The Delaware Restaurant Association has a proven record of protecting industry interests. We strive to improve the business environment for restaurants, advocating on a slate of national, state and local issues. Our Board of Directors are industry leaders committed to keeping Delaware restaurateurs informed about the latest rules, regulations and legislative policies affecting their businesses. Our foundation is proud to lead workforce development initiatives in Delaware and to provide training opportunities and pathways for advancement for Delaware’s diverse communities.
2026 Chairman of the Board
Michael Stiglitz, 2SP Group
Michael Stiglitz, 2SP Group
Vice-chair
Paula Janssen, Janssen's Market / J's Cafe
Paula Janssen, Janssen's Market / J's Cafe
Treasurer
Jose Lopez, La Tolteca
Jose Lopez, La Tolteca
Immediate Past Chair
Jeff Gosnear, Grotto Pizza Inc.
Jeff Gosnear, Grotto Pizza Inc.
President & CEO
Carrie Leishman
Carrie Leishman
Directors
- Angela Tsionas, Tsionas Management
- Betsy LeRoy, Pizza by Elizabeths
- Billy Savage, Diamond State Meats
- Bobby Pancake, High 5 Hospitality
- Carla Guzzi, Bing's Bakery/Bing's Bake & Brew
- Carl Georigi, Platinum Dining Group
- Chris Taggart, The Dog House
- Danielle Panarello, SoDel Concepts
- Dennis Forbes, Restaurant 55
- Drew DiFonzo, TKO Hospitality
- Dr. Sheryl Kline, University of Delaware
- Gianmarco Martuscelli, Martucelli Restaurant Group
- Jillian Bruce-Willis, Brew HaHa!
- Katie Kutler, Kaffe Karma / Spread Good Karma Foundation
- Marc Ashby, Ashby Hospitality Group
- Matt DiSabatino, Kindle/Half Full
- Paul Ruggiero, NKS Distributors
- Robert Ashby, Ashby Hospitality Group
- Ryan German, Caffe Gelato
- Scott Kammerer, SoDel Concepts
- Steve Lucey, Ulysses/Six Paupers
- Steve Montgomery, The Starboard/Bethany Blues
- Steve Torpey, Stanley’s Tavern
- Vonda Benson, Plated Soul by Aunt Vonda
- Xavier Teixido, Harry’s Hospitality Group
Directors Emeritus
-
Kevin Davies
-
Les Dukart
-
Sam Calagione
-
Steve Torpey
-
Sydney Arzt
DRF Board of Directors
2026 Chairman of the Board
Tim Hunter, Food Bank of Delaware
Tim Hunter, Food Bank of Delaware
Vice Chair
Hank Rosenberg, Harrington Raceway & Casino
Hank Rosenberg, Harrington Raceway & Casino
Treasurer
Lori Liguori, High 5 Hospitality Group
Lori Liguori, High 5 Hospitality Group
Immediate Past Chair
Javier Acuna, Hakuna Hospitality Group
Javier Acuna, Hakuna Hospitality Group
President & CEO
Carrie Leishman
Carrie Leishman
Directors
- Andrew Feeley, Appoquinimink High School
- Corey Harrison, Ecolab
- Joseph Jones, New Castle County Vo-Tech School District
- Kelly O'Hanlon, Harry's Hospitality Group
- Lisa Breedlove, SoDel Concepts
- Mary Dupont, La Plaza Delaware
- Michelle Souza, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
- Tom Hannum, Buckley’s Tavern/Goober’s Diner
- Vincenza Carrieri-Russo, V&M Bistro