of the property housing their previous restaurant. Jennifer Becker is stepping away from the business to focus on other interests.

The deal secures job transitions for 40 employees from Smoke on the Water to the Rumcow location at 121 Grace Street. Rumcow was originally opened in 2018 and later purchased by the Beckers in 2022.

The players

Dustin Smith

He is a local restaurateur who operates Fork n Cork and is now acquiring Rumcow.

Jennifer Becker

She is an owner of Rumcow who is selling the business to focus on other interests.

Joseph Sena

He is the original founder who established the Rumcow restaurant in 2018.

The details

The incoming ownership team plans to incorporate elements from the Smoke on the Water menu into the existing Rumcow dining experience. The Smiths also manage Fork n Cork in the downtown area.

October 28, 2026: Smoke on the Water will close.
Before end of October 2026: The Smiths plan to open a restaurant named Burger Street.

Market Landscape

This acquisition follows the broader trend of local restaurant consolidation in downtown Wilmington, where experienced operators leverage existing infrastructure to scale their presence. The move shifts market share toward the Smiths while ensuring continuity for a significant number of staff.

Customers can expect a new menu direction at 121 Grace Street as the incoming owners blend offerings from their previous establishments. Staff members from the closing restaurant will transition to the new location, ensuring ongoing service capacity for patrons.

The takeaway

This transition highlights the importance of retaining skilled service industry staff during ownership changes. Local diners should monitor the official announcements for the updated menu and the upcoming launch of Burger Street.