​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. 

​2024 Chairman of the Board
Jeff Gosnear, Grotto Pizza Inc.

​Vice-chair
​Michael Stiglitz, 2SP Group

​Treasurer
Paula Janssen, Janssen's Market / J's Cafe

​Immediate Past Chair
​Gianmarco Martuscelli, Martuscelli Restaurant Group

​President & CEO
Carrie Leishman

Directors

• Robert Ashby, Ashby Hospitality Group
• Jeff Cook, 2 Fat Guys
• Scott Kammerer, SoDel Concepts
• Carl Georigi, Platinum Dining Group
• Matt DiSabatino, Kindle/Half Full
• Dennis Forbes, Restaurant 55
• Ryan German, Caffe Gelato
• Betsy LeRoy, Pizza by Elizabeths
• Steve Lucey, Six Paupers/Ulysses
• Bobby Pancake, High 5 Hospitality
• Xavier Teixido, Harry’s Hospitality Group
• Steve Torpey, Stanley’s Tavern
• Dr. Sheryl Kline, University of Delaware
• Vincenza Carrieri-Russo, V&M Bistro/Ice Cream Delight
• Scott Stein, Bardea Restaurant Group
• 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
• Marc Ashby, Ashby Hospitality Group
• Jose Lopez, La Tolteca Group
• Jillian Bruce-Willis, Brew HaHa!
• Paul Ruggiero, NKS Distributors
• Richard Schneider, National Restaurant Association Representative
• Carla Guzzi, Bing's Bakery/Bing's Bake & Brew

Directors Emeritus

• Sydney Arzt
• Sam Calagione 
• Les Dukart​

DRF Board of Directors

​2024 Chairman of the Board
Javier Acuna, Hakuna Hospitality Group

​Vice Chair
Tim Hunter, Food Bank of Delaware

​Treasurer
Hank Rosenberg, Harrington Raceway & Casino

​Immediate Past Chair
Tom Hannum, Buckley's Tavern/Goober's Diner

​President & CEO
Carrie Leishman

2024 Directors

Michelle Souza, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
Kelly O'Hanlon, Harry's Hospitality Group
Lori Liguori, High 5 Hospitality Group
​Danielle Panarello, SoDel Concepts

Click to learn more about Board Nomination Applications