Team Grotto Pizza wins Delaware Restaurant Association Bocce Cup
Delaware Restaurant Association awarded the Bocce Cup trophy to Team Grotto Pizza, the event’s first three-time champion (2012, 2016 and 2019) at its annual DRA Charity BocceTournament Oct. 7 at DE Turf. Team Cool Springs Fish Bar & Restaurant took home top honors for costumes by dressing as themed characters from the popular movie “Beetlejuice.”
The final match was an intense battle between Team Grotto Pizza and a Legislative Team featuring Sen. Ernie Lopez, R-Lewes, and Sen. Trey Paradee, D-Dover. Ultimately, Team Grotto came out on top and will bring the trophy back to Sussex County for another year. Their selected charity, the Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute of Lewes, will receive a $1,000 donation in their name 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,” said Carrie Leishman, president and CEO of Delaware Restaurant Association. “It's a great day that our restaurant members look forward to every year."
This year, 32 restaurant teams competed on the bocce courts at the DE Turf Sports Complex in Milford while spectators cheered them on and enjoyed food from Grotto Pizza, Bethany Blues, Striper Bites and the Roaming Raven food truck. Live music from the Hot Sauce Band kept the enthusiastic crowd of more than 200 going, and adults enjoyed beers and spirits from Dogfish Head. Event sponsors included Dogfish Head, Breakthru Beverage Delaware, NKS Distributors, US Foods, Clark Service Group, Electric Motor Company and BHI Insurance.
Lopez enjoys playing in the tournament every year. "I take great pride in supporting those in our restaurant and hospitality industry,” he said. “I am constantly amazed at their giving spirit and work ethic which serves as the pulse of economic growth in Delaware."
