Delaware Restaurant Association Honored Industry Leaders
The annual Cornerstone Awards recognized top hospitality professionals for their contributions in Wilmington.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Dining Out
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The Delaware Restaurant Association presented its annual Cornerstone Awards at the Hercules Building in Wilmington. The gala celebrated individuals and owners who have made significant contributions to the state's hospitality sector and local communities.
Why it matters
These awards recognize the essential contributions of hospitality professionals to the regional economy and local dining scene. By honoring these individuals, the association highlights industry excellence and community dedication within the state.
Carl and Lisa Georigi, who received the 2026 Cornerstone Award, established the Platinum Dining Group in 1996. The organization currently manages six additional operations across the region.
The players
Delaware Restaurant Association
This is a professional trade organization that represents and advocates for the restaurant and hospitality industry in Delaware.
Carl and Lisa Georigi
The couple are the founders of the Platinum Dining Group and were honored with the 2026 Cornerstone Award.
Vincenza Carrieri-Russo
She is a hospitality professional who was recognized with the 2026 Industry Impact Award.
Ben and Diane Winiarczyk
The duo were named the Restaurateurs of the Year for their significant contributions to the state's dining landscape.
Pat Price Mutchler and Ryan Minnick
These industry professionals were honored with the Excellence in Service Award for their dedicated contributions.
The details
Recipients included Pat Price Mutchler and Ryan Minnick for Excellence in Service, while Vincenza Carrieri-Russo earned the 2026 Industry Impact Award. Ben and Diane Winiarczyk were named Restaurateurs of the Year for their work in the Delaware dining market.
Timeline
1996 marked the founding of the Platinum Dining Group.
2026 was the year the Cornerstone Awards gala was held in Wilmington on October 7.
Culture Shift
These awards reflect a broader societal trend of recognizing service-industry professionals as critical pillars of community and economic stability. By elevating these roles, the industry is increasingly emphasizing long-term tenure and local impact over purely transactional metrics.
For diners, these awards identify the top-tier establishments and service professionals currently operating within the state. Supporting these recognized businesses often results in a more curated and reliable dining experience for residents and visitors alike.
The takeaway
Recognizing excellence in the hospitality sector encourages higher service standards across the regional dining landscape. Residents can look to these annual award winners as benchmarks for quality and community engagement when planning their own dining experiences.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest culinary news in the state by visiting Dining Out.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The News Journal.
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