Surf Bagel has announced the promotion of Tarron Coursey to general manager of its Milford location, recognizing his role in the restaurant’s growth and community presence.
Matt Patton, president of Surf Bagel, praised Coursey’s contributions to the business and its team.
“Tarron has been a key member of Surf Bagel since he started,” Patton said. “He has been instrumental in growing the Milford store, building a strong team that consistently delivers tasty food, friendly service, and a great guest experience.”
A Sussex County native, Coursey was raised in the Lewes area and graduated from Sussex Central High School in 2020. While attending Delaware Technical Community College, he continued to develop his career in the hospitality industry.
Coursey began working in restaurants at age 16 as a busser, where he developed a strong interest in customer service and teamwork. Over time, he advanced through front-of-house roles before joining Surf Bagel in 2022 as a cashier at the Midway location near Rehoboth Beach. Company officials said his positive attitude and work ethic quickly made an impression on both customers and colleagues.
He later enrolled in Surf Bagel’s Management in Training Program and, after completing it in 2024, was promoted to assistant manager at the Milford store. That same year, he helped lead the team to earn recognition as “Best Restaurant in Milford,” further establishing the location as a popular destination for residents and visitors.
Company leaders say Coursey’s promotion reflects his leadership, dedication and commitment to delivering a strong customer experience.
Surf Bagel has grown from a single shop into a well-known regional brand since opening its flagship location in Lewes. Founded in coastal Delaware, the company built its reputation on traditional New York-style bagels that are boiled and baked fresh throughout the day. Over the years, Surf Bagel has expanded to multiple locations across the state, including Rehoboth Beach, Long Neck, Fenwick Island, Middletown and Milford.
In 2023, Surf Bagel joined SoDel Concepts, a hospitality group known for its portfolio of popular coastal Delaware restaurants. The partnership marked a significant step in Surf Bagel’s continued growth, providing additional resources, operational support and opportunities for expansion while maintaining the brand’s local identity and commitment to quality.
The Milford location, which opened as part of the company’s expansion into central Delaware in the early 2020s, has quickly become a staple in the local dining scene, offering breakfast and lunch options in a casual, community-focused setting.
With additional growth planned, including a future location in Newark, company officials say they remain focused on developing talent from within.
Coursey’s promotion marks another step in that effort, highlighting the company’s emphasis on internal advancement and strong local leadership as Surf Bagel continues to expand across Delaware.
Learn more about Surf Bagel by visiting their website.
