The Delaware Restaurant Association (DRA) is the leading business association for the restaurant industry in Delaware. Comprised of more than 1900 restaurants, the industry employs a workforce of more than 40,000 people and is the largest component of
Delaware’s tourism industry. As the number one small business employer and the fourth largest employer overall, the restaurant industry in Delaware creates an economic impact
of over $1.3 billion.

The DRA is the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to promoting, protecting and improving Delaware’s food service industry, which is the cornerstone of Delaware’s economy, careers and communities.


Advocacy

As the cornerstone of Delaware’s economy, Restaurants need a strong voice before the legislature and regulatory agencies.

One of the most powerful political forces in the state, the DRA represents and protects Delaware’s restaurant and hospitality businesses and their suppliers at local, state and national levels. With one of the state’s largest trade association political action committees and a strong government affairs effort, the Association works to elect restaurant-friendly candidates and battle anti-restaurant initiatives.

Saving Members Money

While the restaurant industry in Delaware means big business to the state, restaurants are primarily made up of small businesses. The overwhelming majority of DRA members are single owner-operator establishments with strong ties to their local communities.

To support these small businesses, the Delaware Restaurant Association tailors products
and services necessary for their success and leverage collective purchasing power to save members significant dollars. Membership in the DRA is the best investment a professional foodservice operator can make to assure economic success.

Education

The foodservice industry is the cornerstone of rewarding career opportunities. The DRA through its partners, provides ServSafe training and certification. This internationally recognized program is recognized by Delaware’s Department of Public Health.