Half Full nabs bocce cup trophy at restaurant tourney

The team from Half Full pizzeria and wine bar in Lewes took top honors in the Delaware Restaurant Association Beer & Bocce Tournament held June 6 at the DE Turf Sports Complex in Frederica.

This year’s field of 28 competing restaurant teams was whittled down to 12 in the winners bracket, with a final matchup comprising 2021 champs Team Starboard vs. Team Half Full.

Ultimately, Team Half Full came out on top and brought the trophy back to Lewes. Its selected nonprofit beneficiary, the Historic Lewes Farmers Market, will receive a $1,000 donation from the Delaware Restaurant Association.

"This event truly embodies the spirit of the hospitality industry as one that comes together to enjoy camaraderie, and great food and drink, while cheering on their employees and benefiting local communities. It's a great day that our restaurant members look forward to every year,” said Carrie Leishman, Delaware Restaurant Association president and CEO.

A crowd of more than 200 spectators including local legislators cheered for the teams and enjoyed food from Burgers by Wildwich, Woody's on Wheels and Army of 2 food trucks. Along with live music from Lower Case Blues, attendees enjoyed beer and spirits from Dogfish Head, Breakthru Beverage, Standard Distributing Company and N.K.S. Distributors.

"The DRA annual bocce event is the perfect restaurant competition! Great, hardworking people getting together to play a fiercely competitive and supportive game. We do our best to participate annually. It is a blast to spend time with our friends in the industry before the summer season and a fantastic way to relax with coworkers while team-building in such a fun setting," said Matt DiSabatino, Half Full owner and team captain.

DiSabatino, whose teams with Striper Bites have won two previous tournaments, even chose to delay opening his restaurant the night of the 2022 competition, allowing his staff to continue their hot streak and sacrificing several business hours for the camaraderie and fun of the afternoon tournament celebrating Delaware's restaurant industry.

Team Hall Full will proudly display the Bocce Cup trophy in the pizzeria/wine bar until next year's tournament. 

Prizes were awarded by Dogfish Head and N.K.S. Distributors, and included beach chairs, coolers, scooters and skateboards, and Dogfish-themed merchandise.