Share: 

Nalu wins annual Dewey Restaurant Games

Nearly two dozen teams compete for title
Nalu won this year’s Dewey Business Partnership Restaurant Games Aug. 5. In back are (l-r) supporter Owen Bedford, team member Tim Friedman and supporters Tyler Doherty, Will Sweeney, Joey Papilli and Timmy McMenamin. In front are teammates Dominic Amato, Angela Kusen, coach Heather Cilinkski, Brianna DiStefano, Nataleigh Hunter, Corey Hudson and supporter Gio Salma. Holding onto Nataleigh Hunter are Mia Berger and Claire Thomas. ELLEN MCINTYRE PHOTOS
Ellen McIntyre
August 6, 2025

Nearly two dozen teams competed for the trophy at the 2025 Dewey Business Partnership Restaurant Games Aug. 5 on the beach at the Lighthouse.

Nalu came out on top after a grueling final battle of tug-of-war against second-place Dogfish Head, ending Paradise Grill’s two-year winning streak. The team won a trophy and bragging rights for the next year.

The other teams included Somewhere, Victoria’s Restaurant, Claws Seafood House, Lewes Oyster House, The Starboard, Starboard Claw, Lighthouse, Nicola Pizza, Rehoboth Ale House, Northbeach, Arena’s Deli, Grotto Pizza, Blue Hen, Big Oyster Brewery, Dewey Beer Company, Fins Ale House, Purple Parrot, Rusty Rudder, Paradise Grill and Woody’s.

Each team, which comprised about six employees, competed in five events: a water balloon toss relay, tray relay, beach ball relay, dizzy bat relay and tug-of-war.

A large crowd of onlookers cheered on their favorite teams.

 

Team Nalu puts in the work in the final round of tug-of-war against Dogfish Head. In front is Nataleigh Hunter. Behind her are Dominic Amaro and Angelica Kusen.
Dogfish Head placed second in this year’s Restaurant Games. Shown are (l-r) Alex Bell, Sean Cammack, Izabella Sek, Shannon Stokes, Josh Fehr and Clara Newswanger.
The Purple Parrot battles hard during a round of tug-of-war. In front is George Yanchenko. Behind him are (l-r) Tate Wisniewski, Gabrielle “Elle” Davis, Grace Mercer, Madelyn Reed and Zachary Davis.
Fins’ Mason Deery spins around the bat during the dizzy bat relay.
A crowd cheers on Nalu during the championship round of tug-of-war.
Starboard Claw battles it out in a round of tug-of-war. Shown are (l-r) Summer Stewart, Danni Alfree and Tyler Bryson.
The Lighthouse’s Lauren Ames is one of many competitors who dropped their tray during the tray carry relay.
Teams compete in the dizzy bat relay.
Nicola Pizza’s Sonny Cunningham focuses on catching a water balloon thrown by teammate Katherine Portillo during the water balloon toss.
Nalu’s Dominic Amato leads a team huddle before the championship round of tug-of-war.
The Purple Parrot works together during a round of tug-of-war. On the rope are (l-r) George Yanchenko, Tate Wisniewski, Gabrielle “Elle” Davis, Grace Mercer, Madelyn Reed and Zachary Davis.
Dogfish Head fights hard in a round of tug-of-war. Shown are (l-r) Josh Fehr, Alex Bell, Shannon Stokes, Clara Newswanger, Sean Cammack and Izabella Sek.
Dewey Beer Company’s Sawyer Walker catches a water balloon tossed by teammate Jordan Schmidt.
Nicola Pizza’s Katherine Portillo runs toward the bat during the dizzy bat relay. Cheering her on are (l-r) teammates Zoe Musil, Connor Christie and Brendt Nuedstater.
Referees Ken Garfinkel and Elisabeth Gibbings, a Dewey Beach commissioner, hold up the Dewey Business Partnership Restaurant Games trophy.
The Starboard’s Izzy Friedrich and Terrique Riddick race against Rehoboth Ale House team members during the beach ball relay.
Team Big Oyster smiles with their manager, David Buchanan, far left. To his right are (l-r) Jake DeBlois, Madison Gallo, Erin Carey, Eliza Kimmey, Jimmy Cava and Syed Myles.
Team Northbeach sits on the Par-Tea Chair between events. In back are (l-r) Jordan Konopelski, Jamie Canada, Emily Hayes, Ashtin Keith and Clara Cooper. In front is Ben Staib.
The Lighthouse’s Tiffany DiPietro carefully carries her tray during the tray relay.
The Arena’s team and supporters sit on and around the Par-Tea Chair. In back are (l-r) Andie Pongracz, Andreea Szilveszter, Joey McHale, Sierra Riedel, Shannon Pyle, Crystal Thomsen, Anthony Baray and Ramsey Schrader. In front are Nick Lambros, Owen Smith, Vitaliy Deyak and Manny Tull.
Members of Team Nalu sport their trophy and gold medals. Shown are (l-r) coach Heather Cilinkski, Tim Friedman, Nataleigh Hunter, Dominic Amato, Corey Hudson, Brianna DiStefano and Angelica Kusen.
Claws Seafood House puts up a fight in a round of tug-of-war.

Most Popular

Ellen McIntyre is a reporter covering education and all things Dewey Beach. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Penn State - Schreyer Honors College in May 2024, then completed an internship writing for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. In 2023, she covered the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand as a freelancer for the Associated Press and saw her work published by outlets including The Washington Post and Fox Sports. Her variety of reporting experience covers crime and courts, investigations, politics and the arts. As a Hockessin, Delaware native, Ellen is happy to be back in her home state, though she enjoys traveling and learning about new cultures. She also loves live music, reading, hiking and spending time in nature.

Most Popular