Delaware Restaurateur, Quarter 4, 2015

4 / 24

4 Quarter4
During this special time of
year, and highlighted at this
year’s Cornerstone Awards
celebration, I am reminded
over and over again of the tremendous
opportunity this exciting restaurant
industry has to offer!
The Cornerstone Awards offered all of us
the special opportunity to come together
for one night and celebrate what we are so
proud of in Delaware’s vibrant restaurant
community. For the past 14 years we have
honored those of you—individually—who
care so much for your local communities,
your employees and customers. This is
truly a unique and special industry!
This year, we celebrated, not one individual
or company, but all of you. In honor of
the Delaware Restaurant Association’s
50th Anniversary, I was enthusiastic to
recognize our restaurants and each of
you who are committed and passionate to
be part of this great industry of choice!
Restaurants are an economic force that
give more to their communities than any
other industry and provide opportunities
for all who are willing to jump on the
ladder and work hard. The evening’s video
presentations focused on the heart of our
Annual Cornerstone Awards, highlighting
restaurants, owners and staff who truly
are the cornerstones of our community,
economy and career opportunities.
Delaware’s restaurant industry has a
committed DRA staff and diverse Board
of Directors also committed to working
hard to help guide our industry past its 50 th
Anniversary towards many successful years
to come. We feel honored to serve all of you.
No one works harder to promote, advocate
for and help educate today’s professionals
and tomorrow’s future leaders.
We sincerely thank you for your
continued support of the DRA. Enjoy the
season’s blessings and have a safe and
healthy holiday.
Very Truly Yours,
President & CEO,
Delaware Restaurant Association
President & CEO, Delaware Restaurant
Association Educational Foundation
we l c ome
It’s About
Opportunity!
2015 DRA BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Bobby Pancake, Buffalo Wild Wings/High 5, LLC
VICE-CHAIR
Steve Montgomery, The Starboard/Bethany Blues
TREASURER
Jeff Cook, 2 Fat Guys
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN
Matthew DiSabatino,
Striper Bites, Kindle, Half Full
PRESIDENT & CEO
Carrie Leishman
DIRECTORS
Javier Acuna, Hakuna Hospitality Group
Bob Ashby, Ashby Hospitality
Mashoor Awad, IHOP
Les Dukart, McDonalds/Dukart Management
Dennis Forbes, Cool Springs/Restaurant 55
Ryan German, Caffé Gelato
Mike Gershenfeld, Sysco Eastern Maryland
Gary Gunderson, Innovative Hospitality Solutions
Tom Hannum, Buckley’s Tavern
Scott Kammerer, SoDel Concepts
Bill Klemkowski, Jake’s Seafood House
Dr. Sheryl Kline, Univ of Delaware HRIM
Betsy LeRoy, Pizza By Elizabeths
Jean Lloyd, BDO USA LLP
Steve Lucey, Six Paupers/Ulysses
Hank Rosenberg, Harrington Raceway
Paul Ruggerio, NKS Distributors
Xavier Teixido, Harry’s Hospitality
Steve Torpey, Stanley’s Tavern
DIRECTOR EMERITUS
Sydney Arzt
Kevin Davies
Paul Wise
DRA STAFF
Carrie Leishman, President & CEO
Krystal Peters, Director of Operations /
Education Director & ProStart® Coordinator
Karen Stauffer, Director of
Marketing & Membership
Rae Whichard, Membership Manager
2015 DRAEF BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Meghan Gardner, Blue Moon
VICE CHAIR
Xavier Teixido, Harry’s Hospitality
TREASURER
Josh Grapski, Nage
SECRETARY
Betsy LeRoy, Pizza by Elizabeths
PRESIDENT & CEO
Carrie Leishman
DIRECTOR
Ed Hennessy, Delaware Techinical
Community College
EDUCATION COORDINATOR
Krystal Peters