Delaware Restaurant Association

🚨 ADVOCACY ALERT 🚨

Two bills that would directly benefit Delaware restaurants and hospitality employees will be heard in the House Revenue & Finance Committee on June 10 at 1:00 PM.

HB 417 would increase the Gross Receipts Tax deduction available to restaurants, providing meaningful tax relief at a time when operators continue to face rising labor, food, insurance, and operating costs. By reducing taxable gross receipts exposure, restaurants can improve cash flow and reinvest more dollars back into their teams and businesses.

HB 386, the Tipped Worker Tax Relief Act of 2026, would provide up to a $15,000 state income tax deduction on qualified tip income. This targeted relief helps hospitality employees keep more of what they earn, supports workforce retention, and strengthens the industry's ability to attract and retain talent.

Both bills represent practical investments in Delaware's hospitality industry.

With legislative session winding down, now is the time to make your voice heard.

📞 Contact your legislators and urge support for HB 417 and HB 386.

🎉 Congratulations to Samuel Somarriba on successfully completing the Restaurant Manager Registered Apprenticeship Program!

Through a partnership between the Delaware Restaurant Foundation, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF), and SoDel Concepts, Samuel completed this U.S. Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship, combining hands-on work experience with structured education and training.

The Delaware Restaurant Foundation's apprenticeship programs help create career pathways within hospitality, providing employees with the skills, knowledge, and leadership development needed to advance their careers while helping employers build and retain a stronger workforce.

We're proud to celebrate Samuel's dedication to professional growth and this important milestone in his hospitality journey. Thank you to SoDel Concepts for investing in workforce development and helping strengthen the future of Delaware's hospitality industry.

This is what DRA looks like.

Visionaries. Operators. Community builders.

Meet Mike Day, Owner of Farmer & The Cow (Wilmington, DE)—one of Delaware's hospitality leaders that keep guests coming back and communities connected.

DRA exists to support the people behind the industry.

Farmer & the Cow

Thank you for all our DRA Members who attended and showed their commitment to responsible alcohol service!

Delaware Restaurant Association hosts alcohol safety training in Dewey Beach Delaware Restaurant Association hosts alcohol safety training in Dewey Beach for the summer season.

We're proud to see so many Delaware Restaurant Association members recognized by the Delaware News Journal as some of Delaware's most influential and inspiring leaders in food and drink.

Congratulations to Katie Kutler of kaffe Karma; the Jansen family, owners of Jansen's Market; Nick Vouras of Nick's Pizza, Mad Pretzel, and B's Bagels; Jeffrey Gosnear co-owner and president of Grotto Pizza; the Guzzi family, owners of Bing's Bakery; and Alexander Smith, CEO and founder of Atlas Restaurant Group, for being featured on this distinguished list.

These hospitality leaders do more than serve great food—they create jobs, support local communities, drive economic growth, and help shape Delaware's vibrant hospitality industry.

Congratulations to all those recognized, and thank you for your contributions to Delaware's restaurants, communities, and economy.

Read the full article here: https://f.mtr.cool/zsqvazajgc

May was a month rooted in connection, advocacy, and impact. From supporting legislation that creates new opportunities for Delaware’s hospitality industry, to hosting member roundtables, attending national industry events, and strengthening workforce pathways — DRA continued showing up for restaurants, workers, and communities across the state.

We’re proud to advocate for our members, invest in the future workforce, and create spaces where collaboration leads to growth. Thank you to every member, partner, legislator, and community leader who continues to move this industry forward with us.

The work continues. 🍽️✨

This bill represents what can happen when legislators and industry leaders work together to create meaningful opportunities for Delaware businesses. When policymakers listen to the real needs of their constituents, positive change is possible.

The restaurant and hospitality industry is a major part of Delaware’s small business community, and the Delaware Restaurant Association is proud to advocate on its behalf. We are especially grateful to Senator Elizabeth Lockman for her leadership and work on this legislation.

Governor Matt Meyer joined Senator Lockman at Farmer and the Cow for the signing of Senate Bill 185 into law. We are also grateful to DRA member Mike Day — owner of Farmer and the Cow — for bringing this issue forward and helping create meaningful industry conversation. Senator Lockman’s responsiveness and genuine care for her constituents helped turn a real operational challenge into an opportunity for Delaware hospitality businesses.

The new law allows licensed businesses to sell private label spirits sourced from a Delaware-licensed importer, creating new opportunities for local establishments to expand offerings, strengthen their brands, and support continued growth within Delaware’s hospitality industry.

Advocacy like this is only possible through continued industry support. To help us continue fighting for Delaware’s restaurant and hospitality community, please consider supporting our Advocacy Center: https://www.delawarerestaurant.org/advocacy/

During COVID, many businesses were overcharged on penalties and interest. You may be eligible to get that money back.

We’ve partnered with Adesso Tax Services to make the process simple:
✔️ Takes just minutes to start
✔️ They handle all the paperwork
✔️ No upfront cost

The deadline is approaching fast. Get started today to see if you qualify.

Learn More: https://f.mtr.cool/ycwwxoenrn
Apply Here: https://f.mtr.cool/ijcwczrmli

🚨 Time Update for Tuesday’s Responsible Alcohol Service Training 🚨

🕙 UPDATED TIME: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
🥪 Box lunches available after the training

Calling all managers and alcohol service teams 📣 Make sure your staff is in the room for important updates on compliance, responsible service practices, safely cutting off patrons, and guidance on the new HB 195 regulations regarding 18-year-olds behind the bar.

Key regulatory representatives will be present as we head into the busy summer season. Protect your business, protect your license, and keep your team informed.

FREE sign up available on our website : https://members.delawarerestaurant.org/events/Details/responsible-alcohol-service-event-dewey-beach-1726378?sourceTypeId=Hub