Delaware Restaurant Association hosts Bocce, Beer & Charity tournament at Dogfish
Members of the community, restaurateurs, legislators and various organizations gathered at Dogfish Head Brewery in Milton Oct. 15 to take part in the ninth annual Restaurant Industry Bocce, Beer & Charity Tournament.
The tournament featured 36 four-person teams composed of restaurant and brewery employees throughout Delaware.
Grotto Pizza, Big Fish Restaurant, Dogfish Head Brewery, Half Full, Big Oyster Brewery, The Starboard, Arena’s, Touch of Italy, 2 Fat Guys, Restaurant 55, Buffalo Wild Wings, Striper Bites, and many more were on hand in consumes and uniforms to compete for not only the bragging rights for an entire year, to hold the coveted trophy above their heads and display it in their place of business, but most importantly to win $1,000 that would be donated to a charity of their choice.
“The restaurant community is one big, happy family who love to come together at this great event year after year to take part in some spirited competition,” said Delaware Restaurant Association Director of Communications Karen Stauffer.
“Not only have Sam, Mariah, and Dogfish Head provided us a great location to hold this tournament; they have shown their constant care for the community with all of the charitable work they continue to do. All of the restaurants in Delaware have a very philanthropic attitude, and pride themselves in making a difference for their patrons and the community as a whole. The entire experience is a lighthearted event featuring comradery, fellowship and fun as we get to watch all of these teams get a chance to socialize in such a demanding industry; not to mention in some outrageous costumes,” she added.
The teams were not the only ones involved, as droves of community members came out to the event to cheer on their favorite restaurant, enjoy some live music by High Water, indulge in food and beverages from food trucks, and of course Dogfish Head’s wide selection of beer.
“This is a fun event that is a collaborative effort between the restaurants, community, Dogfish Head and our association that focuses on bringing the industry and legislators/stakeholders together to do something good for others,” said DRA President and CEO Carrie Leishman.
“It is amazing to see the growth and increased interest in this event over the years, as restaurants from all over the state want to be a part of this beneficial competition. These homegrown employees and owners truly show what makes them successful in the business by their friendliness and commitment to aid in improving the lives of others. Despite the friendly competition, costumes, and socialization, these teams really do want to win! Our association looks forward to putting on fun, active and team-based events throughout the year to recognize the hard work of our restaurant industry. At the end of the day, we are one big happy family, and I am so glad to be a part of something so special and unique,” said Leishman.
In the double-elimination tournament which started around noon, teams battled it out to try to earn a spot in the finals. By the end of the day, Arena’s and Striper Bites advanced to the final match as the sun began to go down.
Striper Bites sealed the deal and took home the victory.
