Dianna Barr promoted to executive chef of The Cottage Café

Dianna Barr has worked in restaurants in Florida, Georgia and Maryland. But when she began working at The Cottage Café in Bethany Beach, she found her home in Delaware.

Recently, Barr was promoted to executive chef of the iconic restaurant, which has become as much a part of the southern Delaware experience as a stroll on the Bethany Beach boardwalk or a snapshot by the signature totem pole.

The café is famous for Delmarva favorites — such as crab cakes and three crab soups — and comfort classics, including pot roast.

“Dianna understands our loyal fan base and the importance of The Cottage Café to the community,” said Ronnie Burkle, the restaurant’s corporate chef. “What’s more, she’s a hard worker respected by her staff. She truly loves what she does, and I look forward to watching her grow as a chef and leader.”

Barr grew up in southeast Georgia and moved to Delaware for a degree in human services from Delaware Technical Community College.

However, she was drawn to the hospitality industry, and no wonder. She was just 13 when she got a job as a dishwasher at a Jekyll Island, Ga. restaurant. Barr worked her way up to serving, and helped prep and cook.

While pursuing a degree in psychology, she fell in love with The Cottage Café and decided to pursue her culinary career, a job that plays to her Southern roots.

“Southerners want to make sure that people are fed, happy and enjoying themselves,” she said. “Personally, I love the everyday smells and sounds of the kitchen, and the camaraderie of working with a team.”

Barr credits her mother and her daughter as her biggest inspirations. She lives in Frankford with her brother and daughter.

The Cottage Café is at 33034 Coastal Highway, Bethany Beach.

For more information, go to cottagecafe.com.