DOVER, Del. - Sussex County restaurants Nicola Pizza and the Lewes Oyster House will be honored with awards from the Delaware Restaurant Association. Each year, the association celebrates and honors the contributions of Delaware's restaurant industry and the ways they enrich and serve their communities and contribute to the local economy.
Nicola Pizza: 50+ years legacy of hospitality
Nicola Pizza and the Caggiano family will be recognized with the Cornerstone Award for their contributions to the Lewes and Rehoboth Beach neighborhoods and restaurant industry, as well as for over 52 years of business. This award is presented to those who embody the spirit of hospitality, "iconic operators that have ingrained themselves and their establishments in the heart of their communities," according to the association.
Lewes Oyster House celebrated as newcomers
Sean Corea, Tom Little and Tim Bartley, partners from the Lewes Oyster House, will be awarded Restauranteurs of the Year. They will be celebrated for their contributions to the dining scene and their commitment to creating an exemplary workplace culture and sustainable opportunities for their employees.
Lewes Oyster House founders and partners Sean Corea, Tom Little and Tim Bartley. Courtesy Lewes Oyster House.
A night of recognition and celebration
"We are extremely excited and proud to celebrate these iconic restauranturs and celebrated newcomers at this year's Cornerstone Awards," said Delaware Restaurant Association President and CEO Carrie Leishman. "Their stories represent the resiliency and passion of our industry and they embody a strong dedication and commitment to making this industry a better place. Each of our awardees will undoubtedly leave a long lasting legacy in the lives and the communities in which they serve."
Two other groups will also receive industry impact awards: The Food Bank of Delaware and food writers Pam George, Patty Talorico and Bob Yesbek. Their awards recognize efforts towards making a difference in the lives of those in the workforce.
These awards will be presented at the 21st annual Restaurant Industry Cornerstone Awards on Oct. 23. The event will be held at the Lighthouse Cove Events Center in Dewey Beach. Restaurant owners, operators, vendors, elected officials and industry supporters will gather to toast to the resiliency and camaraderie of Delaware's restaurant industry with live music, food and drinks from 25 different stations.