Restaurant Cornerstone Awards to honor industry leaders Oct. 20
The Delaware Restaurant Association will host its 23rd Annual Restaurant Industry Cornerstone Awards at 6 p.m., Monday, Oct. 20, at the Lighthouse Cove Event Center in Dewey Beach.
Each year, the DRA celebrates the contributions of Delaware’s restaurant industry, and the ways restaurants enrich and serve communities as the true cornerstones of neighborhoods, the local economy and unlimited career opportunities for all.
Restaurant owners, operators, vendors, elected officials and industry supporters will gather at the event to toast the resiliency, spirit and camaraderie of Delaware’s restaurant industry with fine food and beverages from 30 stations, plus live music from Fun Size featuring Ed Shockley.
Highlighting the event will be recognition of the 2025 Cornerstone Award winners, including video tributes in each category and remarks from honorees.
1776 Steakhouse, operated by Managing Partner Tom Holmes with Executive Chef Tammy Mozingo, will receive the prestigious Cornerstone Award honoring its landmark operation in Rehoboth Beach.
Industry Impact Awards will be presented to Celebrate Wellness founders Josh Grapski and Kathy McDonald, and SoDel Wellness founders founders Scott and Lisa Kammerer, for their contributions to and continued impact on Delaware’s restaurant workforce and local communities.
The partners of Bardea Restaurant Group, Antimo DiMeo, Pino DiMeo and Scott Stein, will be honored as Restaurateurs of the Year, representing their restaurant locations in Wilmington, including Bardea, Bardea Steak, Casa Nonna, Roost and the DE.CO food hall.
“We’re thrilled to honor these remarkable restaurateurs at this year’s Cornerstone Awards,” said Carrie Leishman, Delaware Restaurant Association president and CEO. “Their stories of resilience, passion, and dedication to hospitality and training the next generation reflect the heart of our industry. Each of our awardees will undoubtedly leave a long-lasting legacy among the communities in which they serve.”
