ETTERFROMTHE EO
OMMITMENT ASHBOARD
OMMITMENT1: XCELLENCE
OMMITMENT2: WORKFORCE
OMMITMENT3: DVOCACY
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LETTERFROM THECEO
CARRIE
LEISHMAN
CEO/PRESIDENT
Looking back on the second quarter, I am reminded that our greatest strength has always been our members.
Over the past few months, I have had the opportunity to meet with dozens of restaurant operators in their businesses, at community meetings, industry roundtables, and events across Delaware Every conversation reinforces the same reality: restaurant owners and hospitality professionals continue to face challenges that require strong leadership, practical resources, and a united voice.
That is why the Delaware Restaurant Association remains focused on delivering answers, connections, and results Whether through educational programs, workforce development initiatives, regulatory guidance, or direct engagement with elected officials and policymakers, our goal is to ensure you have the tools, knowledge, and support needed to succeed.
I am especially encouraged when I see members helping members. Some of the most valuable moments happen during our roundtables and meetings when operators share ideas, solve problems together, and build relationships. That spirit of collaboration is what makes our industry special and what makes the DRA community so powerful.
This report highlights the work we have accomplished through our commitments to Excellence, Workforce, Advocacy, Leadership, and Innovation From fierce advocacy at Legislative Hall to expanding workforce pathways and strengthening industry partnerships, every effort is focused on protecting our industry and creating opportunities for growth
This is your DRA Your voice Your community Your advocate
Thank you for your membership, your engagement, and your trust You belong here, and we are proud to stand alongside you as we continue building a stronger future for Delaware hospitality.
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.
member renwals a 56% increase from 2025 (YTD).
Engaged (75+) members through New Castle County, Sussex County, and Responsible Alcohol meetings
Represented the association at the Latino Summit, fostering community partnerships
Showcased the stories and successes of more than 30 member businesses
Collaborated with national (NRA) and state (CSRA) industry leaders through quarterly marketing and advocacy meetings.
Created an alcohol service safety training video to educate operators on responsible service and safe alcohol refusal practices. Developed and released Animal Policy Prepardness Kit.
Secured grant funding to support member programs and industry initiatives Opioid Grant $150k over two years and Farm to Pharamacy Rural Healthcare $190k over 6 months
Summit Joined Delaware Hispanic Commissions Economic Development Committee Conducted strategic staff planning session to align organizational goals, communications priorities, and member outreach efforts.
COMMITMENT2: WORKFORCE
Weinvestinpeopleby attracting,developingand sustainingastrongand diverseworkforce.Weexpand opportunityforallthroughthe limitlesspowerofrestaurants–supportingentry-leveltalent tofutureindustryleaders.
Hosted the Delaware Restaurant Foundation Annual Dinner, celebrating industry achievements and supporters
Advanced the HOPES GO 5 and PH6 Initiative, expanding workforce development and career pathway opportunities for justic impacted individuals. First HOPES GO 5 participaent completed program and obtained employment.
Hosted the NRAEF for annual HOPES GO 5 site visit with West End Neighborhood House and Hopes PH6 with First State Community Action Agency
Celebrated National Apprenticeship Week through outreach and program promotion.
17 active apprentices celebrated Samuel S. from SoDel Concepts for completing the Restaurant Manager apprenticeship program. Attended and supported Delaware teams competing at the National ProStart Invitational (NPSI) in Baltimore
Recognized Second Chance Hiring Month through a featured article by Meg Gardner highlighting workforce inclusion efforts.
Judged for the Indian River ProStart Chopped Competition, supporting culinary student development and industry engagement.
In partnership with First State Community Action Agency for HOPES
PH 6, conducted initial outreach visit to Baylor Women's Correctional Institution and Sussex Correctional Institution, expanding secondchance employment opportunities
Coordinated and connected two new community-based organizations to the NRAEF as Restaurant Ready partners. Presented at DE SHRM conference highlighting Accessability in Hospitality toolkit
Completed the first cohort in the Hospitality Leadership Advancement program in partnership with Goldey Beacom College
Dewey Responsible Alcohol Event focused on training the workforce in responsible alcohol service and best practices behind the bar.
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.
Development of an end-of-session report for members outlining key legislation tracked this sessionanditsimpactonthehospitalityindustry
Filmedanend-of-sessionvideotoextendadvocacy efforts beyond membership and engage a broader audienceonindustryissues.
Planned and developed new donation levels for our annualadvocacyfundrasier.
Buildingstrongeradvcoacynetworkandresourcse
Partnered with New Castle County to host a member engagement meeting featuring County
ExecutiveMarcusHenry
Hosted Boxed Lunch Day, connecting state legislators and policymakers to discuss industry priorities for studentsinDelaware’sProStartProgram
Attendedtwosmallbusinesscaucusmeetings
Advocated for and supported House Bill 315, helping activate a grassroots response from the hospitality industry to oppose major banking interests and related financialpolicyimpacts.
Advocated and supported HB 417 gross receipts tax reliefforrestaurants.
Monitored and engaged key stakeholders throughout the legislative process to ensure industry perspectives wererepresented
Monitored and engaged stakeholders regarding Senate Bill 185, supporting efforts led by member MikeDayincollaborationwithRepresentativeElizabeth Lockman to develop and advance legislation aimed at creatingnewrevenueopportunitiesforrestaurants.
Actively tracked and analyzed more than 25 pieces of legislation impacting Delaware's restaurant and hospitalityindustries.
ActivelyopposedHB111singleuseitemsban.
Provided dozens of legislative updates, advocacy alerts, and member resources on key policy issues impacting business operations and workforce development.
Represented industry interests through ongoing engagement with legislators, state agencies, and coalitionpartners.
ADVOCACYCENTER SUPPORTERS
The Delaware Restaurant Association’s Center for Policy & Advocacy is where we get loud, strategic, and unapologetically focused on protecting Delaware’s restaurant industry This is the engine behind our legislative work driving research, shaping policy, and making sure the people writing the rules actually understand how restaurants operate Through honest conversations, coalition-building, and real-time industry insight, the Center fights for policies that strengthen restaurants, safeguard jobs, and keep our hospitality community thriving It’s also home to our growing library of white papers, industry reports, and must-know operational updates everything restaurant owners need to stay informed, empowered, and one step ahead
ADVOCACYCENTER SUPPORTERS
COMMITMENT4:LEADERSHIP
Weleadwithintegrity,visionandcollaboration.TheDRAunitesourmembers,partnersandpolicymakersaround sharedgoals,guidingprogressandshapingthefutureofhospitalitythroughinfluence,exampleandpurpose.
Chair of National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Board of Trustees.
Lead NRAEF strategic planning process and contributed to discussions on workforce developement, education, apprenticeship advisory,and next generation training
Participated in the 2026 NRAEF Governance Subcommittee, Program Strategy, Finance, and Executive Subcommittee Meetings.
Received the Superstars in Education Award, from Delaware Chamber of Commerce, recognizing excellence and achievement in hospitality education and workforce development.
Attended NRA’s trade show and educational conference in Chicago.
Memember of Delaware Workforce Developement Board with monthly meetings. Attended Wilmington Job Corps Community Resource Comittee Advisory Board meeting.
Serve on the advisory board for Lake Forest High School, Polytech and Sussex Tech
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.
Launched five targeted Feathr marketing campaigns to increase member engagement, event participation, and industry awareness with 35,000 interactions across the campaigns.
Developed and launched the "We Are DRA" social media campaign, highlighting member stories, industry impact, and association value.
Expanded the association's digital presence with the launch of an official TikTok channel gaining almost 800 followers in the first 30 days and 22,917 video views.
Increased LinkedIn follower count by 6% over the previous quarter.
Increased Instagram interactions by 178% over the previous quarter.
Posted 258 pieces of social media content increasing our total content by 86% over the previous quarter
Filmed an end-of-session video to extend advocacy efforts beyond membership and engage a broader audience on industry issues.
Began developing a content creator marketing partnership to amplify member stories, industry advocacy, and association programming through influencer-driven content.
Presented at the NAPE Summit, highlighting Delaware’s emerging model for educator credentialing to a national audience.
1,078,437 $100,893
social media marketing views in last 90 days
YTD in funding to our centers
PROOFOFIMPACT:
DELAWARE BAR HOURS BILL COULD PUSH LAST CALLTO 2 A.M.
DELAWARERESTAURANTASSOCIATIONHOSTSALCOHOLSAFETYTRAININGINDEWEYBEACH
SHOULDDELAWAREBARSSTAYOPENLATER?BUSINESSOWNERSAREDIVIDED
MEETDELAWARE'S2026MOSTINFLUENTIAL&INSPIRINGINFOOD&DRINK
DELAWARERESTAURANTSSTRUGGLEWITHUNCERTAINTY
DELAWAREBILLLOWERINGBARTENDINGAGETO18HEADSTOGOVERNOR’SDESK
DELAWAREBURGERBATTLE2026READYTOSMASHPREVIOUSRECORDS
RESTAURANT,CREDITCARDCOMPANIESCLASHOVERBILLTOENDSURCHARGESONTIPS
DELAWAREBILLAIMSTOELIMINATECREDITCARDPROCESSINGFEESONTIPS
NEWBILLTOELIMINATE4%‘FEESONTIPS’ATRESTAURANTSINUSSTATE–ANDDINERSCOULD SEEMENUPRICESDROP
DELAWAREBILLWOULDBANSWIPEFEESONRESTAURANTTIPS,RESHAPINGHOWGRATUITIES AREPROCESSED.
DELAWAREBILLAIMSTOELIMINATECREDITCARDPROCESSINGFEESONTIPS
DELAWAREBUSINESSMARCH/APRIL2026
DELAWAREBILLTOBANFEESONCREDITCARDTIPSSTALLSAMIDBANKPUSHBACK
DELAWARELEGISLATORSDEBATERULESFORSINGLE-USERESTAURANTITEMS
DELAWARERESTAURANTASSOCIATIONHOSTSALCOHOLSAFETYTRAINING SLIGHTDROPINDELAWARE’SUNEMPLOYMENTTO5.1% STATEMENT:RESTAURANTINDUSTRYCALLSONDHSTOADDRESSTPSWORKFORCE DISRUPTIONSBEFOREJULY1
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.
CHRISAGHARABI
Ava’s Hospitality Group
Chris was nomianted by his team and is recognized as this quarter’s recipient for his leadership in the hospitality industry.
Proven leadership and sustained excellence in hospitality operations: Over 18 years, Chris Agharabi has built Ava’s Hospitality Group from a single concept into a multi-location organization spanning Maryland and Delaware, earning a strong reputation by growing through quality, consistency, and care rather than shortcuts.
Transformational commitment to workforce and employee well-being: He has redefined workplace standards in hospitality by providing benefits like healthcare, 401(k) with employer match, paid sick time, and structured worklife balance. Chris continuously works to create long-term stability and support in an industry often lacking both.
Chris combines hands-on operational leadership with forward-thinking innovation (including building proprietary internal systems) while staying actively engaged in community and tourism efforts, demonstrating a holistic commitment to both industry advancement and local impact.
2026 SPONSORS
2026 SPONSORS
WHAT’SNEXT FORQ3
Release End of Session Advocacy Report and End of Session Video.
Summer Board Meeting.
Southern Delaware Advisory Board Meeting.
HET Cohort 2.
Delaware Hopes Feathr campaign.
Launch new membership referral campaign.
Advance our Women of Hospitality marketing campaign
Launch Cornerstone marketing campaign
Launch the Excellence in Service Award for our Cornerstone Awards
Announce our annual Cornerstone Award winners
Advocacy Fundraiser, July 22
Professional Development for Educators
Launch Farm to Pharmacy
Third round of opioid settlement funding, continuing efforts to expand recovery-friendly workplace initiatives and improve access to resources for both employers and employees
Responsible alcohol service meeting to be held in partnership with the Office of Highway Safety in New Castle County
