Delaware Restaurant Industry to present Cornerstone Awards Oct. 23
The Delaware Restaurant Association will host its 21st Annual Restaurant Industry Cornerstone Awards at 6 p.m., Monday, Oct. 23, at the Lighthouse Cove Event Center in Dewey Beach. Each year, the DRA celebrates and honors the contributions of Delaware’s restaurant industry, and the ways restaurants enrich and serve communities as the true cornerstones of neighborhood communities, the local economy and unlimited career opportunities for all.
Nicola Pizza and the Caggiano Family will receive the prestigious Cornerstone Award for their contributions to the industry for over 52 years of business.
Partners Sean Corea, Tom Little and Tim Bartley will be recognized as Restaurateurs of the Year, representing a newcomer to the Delaware dining scene, Lewes Oyster House.
Industry Impact Awards will be presented to the Food Bank of Delaware, and a trio of Delaware food writers: Pam George, Patty Talorico and Bob Yesbek, for their contributions to and continued impact on Delaware’s restaurant industry.
Restaurant owners, operators, vendors, elected officials and industry supporters will gather to toast to the resiliency, spirit and camaraderie of Delaware’s restaurant industry with fine food and cocktails, beer and wine from 25 stations, plus live music from Hot Sauce band, all on tap for the DRA-led celebration. Attendance grows each year in celebration of Delaware’s restaurant industry; last year, more than 500 attended the event. This year’s after-party will be held immediately following the event at the recently opened Starboard Claw in Dewey Beach.
Highlighting the event will be the recognition of the 2023 Cornerstone Award winners, including video tributes in each category, with remarks from honorees.
“We are extremely excited and proud to celebrate these iconic restaurateurs and celebrated newcomers at this year’s Cornerstone Awards,” said Carrie Leishman, Delaware Restaurant Association president and CEO. “Their stories represent the resiliency and passion of our industry, and they embody a strong dedication and commitment to making this industry a better place. Each of our awardees will undoubtedly leave a long-lasting legacy in the lives and the communities in which they serve.”
This year’s Cornerstone Awards are supported by the local community and businesses, including Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, Assured Partners, Dogfish Head, Comcast Business, iHeart Media, DBS, US Foods, Ecolab, Sysco, Diamond State Meats, Payroll Management Assistance, Toast, Grotto Pizza, The Starboard and Orkin.
