Delaware is home to more than 19,000 eating and drinking places that employ 47,000 workers, making restaurants an indisputable driving force in the state’s economy. Educating, supporting, and advocating for this workforce and minimizing the impact of government legislation on the industry is our core responsibility.
THE DELAWARE RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION UNDERSTANDS YOUR BUSINESS
The Delaware Restaurant Association (DRA) 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. We are committed to keeping Delaware restaurateurs informed about the latest rules, regulations and legislative policies affecting their businesses.
We are constantly working to improve the restaurant industry, provide better support for your business and cultivate the next generation of foodservice leaders, ensuring the future growth of our vital industry.
The Delaware Restaurant Association is governed by a statewide Board of Directors comprised of industry experts, and led by a team of accomplished executives. Find out more by getting to know our DRA Staff and Board of Directors.
Leadership Staff
Board of Directors
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. The Delaware Restaurant Association Educational Foundation is proud to lead workforce development initiatives in Delaware and to provide training opportunities and pathways for advancement for Delaware’s diverse communities.
2023 Chairman of the Board
Gianmarco Martuscelli, Martuscelli Restaurant Group
Vice-chair
Jeff Gosnear, Grotto Pizza Inc.
Treasurer
Michael Stiglitz, 2SP Group
Immediate Past Chair
Carl Georigi, Platinum Dining Group
President & CEO
Carrie Leishman
2023 Chairman of the Board
Tom Hannum, Buckley’s Tavern/Goober’s Diner
Vice Chair
Javier Acuna, Hakuna Hospitality Group
Treasurer
Tim Hunter, Food Bank of Delaware
Immediate Past Chair
Kelly O’Hanlon, Harry’s Hospitality Group
President & CEO
Carrie Leishman
2023 Directors
Meghan Gardner, Children’s Beach House
Hank Rosenberg, Harrington Raceway & Casino
Michelle Souza, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
Corey Harrison, Ecolab
Directors
Robert Ashby, Ashby Hospitality Group
Jeff Cook, 2 Fat Guys
Scott Kammerer, SoDel Concepts
Michael Stiglitz, Two Stones Pub
Hank Rosenberg, Harrington Raceway & Casino
Paula Janssen, Janssen’s Market
Matt DiSabatino, Kindle/Half Full
Dennis Forbes, Cool Springs Fish Bar/Restaurant 55
Ryan German, Caffe Gelato
Eric Sugrue, Big Fish Restaurant Group
Betsy LeRoy, Pizza by Elizabeths
Steve Lucey, Six Paupers/Ulysses
Bobby Pancake, High 5 Hospitality
Xavier Teixido, Harry’s Hospitality Group
Jim O’Donoghue, Grain Craft Bar + Kitchen
Steve Torpey, Stanley’s Tavern
Dr. Sheryl Kline, University of Delaware
Vincenza Carrieri-Russo, V&M Bistro/Ice Cream Delight
Scott Stein, Bardea/Pizzeria Bardea
Alex Kotanides, Pat’s Pizza of Lewes
Chris Taggart, US Foods
Ramsey Schrader, Arena’s Deli
Tom Holmes, 1776 Steakhouse
Steve Montgomery, The Starboard/Bethany Blues
Hope Lopez, El Azteca Group
Parthiban Jayaraman (PJ), Pusan Group (The Green Turtle)
Holy Monaco, Big Fish Restaurant Group
March Ashby, Ashby Hospitality Group
Jose Lopez, La Tolteca
Jillian Bruce-Willis, Brew Ha Ha!
Paul Ruggiero, NKS Distributors
Dena Calo, Saul Ewing, Arnstein & Lehr LLP
Directors Emeritus
Sydney Arzt
Sam Calagione
Les Dukart
Kevin Davies, Chair Emeritus