DRA announces 2024 Cornerstone Awards honorees

DOVER — The Delaware Restaurant Association (DRA) will host the 22nd Annual Restaurant Industry Cornerstone Awards on Monday, October 7th at the Lighthouse Cove Events Center in Dewey Beach. Each year, the DRA celebrates the contributions of Delaware’s restaurant industry, and the ways restaurants enrich and serve as the true cornerstone of our neighborhood communities, our local economy, and unlimited career opportunities for all.

Spotlighting the event will be the recognition of the 2024 Cornerstone Award winners, including video tributes in each category and remarks from honorees. The Cornerstone Award is presented to restaurateurs that embody the spirit of hospitality; iconic operators that have ingrained themselves and their establishments in the heart of their communities. Restaurateurs of the Year are celebrated for bringing attention to Delaware’s restaurant scene with their contributions to both the dining scene and their commitment to creating exemplary workplace culture and sustainable opportunities for their employees. Industry Impact Awards are given to those who have dedicated themselves to making a difference in the industry and lives of its workforce, and are highly respected amongst their peers and colleagues. These honorees have prioritized the success of Delaware’s restaurant industry, continuously highlighting its vibrant dining scene while providing unlimited opportunities to over 53,000 Delawareans that work in restaurants.

“We’re thrilled to honor these remarkable restaurateurs at this year’s Cornerstone Awards,” Delaware Restaurant Association President & CEO Carrie Leishman said. “Their stories of resilience, passion, and dedication to hospitality and training the next generation reflect the heart of our industry. Each of our awardees will undoubtedly leave a long-lasting legacy among the communities in which they serve.”

Cornerstone Award Winner

Mrs. Robino’s Restaurant
Andrea Minuti Wakefield and Robin Robino Mabery, Operating Partners
Mrs. Robino’s is a landmark Italian-American restaurant anchoring Wilmington’s Little Italy neighborhood; a fifth generation family operated business dating back to 1940. Andrea Minuti Wakefield, the great-granddaughter of founder Tresilla Robino, and Robin Robino Mabery continue the traditions of their families, serving as a pillar of the local community and a beloved location for family celebrations. The Cornerstone Award honors the dedication, resiliency and spirit of the operators and the iconic restaurant that has been the heartbeat of this community for over 84 years.

Restaurateurs of the Year

Second Block Hospitality (Bodhi Kitchen, Drift Seafood & Raw Bar, The Pines)
Partners Lion Gardner, David Gonce, Tyler Townsend and Bob Suppies
The partners of Second Block Hospitality, each bringing unique expertise from diverse business backgrounds, have successfully united to create a flourishing restaurant group in downtown Rehoboth Beach. Their first venture, The Pines, was inspired by the rich history and hospitality of old Rehoboth Beach, where pine trees meet the ocean. Their newest ventures, Drift Seafood & Raw Bar, and Bodhi Kitchen, showcase sophisticated seafood and Asian-inspired street food, earning awards, accolades, and features in top regional publications. Driven by a mission of hospitality, innovation, and community, the team exemplifies the qualities honored by the Restaurateurs of the Year Award, celebrating their passion, diversity, and creativity in Delaware’s dining scene.”

Industry Impact Awards

Matt Kern – Chef & Owner, One Coastal
Matt Kern is the first James Beard Finalist for Best Chef in Delaware and has received two other Semi-Finalist nods for his work at Heirloom in Lewes. Now leading One Coastal, Chef Kern champions sustainable Delaware agriculture and watermen. His commitment extends beyond ‘farm to table’—he uses exclusively local, seasonal products on his menu, but also helps farmers secure sustainability grants, and supports conservation and food waste initiatives. Chef Kern’s dedication to slow food not only elevates Delaware’s culinary scene but also brings a national spotlight to local farms and restaurants.

Katie Kutler – Founder, kaffé KARMA.
Katie Kutler is a dynamic young entrepreneur making an impact with her community-building ventures, anchored by kaffe KARMA in Wilmington. Coffee shop by day, yoga, meditation and wellness studio by night, this unique location was intentionally curated and designed to be a “third place” and community hub for area residents. Kutler’s latest initiative, the Spread Good Karma Foundation, aims to positively impact local communities by providing wellness events and services that enhance the physical and mental health of those in the hospitality industry and beyond.

Hank Rosenberg – COO Hospitality, Harrington Raceway & Casino
Hank Rosenberg, with over 24 years of service in hospitality at Harrington Raceway & Casino, is a leading advocate for inclusive hiring practices and industry education, mentorship and training. His commitment extends through his active roles in the ProStart Program, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Dewey Beach Lions Club, Ronald McDonald House, and advisory boards at Del Tech. Hank’s dedication to improving workplace inclusivity is exemplified by his partnership with the Food Bank of Delaware. Through this collaboration, Harrington Raceway employs graduates of the Food Bank’s ‘Kitchen School,’ providing industry training and meaningful employment opportunities for individuals in the disability community. Hank’s leadership sets a standard for accessibility and inclusivity in the industry.

Event information, including sponsorship opportunities, ticket links and discounted overnight hotel stays, can be found at https://www.delawarerestaurant.org/cornerstone-awards.html