Delaware Restaurant Association celebrates industry’s success
Members of Delaware's restaurant industry gathered Nov. 12 in Wilmington to celebrate and honor industry success and achievements during the Delaware Restaurant Association's Annual Cornerstone Awards.
In previous years, the association has chosen specific restaurant owners as award recipients, but this year it celebrated and shared in the overall success of Delaware's restaurant industry, with a video tribute highlighting different restaurateurs throughout the state. The videos showcased industry trailblazers, women entrepreneurs and passionate leaders who love what they do and who illustrate best why restaurants are the cornerstone of the economy, the cornerstone of local communities and the cornerstone of rewarding career opportunities.
"Now more than ever, our communities look at restaurateurs to lead economic development and create a sense of place for all who live there. Restaurants bring people together through their commitment to their neighbors, and to their diverse staff and customers. Restaurants are the town halls, the polling places and a safe haven for people to come together and share ideas. It is the industry that anyone has the opportunity to succeed," said Carrie Leishman, DRA president and CEO.
More than 450 people attended the annual event, including Wilmington Mayor Michael Purzycki, Gov. John Carney and U.S. Sen. Chris Coons.
The Cornerstone Awards featured fine food and drinks from 25 of Delaware’s top restaurants, breweries and distilleries, and live music from Delaware's own Stone Shakers.
The 2019 slate of executive officers for the Delaware Restaurant Association was also presented. They are Immediate Past Chair Steve Montgomery, the Starboard; Chairman of the Board Jeff Cook, 2 Fat Guys American Grill; Vice Chairman Scott Kammerer, SoDel Concepts; and Treasurer Carl Georigi, Platinum Dining Group.
