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Delaware Restaurant Association

COMMITMENT REPORT Q3 - 2026

Excellence Workforce Advocacy Leadership Innovation

TABLE OF CONTENTS

COMMITMENT 4: LEADERSHIP

COMMITMENT 5: INNOVATION

PROOF OF IMPACT

QUARTERLY COMMITMENT AWARD

WHAT’S NEXT FOR Q4?

LETTER FROM THE CEO

COMMITMENT DASHBOARD

COMMITMENT 1: EXCELLENCE

COMMITMENT 2: WORKFORCE

COMMITMENT 3: ADVOCACY

LETTER FROM THE CEO There is never a slow season at the Delaware Restaurant Association, and the third quarter was a powerful reminder of the reach, responsibility, and impact of our work. Throughout July, August, and September, our team brought the DRA’s five organizational commitments—Excellence, Workforce, Advocacy, Leadership, and Innovation—to life through meaningful engagement across Delaware and beyond. We went directly into our communities to meet members where they are, strengthen partnerships, share best practices, and support the people and businesses that make our industry essential to Delaware.

CARRIE LEISHMAN CEO/PRESIDENT

Our work took many forms. We partnered with agencies and industry experts to deliver responsible alcohol service workshops, invested in ProStart educator development, celebrated restaurants and their milestones at ribbon cuttings and community events, and represented Delaware on national panels through our continued service on The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation board and committees. Each engagement reinforced an important principle: our value is measured not only by what we do, but by the relationships we build and the impact we create.

Advocacy remained at the center of our work. This quarter, we developed our first legislative scorecard and hosted our summer advocacy fundraiser, strengthening the foundation for a more informed, engaged, and effective industry voice. Our summer board meeting brought together leading public officials, including the Secretary of Education, Cindy Marten and Representative Kim Williams, as part of our broader statewide outreach. Through our summer road tour, we continued meeting with candidates, elected officials, and regulatory leaders up and down the state to share the realities facing restaurant operators and reinforcing our willingness to work collaboratively with those who understand and champion our industry. With election season upon us and the next legislative session approaching, ensuring that our members understand the power of their voices is more important than ever. We are building the relationships, resources, and advocacy infrastructure needed to help restaurants be heard and to advance policies that recognize the realities of operating a restaurant in Delaware. We spent the summer preparing for two signature events that celebrate the people and leadership shaping our industry: the DRA Cornerstone Awards and the Annual Women of Hospitality Conference. It was exciting to introduce our first Excellence in Service Award, which generated more than 5,000 votes. This was a remarkable response that demonstrates the enthusiasm surrounding our industry and the growing reach of the DRA. These accomplishments are more than individual activities on a quarterly report. They reflect an organization continuing to evolve, deepen its community presence, elevate its workforce, strengthen its advocacy, and create new opportunities for leadership and innovation. People are paying attention to our industry, and our reach is growing. As we head into the fall, we do so with momentum and a clear sense of purpose. The work ahead is vital, and our commitment remains unwavering: to listen, to lead, to advocate, and to deliver meaningful value to Delaware’s restaurant and hospitality community. We are here to support the industry that serves Delaware every day. You have our commitment! Carrie Leishman President & CEO Delaware Restaurant Association & Delaware Restaurant Association 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.

EXCELLENCE | WORKFORCE | ADVOCACY | LEADERSHIP | INNOVATION

COMMITMENT 1: EXCELLENCE We set the standard for Delaware’s restaurant and hospitality community by delivering best-in-class programs and striving for excellence in every action–inspiring leadership, quality, professionalism and pride in our industry. Featured five DRA members through our ongoing We Are DRA campaign, highlighting their stories, businesses, and impact on Delaware’s hospitality industry. Led marketing and communications efforts surrounding the 2026 Cornerstone Awards, including filming and editing winner videos, event promotion, emails, social media, and event materials. Celebrated more than 30 DRA members recognized at Best of Delaware, highlighting the strength and diversity of Delaware’s hospitality industry. Supported responsible alcohol service training at Klondike Kate’s in Newark and Oath 84 in Wilmington, with a focus on recognizing and responding to polysubstance impairment. Collaborated with Schell Brothers around the Parade of Homes to help raise awareness and support for the Delaware Restaurant Foundation featuring 4 of our Middletown members.

Appeared on Good Morning Delaware to highlight DRA programs, upcoming events, and opportunities within Delaware’s hospitality industry. Recruited 20 new restaurant members to the association. Coordinated with 2 new presenting sponsors for board meetings, professional development sessions, and roundtable discussions.

COMMITMENT 2: WORKFORCE We invest in people by attracting, developing and sustaining a strong and diverse workforce. We expand opportunity for all through the limitless power of restaurants– supporting entry-level talent to future industry leaders.

Completed the second professional development session for the Hospitality, Events & Tourism (HET) cohort. Created a two-day professional development conference focused on career development, leadership, and industry skills. Participated in programming focused on building scalable skills and preparing participants for long-term career success. HOPES PH6 all-site gathering and continued engagement with the program. Supported the Delaware Department of Correction Culinary Graduation, celebrating participants as they completed their culinary training. Participated in the Resource Expo at Ferris School, connecting students with educational and career resources. Supported the Women Beyond Measures ribbon-cutting event and its focus on empowering women through professional and community opportunities. Attended the opening of the Community Education Building’s new Youth Development Center. Participated in the Pathways with Purpose program update and applicant learning webinar. Participated in the quarterly ProStart State Coordinator check-in and continued coordination around statewide programming. Met with WENH and Launcher to discuss Restaurant Ready and HOPES GO 5 programming and continued partnership opportunities.

Supported the Burger Battle and its role in bringing together the restaurant community while raising awareness and support for the Delaware Restaurant Foundation. Supported the Student Cook-Off as part of Black Restaurant Week, showcasing the culinary talent and potential of Delaware students.

COMMITMENT 3: 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.

Developed the 2026 Legislative Scorecard to provide members with a clear overview of legislative activity and how elected officials voted on issues important to the industry. Created and distributed an end-of-session recap highlighting key legislative developments, outcomes, and takeaways for DRA members. DRA Advocacy Center Fundraiser raised $15,000. Helped lead the post-session legislative debrief, reviewing the 2026 session and identifying priorities and opportunities moving forward. Participated in strategic planning for the 154th General Assembly, helping establish advocacy priorities and prepare the association for the upcoming legislative session. Met with dozens of elected officials and regulatory leaders at the local and state levels to share industry data and communicate the challenges facing Delaware’s restaurant industry. Strengthened relationships with key decision-makers ahead of the election and upcoming legislative session, positioning DRA as a trusted resource and advocate for the industry.

ADVOCACY CENTER 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.

ADVOCACY CENTER SUPPORTERS

COMMITMENT 4: LEADERSHIP We lead with integrity, vision and collaboration. The DRA unites our members, partners and policymakers around shared goals, guiding progress and shaping the future of hospitality through influence, example and purpose.

Visited the Food Bank of Delaware with the incoming Chair of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF), strengthening connections around workforce development and community impact. Supported the DRA Summer Board Meeting featuring Representative Kim Williams and industry discussion around issues affecting Delaware’s hospitality community. Presented at the Hospitality Pathways Conference, sharing insights and opportunities within Delaware’s hospitality industry. Presented at the Women of Hospitality conference in Maryland, representing DRA and connecting with hospitality professionals beyond Delaware. Contributed to the Southern Delaware Advisory Board meeting to engage with members and industry leaders on regional priorities. Took part in the 2027 NRAEF Trustee and Treasurer interview process.

Participated in the 2026 monthly NRAEF Finance Subcommittee meetings. Took part in the 2026 CSRA Membership Virtual Meeting and continued engagement with regional restaurant association partners. Attended NRAEF military training at Anne Arundel Community College, learning more about workforce development opportunities and programs supporting transitioning service members.

COMMITMENT 5: 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 the new Excellence in Service Award as part of the Cornerstone Awards, creating a public-facing opportunity to recognize hospitality professionals. The inaugural award generated more than 5,000 public votes. Developed a new gift card campaign designed to drive awareness and engagement for DRA member restaurants while creating additional value for the industry. Participated in strategic discussions focused on the UAE/DRA relationship and opportunities for collaboration and growth. Continued development of the DRA Advisory Network to strengthen relationships with industry partners and create additional resources and value for members. Expanded DRA’s communications beyond the traditional member audience by developing a public-facing email list, growing the audience to more than 1,000 contacts interested in DRA’s work, programs, and events. Grew the DRA’s digital reach through Feathr campaigns, adding 12,000+ people to our audience and creating opportunities to continue engaging potential members, consumers, and industry audiences.

> 622,000

> 144,000

social media marketing views in last 90 days

YTD in funding to our centers

PROOF OF IMPACT: NO BOOZE FROM CANADA? WHAT NEW BANS MEAN FOR DE HOSPITALITY/TOURISM & RETAIL WHAT WILL TRUMP'S ALCOHOL IMPORT BANS DO TO DELAWARE BUSINESSES? SCHELL BROTHERS DEBUTS FIRST-EVER PARADE OF HOMES IN MIDDLETOWN SUSSEX COUNTY COMMUNITY SHOWS UP FOR MANCINI'S FUNDRAISER AT CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE ORANGE PARTY RAISES RECORD $75,280 FOR DELAWARE HOSPITALITY WORKERS DRA EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE AWARD VOTING OPEN THRU AUG. 31 PUBLIC VOTING OPEN FOR EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE AWARD RESTAURANT AWARDS SEEK EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE NOMINEES BY JULY 31 DELAWARE RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE AWARD DELAWARE RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES NEW CORNERSTONE AWARD DRA AWARDS TO HONOR EXCELLENCE IN HOSPITALITY OCT. 5 DELAWARE RESTAURANT GROUP WINS TOP INDUSTRY HONOR DELAWARE BANS THC DRINKS AT BARS, LIMITS CANS TO 10 MG AND ADDS TAX THE CORNERSTONE AWARDS SHINE A LIGHT ON THE PEOPLE BEHIND DELAWARE’S RESTAURANTS

QUARTERLY COMMITMENT AWARD The Quarterly Commitment Award recognizes an individual who exemplifies one of the Delaware Restaurant Association’s five commitments: Excellence, Workforce, Advocacy, Leadership, or Innovation. This honor celebrates someone who goes above and beyond to bring that commitment to life, making a meaningful impact on the restaurant and hospitality industry through their dedication, leadership, and actions.

KATIE CARTER

Surf & Turf Bar & Grill

Katie was nomianted by her staff and is recognized as this quarter’s recipient for her excellence in the hospitality industry. Katie demonstrates exceptional leadership, dedication, and care for both her employees and her workplace. She takes on an incredible amount of responsibility while consistently supporting her team, solving problems, and making sure the people around her felt valued. She exemplifies the idea that leadership is about much more than a title or position; it is about the example you set, the relationships you build, and the time and effort you invest in others.

Katie builds meaningful relationships with employees, making them feel valued, supported, and appreciated. She goes beyond her job title by investing time, care, and effort into both her workplace and the people around her. She makes a lasting impact on her team, with her nomination reflecting the positive influence she has beyond the day-today operations of the restaurant.

2026 SPONSORS

NICHOLS & ASSOCIATES, PA

VAUGHN HARDIN

WHAT’S NEXT FOR Q4 Women of Hospitality Conference [planning and coordination]. Event on November 10th. Announcing Women to Watch for our Women of Hospitality Conference. Launch of the Responsible Alcohol Service social media campaign. Preparation and strategic planning for the 2027 legislative session. Election Day 2026. Attending the In-person Youth Apprenticeship Convening. Foundation Auction & Fundraiser. DRF Strategic Planning Sessions 1 &2. Annual Membership Assessment.

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU Phone/ (302) 738-2545

Email/ admin@delawarerestaurant.org

Website/ delawarerestaurant.org

Address/ 420 S State St, Dover, DE 19901