Delaware Restaurant Foundation presents at national conference

Representatives from the Delaware Restaurant Foundation, the nonprofit philanthropic arm of the Delaware Restaurant Association, recently joined more than 200 workforce development leaders, advocates and industry partners at the 2025 Hospitality Pathways Conference in Washington, D.C.

Hosted by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, the annual gathering highlighted the power of local and national collaboration in building career pathways through programs like Hospitality Opportunities for People (Re)Entering Society and Restaurant Ready.

As Delaware is a pilot state for HOPES, the Delaware Restaurant Foundation has been at the forefront of expanding opportunities for people reentering the workforce, justice-involved individuals and others facing barriers to employment. Earlier this year, the DRF was awarded two new grant funds from the national foundation and the U.S. Department of Labor to continue scaling HOPES and Restaurant Ready training, strengthening its mission to provide education, training and pathways to employment for all communities, from first jobs to lifelong careers.

HOPES Growth Opportunities 5 supports justice-involved youth, while HOPES Pathways Home 6 supports adults with industry training, national credentials and employment support.

“We are proud that Delaware was among the first states to pilot programs like HOPES and Restaurant Ready, and to showcase what’s possible when industry, government and community partners come together,” said Carrie Leishman, president and CEO of the Delaware Restaurant Association and foundation. “These initiatives are changing lives right here in Delaware — equipping people of all backgrounds with the tools to build meaningful careers in hospitality — and we’re proud to be a national leader in creating a stronger, future-ready restaurant workforce.”

The conference spotlighted innovative public-private partnerships that are transforming lives nationwide, with Delaware recognized as a leader in leveraging industry, government and community collaboration. With new investments in HOPES and Restaurant Ready, the DRF will continue to scale programs that provide meaningful training, mentorship and employment connections to strengthen Delaware’s workforce and the future of hospitality.

DRF Workforce Development Director Ruthann Messick led two sessions focused on best practices in program implementation and building strong, community-based partnerships. She provided attendees with practical tools and strategies to improve outcomes for participants across the country.

“The restaurant industry in Delaware employs more than 53,000 people — one in 11 Delawareans — and our workforce programs are designed to ensure every person has access to opportunity,” said Messick. “We are proud to continue this work with our national partners, expanding pathways for individuals who are ready to take their first step or their next step in hospitality.”

For Delaware, these programs have become critical to meeting workforce needs while creating equitable opportunities in hospitality. From workshops and mentorship to apprenticeships, certifications and industry-specific skill training, the DRF is building bridges between communities and employers.

"What makes HOPES unique is that it's community-based and community-focused," said Kenna Mask, a HOPES participant from Delaware. "It goes into the trenches. It's aware of where the need is." Mask was awarded a Drake Hospitality Pathways Grant to support travel costs to attend the national conference.