LETTERFROM THECEO
CARRIE LEISHMAN
CEO/PRESIDENT
As part of our transformation leading into 2026, the Delaware Restaurant Association (DRA) and the Delaware Restaurant Foundation (DRF) committed to being more intentional, aligned, and impactful in the work we do on behalf of Delaware’s restaurant and hospitality community. That momentum is already underway
Today, we are proud to share our first Commitment Report. This report marks the beginning of a new, quarterly cadence that reflects both our progress and our accountability. This report captures the collective work of the Association and the Foundation and highlights the strides we are making across our five core commitments: Excellence, Workforce, Advocacy, Leadership, and Innovation.
These commitments are more than guiding principles, they are driving real action. From advancing policies that protect and strengthen small businesses, to building workforce pipelines, to launching programs that help restaurants grow and adapt, we are seeing meaningful progress and measurable impact.
Each quarter, this report will provide a transparent snapshot of where we are gaining ground, where we are focused next, and how our shared efforts are moving the industry forward. This is your work, your voice, and your momentum.
Thank you for your continued partnership and engagement. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient restaurant community across Delaware.
Sincerely,
Carrie Leishman President & CEO
Delaware Restaurant Association/Delaware Restaurant Foundation
COMMITMENTS
VISION
Guided by our commitment to leadership, excellence, workforce innovation, and advocacy, we are building a stronger future for the restaurant industry. Through strategic partnerships, impactful workforce development initiatives, and effective advocacy on behalf of operators, we are expanding our reach and deepening our impact. As the industry continues to evolve, our focus remains on equipping restaurant leaders with the resources, talent pipelines, and policy support they need to succeed. By investing in these core pillars, we are positioning our organization for sustainable growth and ensuring we remain a leading voice and driving force for the restaurant community for years to come.
Conference to date, successfully transitioning the event to the Chase Center and significantly increasing attendance and engagement.
Featured Google as a key participant, elevating the conference’s profile and thought leadership value.
Hosted the Annual Delaware ProStart Invitational.
Produced and executed two memberfocused webinars centered on ICHRA (Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements), providing critical guidance on emerging healthcare solutions.
support members:
Paid Family Leave Toolkit
Delaware Economic Report
New Restaurant Compliance Guide
COMMITMENT2: WORKFORCE
Weinvestinpeopleby attracting,developingand sustainingastrongand diverseworkforce.Weexpand opportunityforallthroughthe limitlesspowerofrestaurants–supportingentry-leveltalent tofutureindustryleaders.
Finalized updates to the ProStart curriculum with direct industry input to better align with current workforce needs in partnership with the Department of Education. Expanded focus areas to include hospitality, events, and tourism, ensuring programming reflects evolving industry demands.
Continued to strengthen the ProStart pipeline by connecting over 500 students to career pathways, postsecondary opportunities, and industry employers.
Completed Workforce Pell report and research.
Launched Cohort 2 in partnership with the Workforce Development Board and Goldey-Beacom College putting 15 individuals in restaurant management and finance curriculum.
Provided 12 individuals with direct relief of $4,000 from industry relief fund.
Developed HET Microcredential for Educators with a pilot of 6 teachers.
Executed 25 events with ProStart schools.
895 students partcipated in work based learning events.
COMMITMENT3:ADVOCACY
We are fierce advocates for Delaware’s restaurant industry and the people who power it. We champion policies and initiatives that strengthen small businesses and protect our workforce while ensuring our industry’s collective voice is heard at every level of government.
Produced legislative newsletter to communicate industry news for legislators and their staff.
Conducted a PFML (Paid Family and Medical Leave) survey to gather industry feedback and inform ongoing policy discussions and advocacy efforts
DRA and members provided testimony during House Economic development comittee to ensure passing of HB 315 moved through comittee on impact of HB 315.
Sponsored and provided testimony during the Small Business Caucus meeting.
Attended National Restaurant Association
Public Affairs Conference
Engaged with Key Stakeholders and Delaware Delegation
Introduced House Bill 315 to ban credit card surcharge fees on tips.
Increased investment in lobbying.
Actively monitoring and engaging all legislation to weigh impact it’s affect on Delaware restaurants: Actively monitoring 8-10 pieces of legislation simultaneously.
Leading the Small Business Regulatory Task Force, contributing industry insights to inform regulatory improvements and reduce burdens on businesses.
Distributed Advocacy News every Friday to keep members informed on policy updates, advocacy efforts, and opportunities for engagement
Participated in national advocacy bootcamp
Hosted a Delaware Advocacy Bootcamp to advance our Advocacy Network.
Attended legislative fundraisers.
Hosted and attended in-district legislative round tables.
COMMITMENT4:LEADERSHIP
Weleadwithintegrity,visionandcollaboration.TheDRAunitesourmembers,partnersandpolicymakersaround sharedgoals,guidingprogressandshapingthefutureofhospitalitythroughinfluence,exampleandpurpose.
CEO Carrie Leishman elected chair of National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation for 2026
Attended and supported the NRAEF board meeting. Leading strategic planning for workforce and training intitiatives
Attended regional ProStart competitions
Contributed to the success of the TJB Golf Tournament fundraiser
Actively engaged in both national fundraising efforts and ProStart related events to enhance outreach and impact
Hired a new Director of Communications and Marketing to enhance strategic alignment, improve messaging consistency, and expand organizational capacity
Celebrated Women’s History month, highlighting the accomplishments of women in the restaraunt/hospitality industry
Awarded community partnership awards from DECA and SkillsUSA
COMMITMENT5:INNOVATION
We drive change by creating and implementing new ideas, products, and programs to solve real challenges Innovation fuels our ability to adapt, evolve, and deliver meaningful value to our members and to the communities we serve.
Implemented new marketing tools, including Feathr and GrowthZone, to enhance digital outreach, audience targeting, and campaign performance
Expanded digital marketing efforts through the re-engagement of the organization’s Facebook group and the strategic use of paid advertising to increase reach, engagement, and member acquisition.
Advanced a new organizational sustainability model through the development of key centers, including the Center for Policy and Advocacy + Center for Labor and Employment. We established these centers to strengthen focus areas, improve resource alignment, and support long-term organizational growth
Leveraged national public relations opportunities to elevate visibility and support advocacy efforts around key legislation, amplifying the organization’s voice and impact at a broader level.
Completed organizational transformation realigning the team around the commitments
Over 16,000 connections from first Feathr campaign.
1million $60,000 social media marketing views in last 60 days
in funding to our centers
PROOFOFIMPACT:
Delaware’s Carrie Leishman Steps up at the National Restaurant Association
DelawareRestaurantAssociationLeaderNamedChairofNationalWorkforceFoundationBoard
Restaurantleaderlooksahead-PressReader
Caesar Rodney returns for win at high school culinary arts competition
Meghan Gardner on Food Trends & What Restaurants Need to Know
ProposaltobanfeesontipsinDelaware
Neighbors,restaurantsreacttotheapprovalofHouseBill195
StateChamberannounces2026SuperstarsinEducation&Traininghonorees
‘BackofHouse’tospotlightDelawarerestaurantsFeb.3
‘BackofHouse’VideoSeriesPremierEventOfferedBehind-the-ScenesLookatDelawareFoodScene
Staterestaurantgroupnamesnewdirectorformarketing,communications
NewfilmscelebratingDelaware'srestaurantstopremiereinWilmington
NationalRestaurantAssociationEducationalFoundationName2026Boards
BilltolowerbartendingagepassesDelawareHousecommittee
VisitDelaware&DRAHostPremiereEventFor“BackofHouse”FilmSeries
DelawarerestaurantleaderLeishmantochairnationalfoundation
NationalRestaurantAssociationandEducationFoundationNameNewBoards
Annual Delaware ProStart Invitational Showcases High School Culinary and Management Talent
Financialsectorandsmallbusinessesclashonbillbanningcreditcardchargeontips
Del.lawmakersweighbanningfeesoncreditcardtipsatstores,restaurants
QUARTERLYCOMMITMENTAWARD
The Quarterly commitment Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing the interests of the restaurant community. This honor is given to someone who goes above and beyond as a true advocate championing industry priorities, engaging in the legislative process, and using their voice to create meaningful impact for peers across the industry.
PRESTONRUSSELL
Lago Asian Cuisine & Sushi Bar, Zava Cafe, Changing Mains
Preston is recognized as this quarter’s recipient for his outstanding contributions in advocacy to the Delaware Restaurant Association.
Played a critical role in advancing HB 315 by testifying at the bill hearing and helping secure its successful passage through committee.
Participated in the Alonna Berry Roundtable, contributing valuable industry insights and supporting collaborative advocacy efforts.
Assisted in the development and promotion of a video ad campaigns in support of HB 315, helping raise awareness and build momentum for the legislation
WHAT’SNEXT FORQ2
Launching a comprehensive 360-degree marketing plan to align messaging across all channels, improve brand consistency, and drive member engagement.
Initiating new campaigns through Feathr, leveraging enhanced targeting and automation to increase reach and campaign effectiveness Student-Legislator Connection through boxed lunch day.
Attending and supporting participation in the National ProStart Invitational
Attending NRA leadership meetings and industry show
Leading June member meeting to engage industry employees and regulatory agencies.
Convening 2 center meetings with members and regulatory agencies.
Hosting Foundation’s Annual Fundraising Dinner
Hosting Front & Back of House ESL Workshops in Rehoboth.
