WILMINGTON \u2013 When Carl and Lisa Georigi opened Eclipse in December 1996, the couple had a toddler and a second child on the way. Nevertheless, they\u2019d emptied their bank account and maxed out their credit cards to fund the new business. They used d\u00e9cor from their own home, including plants.<\/p>\n
The risk paid off. The Little Italy restaurant was the launchpad for Platinum Dining Group which now has seven locations and 540 employees.<\/p>\n
The Georigis were among hospitality leaders honored by the Delaware Restaurant Association (DRA) at the annual Cornerstone Awards held on Monday, Oct. 5 at 1313 N. Market St., better known as the Hercules Building, in Wilmington.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s awards recognized decades of dedication, a fresh approach to restaurant ownership and the everyday effort to make guests feel welcome.<\/p>\n
A Cause for Celebration<\/p>\n
More than 400 attendees gathered in the expansive lobby to sample food from 15 restaurants and five beverage distributors. It was the first time the event was held in Wilmington since before the pandemic. Most recently, it took place in Dewey Beach.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe decision to move was really because we are a statewide organization and we wanted to bring it north again,\u201d DRA President and CEO Carrie Leishman said a few days after the event. \u201cIt was a unique and special vibe at the Hercules building.\u201d<\/p>\n
Restaurant workers are often too busy to socialize, so the event felt jubilant. The cocktail party paused for the awards which included videos for each honoree. Leishman and Board Chair Mike Stiglitz of Two Stones Pub were the masters of ceremonies.<\/p>\n
The Cornerstone Award recognizes longevity and lifetime achievement which certainly applies to Platinum Dining Group.<\/p>\n
At the podium, Carl Georigi recognized his wife\u2019s behind-the-scenes work by stating, \u201cShe shuns the spotlight, but she\u2019s equally responsible as I am for standing up here.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Dream Takes Shape<\/p>\n
The Restaurateur of the Year award recognizes an establishment that \u201ceveryone is talking about,\u201d Leishman says. Evidently, that is Shorebreak Lodge in Rehoboth Beach, now owned by Ben and Diane Winiarczyk.<\/p>\n
The couple did not follow the traditional restaurant career path. Ben owned BLIT Interactive, a gaming and animation company; Diane has a background in risk management. After moving to the beach, Ben began bartending part time at Shorebreak, and Diane handled the restaurant\u2019s books. When the establishment became available, they jumped at the chance.<\/p>\n
They view Shorebreak Lodge as a place where guests connect over food, drinks and conversation.<\/p>\n
\u201cEating is community, right? We bring our family here. We bring our friends here. This is a space where we share conversations and visions and dreams,\u201d Diane said in the video.<\/p>\n
A Voice for the Industry<\/p>\n
Vincenza Carrieri-Russo, co-owner of V&M Bistro in Brandywine Hundred, received the Industry Impact Award.<\/p>\n
During the pandemic, she worked with the Delaware Restaurant Association and National Restaurant Association to speak on behalf of the industry\u2019s challenges.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a restaurateur and a community leader, it is our responsibility to use our voice in a positive way,\u201d Carrieri-Russo said at the event.<\/p>\n
However, Carrieri-Russo\u2019s community work began before opening V&M Bistro. In 2002, at 18, she co-founded Success Won\u2019t Wait, a Wilmington literacy nonprofit that collects and redistributes donated books. Her service earned national recognition, including a Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award for public service.<\/p>\n
As executive state director of Miss Delaware USA and Miss Delaware Teen USA, she promotes young women\u2019s confidence, leadership, and community involvement. She also co-hosts \u201cGood Morning Delaware\u201d on DETV.<\/p>\n
Service Worth Celebrating<\/p>\n
The inaugural Excellence in Service Award went to Pat Price Mutchler, a server at Nicola Pizza in Lewes, and Ryan Minnick, a bartender at Bethany Blues in Lewes and Stingray Sushi Bar in Rehoboth Beach.<\/p>\n
Mutchler\u2019s tribute highlighted her willingness to help coworkers and anticipate what people need. Minnick was recognized for making customers feel welcome.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s also a well-known local mixologist who placed eighth in a national bartending competition sponsored by Dos Hombres Mezcal. The event raised $14,000 for the Kind Campaign, an anti-bullying nonprofit.<\/p>\n
Minnick\u2019s efforts reflect the industry\u2019s commitment to community beyond the dining room, a mission Carl Georigi described when discussing how restaurants step up in times of need.<\/p>\n
\u201cRestaurants always get the first call,\u201d he said, \u201cand we always respond.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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